WE ARE GIA

A leading voice for a well-educated and thriving Inland Empire

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Our Mission

To champion educational attainment and socioeconomic mobility in the Inland Empire across the cradle-to-career continuum by accelerating innovation, fostering collaboration, and advocating for equitable systemic change.

Our North Star Goal

A future where at least 70% of working-age adults in the Inland Empire hold a degree or credential aligned with regional workforce needs, building stronger communities and a more prosperous region.

We are Growing Inland Achievement — because when students succeed, the Inland Empire thrives.

MEET THE BOARD

GIA Board of Directors

MEET THE COMMITTEE

GIA Steering Committee

View committee members
Adrienne McCormick Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, University of Redlands Alex Ruiz Director, K16 Collaborative, K16 Collaborative Amanda Corridan Chief Academic Officer, Riverside County Office of Education Angelica Ibarra Regional Coordinator, Inland Empire, Success Center for California Community Colleges Ann Marie Sakrekoff Chief Operating Officer, Growing Inland Achievement Carol Tsushima Executive Director, Workforce SBCSS, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Catalina Cifuentes ED College and Career, Riverside County Office of Education Damien O’Farrell Executive Director, Parkview Legacy Foundation Elizabeth Watkins Provost, University of California, Riverside Frances Tapper Director of Postsecondary Success, Growing Inland Achievement Ida Hermosillo Senior Director of External Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Growing Inland Achievement Jacque Casillas Community Engagement Manager, IEHP Foundation Jennifer O’Farrell Executive Director, Healthy Valley Foundation Kim McNulty Vice President, OneFuture Coachella Valley Kim Starrs CEO, United Way of Inland SoCal LaTonya Parker President of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC), Moreno Valley College Lori Sanchez Chair, Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium Louie Rodriguez Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, University of California, Riverside Lowell King Executive Committee, SBCo Workforce Development Mary Jo Ramirez Riverside Works Board Member, RivCo Workforce Development McKenzie Tarango VP Instruction, Victor Valley College Michael Wangler Educational and Support Services, EDCT, Barstow Community College Niki Dettman President/CEO, Making Hope Happen Foundation Nohemy Ornelas Vice Chancellor for Educational and Student Support Services, San Bernardino Community College District Olivia Rosas Interim District Dean, Educational and Support Services, EDCT, San Bernardino Community College District Rafik Mohamed Provost, California State University, San Bernardino Renay Sehgal Mehta Vice President, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce Sonia Llamas Superintendent, Riverside Unified Star Rivera-Lacey Deputy Chancellor and Provost, Riverside Community College District Summer Steele Executive Director, Pre-College Programs, California State University, San Bernardino Suzie Gomez CEO, Inland Empire Community Collaborative Tenisha James VP Planning and Development, Norco Community College Tim Bias ED College and Career, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Tracey Chambers Assistant Superintendent, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

OUR APPROACH

GIA supports regional needs
and aspirations through its
CAIR strategy

MEET THE TEAM

The GIA Staff

OUR VALUES

Our values drive our approach

Equity

Close educational and economic opportunity gaps for underserved populations

Collaboration

Unite stakeholders for collective action and sustainable outcomes

Innovation

Address challenges with creative, evidence-based solutions.

Transformation

Strive to improve social mobility and economic prosperity through educational attainment.

Accountability

Use data and transparency to measure progress and adapt strategies.

Go Deeper

Our Strategic Plan outlines the North Star goal of 70% attainment, the key priorities guiding our work, and the regional strategies we are activating to achieve lasting impact.

Download the 2030 Strategic Plan

Transparency & Governance

Accountability in Action

GIA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to transparency, good governance, and effective stewardship. Explore our annual reports, financials, and public documents:

2025
  • Annual report
  • Form 990 (coming soon)
  • AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Coming Soon)
2024
2023

EIN 85-1010439