Jan. 1, 2020 12:20p; Edited at 2:15 to correct the high school graduation date
(WGTD)---The youngest and one of the newest Gateway Technical College trustees sees herself as a role model and a reminder to others that many Gateway students--like herself-- jump multiple hurdles to complete their degrees.
A little over 15 years ago, Zaida Hernandez-Irisson was an 11-year-old immigrant from Mexico who couldn’t speak English. Now she has associate degrees in biomedical and electrical engineering from Gateway Technical College, and a bachelor’s degree in the subject from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Coming full-circle, the full-time employee of Racine’s FISCHER USA was appointed to the Gateway board last fall.
Speaking on WGTD’s Morning Show, Zaida says one of her goals is to demonstrate to her board colleagues that in many ways Gateway has thousands of students just like herself "battling through their own struggles and barriers and getting to where they want to be."
Sitting on the board that performs leadership and oversight functions for Gateway Technical College was not her own idea. Someone suggested that she apply after hearing her speak at a conference in Racine on the skills shortage. The county board chairs of Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties appoint applicants to the nine-member Gateway board.
Gateway President Bryan Albrecht says Zaida’s broad array of experiences as a former student gives the board a new perspective. "What a great advocate and spokesperson for Gateway," he said on the show.
The 2010 graduate of Indian Trail High School said that seeing Gateway from the other end has been eye-opening, and that being approached by students and parents for advice has been humbling.
Click here for the full program.
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