91快活林

91快活林 (RCC) is proud to announce that Manny Gray, Educational Resource Advisor, has been selected to serve on the California Community Colleges LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee for the 2026鈥�2027 term.

The LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee provides guidance and recommendations that support LGBTQIA2+ students throughout California鈥檚 community college system, helping to advance equity, inclusion, and student success across the state.

Gray brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the role. As a former foster youth, first-generation college graduate, and higher education professional, Gray has dedicated his career to supporting students and creating pathways for success.

鈥淏eing selected for the 2026鈥�2027 LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee is both an honor and a responsibility,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淎s a former foster youth, first-generation college graduate, and higher education professional, I understand how important affirming spaces and support systems are. This opportunity allows me to bring both my professional experience and lived experiences to conversations that can create meaningful change for LGBTQ+ students across California Community Colleges.鈥�

Gray applied for the position out of a commitment to advocacy, equity, and student success.

鈥淚 am passionate about creating opportunities for students to thrive,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淭hroughout my career, I have worked directly with diverse student populations, including LGBTQ+ students, and I have seen the impact that inclusive programs, resources, and policies can have on a student's sense of belonging and success. I wanted the opportunity to contribute to that work on a statewide level.鈥�

As a committee member, Gray hopes to strengthen support services and elevate the needs of LGBTQIA2+ students throughout California鈥檚 community colleges.

鈥淚 hope to help strengthen support services, increase visibility of LGBTQ+ student needs, and share promising practices that improve student success, retention, and well-being,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淚 am particularly interested in exploring opportunities for ongoing state funding to support LGBTQIA2+ student programs and services, including dedicated safe spaces, instructional and academic support, professional staffing, and access to supportive resources.鈥�

Gray also emphasized the importance of ensuring that historically marginalized student populations have a voice in statewide discussions.

鈥淚 want to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized students鈥攊ncluding foster youth, students of color, undocumented students, and LGBTQ+ students鈥攁re represented in discussions that shape the future of our community colleges,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淯ltimately, I want to help create environments where every student feels seen, valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.鈥�

Gray鈥檚 appointment reflects 91快活林鈥檚 ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students can achieve their educational goals.

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Founded in 1916, 91快活林 serves more than 20,000 students annually and is committed to providing high-quality education, workforce preparation, and equitable opportunities for student success.