Community Leaders Breakfast:
Report to the Region

Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke began her tenure as the superintendent/president of MiraCosta Community College District in 2015 and has been a recognized CA community college CEO for over 17 years. She started as a Biology/Biotechnology faculty member and has been an educator for over 30 years after receiving her Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University.

Under her leadership, MiraCosta College has implemented new degrees and certificates including a unique biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree. Graduation and transfer rates have significantly improved as the college has focused on eliminating equity gaps for those from historically marginalized populations. This work has led to national recognition as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize for Excellence semi-finalist. In addition, MiraCosta is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution and is listed in the Top 100 Associate Degree Granting Colleges by Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine’s December 2021 issue. The college embarked on a significant facilities building effort, thanks to a 2016 facilities bond passed by the community (Measure MM).

In 2016, Dr. Cooke was recognized as San Diego Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business and the NAACP Salute to Women of Color. In 2019-2021, Dr. Cooke was annually named in the San Diego Top 500 list and in 2020 was recognized as the CEO Awardee for the Pacific region by the American Association of Community College Trustees. In 2022, she was recognized in the top 50 Women of Influence by San Diego Business Journal.

Dr. Cooke has worked at local and state levels in economic and workforce development in Texas and California. In 2015, she chaired the Statewide Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy, ensuring that California State and the community college system remain vital leaders in this work. The work has resulted in an ongoing annual investment of over $260 million to enhance CA community college career education. She serves as a co-chair of the Strong Workforce Regional Oversight Committee, overseeing planning efforts to meet the regional workforce needs over the past four years.

Dr. Cooke is an active member of the greater San Diego community and national boards, including the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, where she co-chairs its Inclusive Economic Development Steering Committee, Biocom, and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. She is chair of the board of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and an officer of the California Community Colleges Baccalaureate Association (CCCBA).

When Daniel Goldsborough first stepped onto the MiraCosta College campus, he wasn’t just signing up for classes; he was choosing a new direction. Encouraged by a friend who had completed MiraCosta’s nursing program, Daniel realized it was time to stop standing still and start building the life he wanted. His friend’s advice echoed in his mind: “You can’t complain about your job if you’re not going to do something about it.” So, Daniel did something. He enrolled.

From the beginning, Daniel’s story has been one of transformation, purpose, and rediscovering a lifelong passion. As a child, he had always been drawn to art and design but didn’t know the field even had a name. When he discovered MiraCosta’s Media Arts and Technology program, everything clicked. He finally found the creative outlet he had been searching for, one that would allow him to bring his ideas to life. His inspiration came, in part, from an artist he admired as a kid: Shepard Fairey, whose work spanned from punk rock album covers to the iconic Obama “Hope” poster. For Daniel, this connection between art and impact revealed the power of creativity to inspire change, a realization that would define his path forward.

Daniel’s “why” runs deeper than his artistic ambitions. Moving to San Diego was his way of pursuing a better life and surrounding himself with others who were doing the same. Watching his friends invest in their own growth motivated him to follow suit. “If they can do it,” he thought, “so can I.”

At MiraCosta, Daniel found the community and confidence he needed through the Transition Scholars Program, which helps students thrive both academically and personally. When he first enrolled, he struggled with anxiety and hesitated to take that next step. But a staff member, Ashley Gerdo, reached out and made him feel seen and supported. Through Transition Scholars, Daniel found reassurance that his past didn’t define his potential and that it was never too late to start again. That support became a turning point, helping him feel connected, capable, and hopeful.

That sense of belonging carried into the classroom, where Daniel discovered both challenge and fulfillment. In MAT 270: Advanced Design Studio, he was pushed to think and perform like a professional designer. The course required teamwork, accountability, and client-ready deliverables, lessons that went far beyond technical skills. Completing the class and seeing the finished projects, he says, remains one of the most rewarding experiences of his time at MiraCosta.

Beyond academics, Daniel’s involvement in the Media Arts and Technology Club has helped him grow as both a designer and a collaborator. By participating in club projects and working alongside peers who share his passion, he’s built a strong portfolio and even stronger relationships. For Daniel, these experiences have made his education more dynamic, meaningful, and connected.

Scholarships and financial aid have also played a vital role in his journey. Balancing full-time classes with delivering pizzas to make ends meet isn’t easy, but each scholarship has offered him something invaluable: time. The ability to focus more on school and less on work has helped him stay aligned with his goals and continue moving forward.

When Daniel reflects on what MiraCosta means to him, one word comes to mind: hope. Whether students are fresh out of high school or returning later in life, he sees hope everywhere on campus, in classmates chasing their dreams, in faculty who believe in their students, and in the shared sense that everyone is working toward something better. That atmosphere of optimism, he says, is what keeps him motivated.

Ultimately, Daniel’s “why” is about transformation and courage, about taking the right kinds of risks. Having faced challenges in the past, he now focuses on opportunities that move him forward. He attends MiraCosta because he wants to give his life the best possible chance. As he puts it, he’s done taking bad risks; now, he’s ready to take all the good ones.

Clendening is one of San Diego County’s most respected educators. Now retired, she spent decades as a teacher in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, before serving a combined 14 years as Principal for Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School; Maie Ellis Elementary School; and Potter Junior High School. She finished her career by directing all student services and special education programs for Oceanside Unified School District, where she worked with countless young people who went on to achieve success after attending MiraCosta College. Clendening attended a community college and understands firsthand the tremendous value they play in transforming lives. In fact, she attributes much of her career success to her early experiences at Pasadena City College. As a teenager, Raye did not have the money to go straight to a four-year university, so her local community college provided the bridge to complete her degree and pursue her passion as an educator. Despite calls from her friends to slow down and enjoy the fruits of her labor, retirement for Raye was only the beginning of a new career in volunteerism. Encouraging, empowering, and educating the community is her life’s work. As Raye explains, there was a community of individuals who invested in her early on and she sees her volunteer service as another way to invest in the lives of similar young students in the community.

Raye is a founding member of the North County Business and Professional Women’s Organization, as well as the North County African American Women’s Association. She has also served on the Board of Vista Community Clinic, the African American Advisory Board for California State University, San Marcos, Women’s Resource Auxiliary Board, and the Oceanside/MiraCosta GearUp Advisory Board.

Thanks to her efforts to eliminate equity gaps and prepare students to be college and career ready, Raye has received numerous accolades and awards honoring her impact in the region, including the Fran Alshire Leadership Award from Leadership North County, the Middle Grades Principal of the Year for the State of California, and the City of Oceanside Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.

From bedside nurse to architect of workforce pipelines, Elmerissa Sheets has built a career centered on service, mentorship, and operational excellence. As Senior Director of Talent Acquisition & Development at Scripps Health, she leads dual teams that attract top talent and grow it, advancing enterprise recruitment while designing development pathways that keep people thriving.

Elmerissa’s path began in clinical nursing after earning her BSN from Loma Linda University. An early assignment recruiting for Adventist Health revealed a natural fit; she later led urgent care operations at Rady Children’s Hospital and served as Recruitment Manager at Paradise Valley Hospital. She then spent 15+ years at Sharp HealthCare as Director of Talent Acquisition, overseeing hiring for a workforce of 18,000+, leading two ATS implementations, and launching award-winning candidate-experience initiatives.

She then spent 15+ years at Sharp HealthCare as Director of Talent Acquisition, overseeing recruitment for a workforce of 18,000+, leading two ATS implementations, and launching award-winning candidate-experience initiatives. During COVID, when conventional pathways stalled, Elmerissa helped pioneer rapid, large-scale hiring of nursing students into patient-support roles, compressing hiring timelines to days and proving that smart, supervised on-ramps can safely expand capacity. That success continues to inform her work at Scripps, where she has championed formal new-grad pipelines, including for radiologic technologists, by “meeting students where they are,” conducting on-site interviews at partner schools, and using data to move organizations from “we can’t” to “here’s how.”

A strategist with a teacher’s heart, Elmerissa advocates for a resilient talent ecosystem: keep new-grad programs open even when budgets tighten; create pathways into both clinical and non-traditional settings (public health, LTAC, and beyond); and be candid with students about market conditions so they can proactively build experience before graduation. She’s equally passionate about addressing underemployment among entry-level candidates, urging employers to recognize transferable skills and design roles that unlock potential.

Her leadership formula is straightforward and demanding: build trust, insist on accountability, and empower people to grow. A YWCA TWIN Honoree (2005), Elmerissa is a sought-after mentor who delights in watching new nurses, recruiters, and coordinators evolve into confident leaders.

Ask what drives her, and the answer is immediate: “My purpose is to serve. That’s my why.”

When Luis Castro first came to MiraCosta College, he wasn’t sure what path to take. “I didn’t know what to study,” he recalled. “I just knew I wanted to improve my English.” What began as a desire to strengthen language skills slowly transformed into a journey of self-discovery, creative exploration, and ultimately, the pursuit of a dream: becoming a professional actor.

Luis transferred to MiraCosta to continue learning English and not only found a supportive academic environment, but also his true calling. “MiraCosta changed my life. It helped me communicate better, and more importantly, it helped me find my passion for theater.”

At first, the idea of studying theater wasn’t even on the radar. But after taking a few film and writing classes, curiosity sparked. It was an introductory acting class with Professor Eric Bishop that truly opened the door. “That class showed me the power and the magic of acting, and I fell in love with it. I realized that acting is a necessity in our society, we must see our reflections in order to heal, to forgive, to empathize, to be human.”

While pursuing his passion, Luis has also faced challenges. Balancing work and school has never been easy, and learning a new language while navigating college life added another layer of difficulty. But resilience, community, and the support of MiraCosta staff made all the difference. “[English] was a struggle at first, but the environment here has helped me grow in so many ways.”

Though deeply involved in the theater, Luis has enjoyed learning all that MiraCosta has to offer in the Arts.  Currently in a video production course, he also plans to explore painting, photography, stage design, and lighting design as a way to deepen his understanding and broaden his creative skill set. “I just love learning. Anything that enriches my life and keeps me close to the arts.”

The highlight of his artistic journey came in 2024, when Luis became a finalist in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), a prestigious event showcasing collegiate talent. “That experience really showed me the power of story telling and how actors can be agents of change. Performing in front of other schools and making it to the finals was amazing. I’m profoundly grateful to God, my classmates, professors and of course MiraCosta for allowing me to live that experience.”

Looking ahead, his ultimate goal is to build a career as a professional actor and eventually step into directing, writing, and producing for film and theater. But more than fame or success, Luis is driven by something deeper: a desire to give back. “ I want to help my community, support my family, and use what I’ve learned to make a difference. MiraCosta gave me the tools to chase my dreams. Now I’d like to use them to lift others up. That’s my why. ”

From learning a new language to stepping into the spotlight, Luis’s story is one of transformation — a testament to the power of education, the arts, and the courage to follow your passion.

Growing up in Oceanside, Kellee never imagined she’d one day call herself a scientist. A first-generation college student and mother of four, her educational journey began at MiraCosta College after returning home from CSU Fullerton. What started as a path toward nursing changed course when a chemistry professor recognized her passion for science and encouraged her to explore MiraCosta’s bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing.

“At no point in my life did I ever think I’d be in science,” she recalls. “But when I learned more about the program, I realized it was exactly what I needed.”

The accessibility of MiraCosta made it an easy choice, but the welcoming, judgment-free environment made it home. “I was never seen as too young or too old. I was encouraged every step of the way, even as a new mom trying to find my footing.” With the support of caring faculty, financial aid resources, and a flexible schedule, she found the confidence to persist.

While completing her degree, she began working as a manufacturing associate at a biotech company, quickly earning a promotion to Lab Manager and inspiring the company to hire more MiraCosta students. Today, she’s the Quality Control Manager at Gallant, an animal health biotechnology startup developing the first ready-to-use stem cell therapy in veterinary medicine that is on track for FDA conditional approval in early 2026. This mission blends science, innovation, and compassion.

Now, she's come full circle as associate faculty in MiraCosta’s biomanufacturing program. “I wouldn’t have these opportunities without MiraCosta,” she says. “Now I get to tell my students, ‘If I can do it, you can too.’”

When asked about her why, her response captures the heart of MiraCosta’s culture of care:

“My why is to be a positive presence in the classroom, at work, and in life. Whether it’s one student or team member, if I can help someone have a positive experience, that keeps me going. There’s so much happening in the world right now; a little positivity can make a big impact.”

Balancing her roles as educator, scientist, mother, and mentor, Kellee shows daily that success isn’t linear; it’s built through perseverance, compassion, and a genuine desire to lift others.

Karen Pearson is an experienced programs and communications strategist with a successful track record in fund development; as well as corporate, investor, and community relations. She specializes in economic and business development, most recently serving as Director of Business Relations for the San Diego North Economic Development Council. Throughout her career, Karen has built coalitions and partnerships across private and public sectors to help grow the regional economy in San Diego. Prior to her role at the San Diego North Economic Development Council, Karen worked as the Director of Community Relations for the Mitchell Thorp Foundation.

Karen became involved with MiraCosta College through her early work with the San Diego North Economic Development Council. As MiraCosta was expanding its economic footprint in the region, Karen worked with administrators and staff on campus to grow the career pathways for graduates entering the local workforce. Today, she leverages her relationships in the community to encourage local corporations and business leaders to partner with MiraCosta so that more students have opportunities to gain real-life experience and internships before graduating.

Volunteerism has always been at the heart of Karen's work. In addition to her work with the MiraCosta College Foundation, Karen regularly spends her time mentoring local youth and volunteering on the boards of True Care (formerly North County Health Services) and the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation. As a result of her dedication to the community, Karen was awarded the Volunteer of the Award in both 2011 and 2013 from the North County Philanthropy Council.

Shannon Stubblefield, an experienced leader in fundraising and developing community partnerships, has been named as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation at MiraCosta College.

Stubblefield begins her post at MiraCosta College on June 1 after 10 years as chief philanthropy officer for North County Lifeline. Stubblefield led the community engagement department for the nonprofit organization that works with families in North County who are dealing with challenges, such as poverty or mental health issues.

"We are excited to have Shannon as part of the MiraCosta team," said MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita V. Cooke. "Her knowledge and experience will serve generations of students well into the future as we seek to strengthen our partnerships with the community and continue to build support for our students and our college."

In her new role, Stubblefield will oversee the college's foundation, institutional advancement efforts, and marketing department.

Stubblefield, a native of Southern California, earned her bachelor's degree in business management from San Diego State University. She began working in 2001 with a job at the nonprofit Infoline, now known as 2-1-1 San Diego. That job sparked an interest in fundraising and philanthropy, leading her to earn a master's degree at the University of San Diego's Nonprofit Management and Leadership program.

"I love the joy of working in a job that is really giving back and making a difference every day," she said. "Being in the field of philanthropy surrounds me with people who have a shared vision and motivation to help others and really make a difference in people's lives."

Stubblefield worked for six years in Chicago, at the McCormick Tribune Foundation and at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, before returning to San Diego County. She is the past board president for North County Philanthropy Council and has previously taught fundraising as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego and North Park University.

Stubblefield said that she is passionate about equity and the opportunities that education offers and is looking forward to helping those who are trying to improve their lives through education. "MiraCosta has a phenomenal reputation in our community," stated Stubblefield. "I know how many students come to MiraCosta for access to education. We can support those students by raising money for scholarships and by partnering with community members who want to support students."

In an era when student debt dominates the headlines and college costs create overwhelming barriers for our young people, one Carlsbad organization has been quietly proving that strategic local investment can change everything.

The Carlsbad Rotary Foundation's approach is refreshingly straightforward – identify deserving students in their own backyard, remove barriers for high-potential students, and invest in the people who will become tomorrow's nurses, technicians, and community leaders.

For decades, the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation has lifted up deserving students, and now MiraCosta College is lifting up the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation for its role in changing lives in our community.

The Carlsbad Rotary Foundation is this year’s recipient of the MiraCosta College Philanthropist of the Year, a fitting honor for an organization that's been making education accessible for nearly five decades.

The foundation's early days tell a story of grassroots determination. In 1980, a Carlsbad Rotary Club member named Bill Smith gifted $20,000 to start the foundation. The goal was to have an entity that could support important causes in the community. Over time, that amount grew and grew. From garage sales to $25 member donations, the foundation started to build up its endowment and would use the earnings each year to fund scholarships to deserving students. 

What started as humble beginnings quickly became a major philanthropic resource in the community. In total, the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation has donated more than $400,000 and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. 

What sets the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation apart is its approach to identifying scholarship recipients. Rather than focusing solely on academic achievement, the foundation removed its GPA requirement to reach students who demonstrate character and determination despite facing challenges.

Bruce Bandemer, the Foundation’s Chair and longtime Carlsbad Rotary Member and President, shares a personal example that has shaped this philosophy. One year, a student from his son's elementary class who was raised by immigrant parents was applying for college. For years, he had taken over the apartment lease because his parents moved back to Mexico and he was working multiple jobs just to cover everyday expenses. And while he may not have had the GPA of a valedictorian, his work ethic and will to succeed was clear. 

As Bruce explained, “You can’t compare his GPA with others because he has already faced more adversity than most of his peers. That’s why it’s so important for us to look beyond any one figure and work to find those students who show true potential.”

Each year, the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation works hand-in-hand with the teachers at local Carlsbad high schools to identify the diamonds in the rough. They want to find those students who are the future leaders in the community, and those who just need a little extra support in order to achieve their dreams. 

As Craig Lindholm, one of the early leaders of the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation, shared, “We're looking for well-rounded students who will help fill critical community needs, not necessarily just those with the highest GPAs or most extracurricular activities. Those are the types of students who we think will make our region stronger in the coming years.” 

What’s even more, the foundation has developed deep partnerships with each and every educational institution in the region. 

Many of the Rotary Club’s members have served on the MiraCosta College board and because the school is right in the foundation’s own backyard, many of the annual scholarship recipients start their higher education journey right on campus at MiraCosta College. 

Just as MiraCosta College develops programs that mirror the evolving economy in San Diego, the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation centers its grants on key fields that are underrepresented and under-supported. 

The investment strategy reflects this community-focused approach. Beyond traditional academic paths, the foundation has increasingly supported MiraCosta College's technical programs, including the Technology Career Institute, drone technology, engineering tech programs, and other vocational training for students so that they can directly support local business needs.

For both Bandemer and Lindholm, the foundation represents more than charitable giving – it's about building community resilience through education. Lindholm has lived in Carlsbad for 40 years and sees MiraCosta College one of the best values a student can find. 

“MiraCosta College provides flexible, high-quality education responsive to both student needs and business community demands,” shared Craig. “It’s one of the best community assets we have and we’re proud to support that work.”

Continued Bruce, “It's easy to support because it's about giving everybody an opportunity to better themselves. We're investing in kids locally, and it's something we can feel good about.”

The foundation's approach has created a cycle of giving back. Former scholarship recipients often return to volunteer with the foundation or pursue leadership roles in the community, including positions in local government and business.

As the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation accepts MiraCosta College's Philanthropist of the Year award, it continues a five-decade tradition of believing that strategic investment in education, particularly community college education, creates stronger communities for everyone.

“Whatever student success means to each individual, whether that's transferring to a four-year university, earning a certificate, or completing a technical program – that's what we want to support,” Bandemer concluded. “MiraCosta College helps students define and achieve their own version of success, and that's why we choose to give the way we do.”