ELIZABETH PERRY STRIVES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

As a first-generation college student herself, Elizabeth Perry highly enjoys the work she does at Mt. Hood every day.

For her passion and care, Perry, bilingual and a culturally diverse student retention coordinator and Transiciones/MSCP coordinator at Mt. Hood, recently received an Excellence Award from the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC).

Perry has been working at MHCC since 2003. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and moved to Oregon when she was 6 years old. She attended John Marshall High School in Portland, Eastern Oregon University, and then transferred to Portland State University to finish her master’s degree in Adult Education.

“I feel super lucky. I feel like I won the lottery by getting a job that I love,” she said about her work at Mt. Hood, and expressing gratitude for the award.

Her role in Transiciones is to primarily help first-generation students enter college. The key difference between Transitions and Transiciones is that classes are taught in English in Transitions, and Spanish in Transiciones. Both programs focus on career planning and passing on valuable life skills that students find helpful for college.

“A lot of the work I do is to help students navigate college systems,” Perry said.

Throughout her career, Perry has been working with immigrant rights organizations and working to make a difference in the Latino community, especially with students, she said.

She loves the school for many different reasons.

“My favorite thing about MHCC is the students. Each student inspires me. It’s amazing and I love it,” she said. “I’ve learned about how important a community college is. I’ve been so motivated to help Mt. Hood fulfill its mission and help people achieve their dreams.”

She also feels grateful to work with others who share that passion for helping others and making a difference in their lives, as well, especially Administrative Assistant Jenny Ruelas, who has worked at MHCC for 14 years.

“I’ve been extra fortunate to work with colleagues that put their heart and soul into the mission,” Perry said.

Before coming to MHCC, Perry was also involved and worked in nonprofit organizations, and she has a passion for helping others.

She contributes to the KBOO-FM Community Radio show “Mujeres Bravas” (Fierce Women) that airs/livestreams noon to 1:30 p.m. on Sundays, which she co-hosts. The show mixes music and public affairs discussion, focusing on the experiences of Latinas.

On the personal side, she really enjoys music, especially Tejano and R&B, she said. She loves the song “Como La Flor” by Selena y Los Dinos, and her favorite dish is homemade enchiladas.

Perry has other hobbies and interests, at home and elsewhere.

“I have a lot of passion for the environment,” she said. She loves watching movies, gardening, and other physical challenges. A milestone for her was a triathlon that she participated in.

Perry also enjoys spending time with her three adult children and extended family. As for travel, she hopes to see Italy if/when the current coronavirus quarantine is lifted, she said.

There are upcoming Transiciones/Transitions programs that students who are interested may apply to.

Spring cohorts for Transiciones, which involve three linked Human Development classes in Spanish, will take place at the Gresham campus during evenings from March-June for Spring Term, and continue in September-December. At the Maywood Park satellite campus during Fall and Winter terms, sessions will take place during the day, also consisting of three linked courses.

For more information: mhcc.edu/Transitions/