News
Arizona Western College leaders advocate in Washington, D.C.
February 19, 2026Washington, D.C. (February 19, 2026) – Early last week, Arizona Western College leadership participated in the 2026 National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. AWC’s Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs Dr. Reetika Dhawan was joined by District Governing Board Member Maria Chavoya and Board Member and Secretary Olivia Zepeda, to advocate for federal policies impacting community colleges.
“Our advocacy in Washington reflects our deep commitment to students and the communities we serve,” Dr. Dhawan said. “Community colleges are not just institutions of higher education; they are engines of opportunity. We will continue working with federal leaders to expand access, strengthen workforce pathways, and ensure every student has a clear, affordable path to success.”
During the summit, the team met with several members of Arizona’s congressional leadership, including Rep. Paul Gosar, Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Rep. Adelita Grijalva. Discussions focused on key issues shaping community colleges, including workforce development, industry partnerships, student financial aid, rural-serving institutions, and economic growth across rural and border communities.
“Attending the National Legislative Summit reaffirmed the critical role community colleges play in strengthening both our local communities and the national workforce,” shared Chavoya. “Our conversations with federal leaders, including Representative Gosar, underscored the bipartisan recognition that institutions like ours are essential infrastructure for economic mobility, workforce development, and opportunity."
“Participating in the National Legislative Summit as both a board member of the Association of Community College Trustees and Secretary of the AWC District Governing Board reinforced the critical role trustees play in advocating for students at the national level,” Zepeda reflected. “It is our responsibility as board leaders to ensure federal policy continues to support affordable pathways and opportunities for the communities we serve.”
As a result of the trip, AWC leadership presented a unified voice in support of policies that expand student access, strengthen educational opportunity, promote economic mobility, and reinforce the role of community colleges in Arizona’s workforce and community development.
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About the National Legislative Summit:
The National Legislative Summit is an annual event hosted by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) that brings together community college leaders from across the nation to engage with federal policymakers on key legislative issues impacting higher education, workforce development, and student success.
Contact:
Ashley Herrington
Chief of Staff
Arizona Western College
ashley.herrington@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7501