Meet Our Team
Our greatest joy comes from helping you make an impact.
We're here to listen to your ideas and help you match your giving goals to the needs of our students and colleges. You can count on our knowledgeable, experienced team to answer your questions, offer creative ideas for giving, and provide you with a fantastic level of service, which is what your generosity deserves.
Our Foundation Staff
We appreciate our donors and we love what we do. Contact us with your questions and ideas. We can't wait to partner with you on behalf of West Valley and Mission Colleges
Nicole Aguinaldo, Program Director
Nicole's journey in non-profit work began with an internship at the Southern California Hospice Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of terminally ill patients and their families. Quickly recognizing her passion for this type of work, she pursued opportunities to build her skills and knowledge. After graduating from California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Nicole continued to pursue her passion for non-profit work by becoming a program coordinator for the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation and University Advancement. In 2019, Nicole started working at the West Valley-Mission Community College District, where she is driven to make a meaningful impact and lasting change in the community by empowering students to achieve educational access and success. When she's not working, you can find Nicole hitting the slopes for a skiing adventure or heading to the beach for a relaxing day by the water. She also likes to dance, having practiced ballet since the age of five and enjoys other styles like hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance.
Joanne Cao, Financial Analyst
Joanne immigrated to the United States to pursue her studies. During her time at the
University of Rhode Island, she supported her education by working as a student assistant
in the Controller's Office. After earning her Master's degree in Accounting, Joanne
went on to work as a financial analyst and accountant for several prominent nonprofit
organizations, including the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mayo Clinic, and
San Jose State University. In these roles, she played a vital role in ensuring the
accuracy of financial records and supporting important financial decisions.
Since 2016, Joanne has been a valued member of the West Valley-Mission Community College
District team. As a resident of Saratoga, she is proud to serve her community and
the district with dedication and professionalism.
Melissa Johns, Executive Director
Melissa is an impactful advocate for equity in education. Prior to joining the West
Valley-Mission Community College District in 2021, Melissa held executive leadership
roles at a variety of Bay Area non-profit organizations. She served as Executive Vice
President at Pivotal, an organization that helps young people from foster care realize
their goals through access to education and employment opportunities. Before Pivotal,
Melissa spent five years as Executive Director at Breakthrough Silicon Valley, a successful
college access program which offers six years of academic enrichment and preparation
for college to high-potential middle and high school students whose families have
limited resources. Prior to her executive leadership positions, Melissa developed
her skill set as a professional fundraiser in various educational institutions.
In her spare time, Melissa serves as Board Chair for My Digital TAT2, a digital literacy
non-profit organization. She loves hiking with friends, going to San Francisco Giants
games, cooking elaborate meals, traveling to places that take her outside of her comfort
zone, and spending quality time with her two children.
Iunna Shegai, Student Assistant
Iunna is a full-time honors student at West Valley College, set to graduate in 2024. Her ultimate goal is to transfer to UC Irvine, where she plans to continue her academic journey. Hailing from the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union School District, Iunna spent her senior year in high school as part of the College Advantage program at West Valley College, which has helped her foster a deep appreciation of the community surrounding the institution. Iunna’s primary major and academic focus is Psychology, but her passion for the social sciences has led her to pursue seven additional associate’s degrees in various social science fields. As an active member of the Asian-Pacific Islander Student Caucus on campus and the newly established Philosophy Club, Iunna is committed to contributing to the college community in meaningful ways. In her free time, Iunna indulges in her creative side by writing, making art, and immersing herself in the world of literature.