Autumn Gutierrez

Autumn Gutierrez has been a member of the Board of Trustees for San José/Evergreen Community College District since November 2004. Gutierrez represents the Washington neighborhood of San José. “This is the first time I have been in an elected position.”

Gutierrez says the board position fits with her values. “I live in an underserved and lower economic community. I feel furthering one’s education is crucial to getting out of poverty. And, when you are youth living in this type of environment, college seems like such a far-fetched idea.”

Guiterrez has many goals for herself as a board member. “I want to make sure that we have accountability, consistency and a level of predictability in process. I am working on the policy committee and I want to make sure the community has trust in our roles.”
“I have a strong commitment to collaboration. Community colleges serve such an important role in our community. Education should be a right. It betters the quality of life for not only youth, but also reentry students.”

Although the board position is Gutierrez’s first, she is no stranger to community activism. She is the current secretary of the Guadalupe/Washington Neighborhood Association, and four years ago she served as president and vice president of this organization. She is the president of the Washington Area Community Coalition and vice-chair of the San José Strong Neighborhoods Initiative. Recently, she was appointed as board member of United Way of Silicon Valley. She is also a member of the Oversight Committee for the Public Safety Bond.

Although her two children are grown, Gutierrez loves Disneyland. She also enjoys spending time with her many friends and family members who been in the Bay Area for five generations.

Gutierrez grew up in the Rose Garden area, attended Lincoln High School and is the first SJECC District Board Trustee to graduate San José City College with an Associate of Science degree in social science while serving on the board.

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