FOOTHILL–DE ANZA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES AREA 5
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I am passionate about community college leadership in workforce STEM education. I received my Ph.D. in civil engineering at Stanford and lead a research lab exploring the intersection of AI-based technology and workforce education. I also have leadership roles in the Labor Council and within the California Democratic Party.
As president of the only labor council-affiliated Democratic Party coalition (svworkingblue.org/), I advocate for working families and lead grassroots volunteerism to strengthen the core values of democracy. I am also an appointee to the independent monitoring committee for the County Water Board’s infrastructure bond, an opportunity that allows me to champion environmental protection leadership.
My goal as an elected college representative for the region including the Palo Alto public school district is to expand pathways to college education through STEM dual enrollment. One such pathway is Governor Newsom’s 2029 education plan, which prioritizes workforce education and construction workforce apprenticeships within community colleges.
My name is Forest Peterson, and I am a business founder, engineer, parent, teacher, public servant, and construction laborer with a deep understanding of the needs of working people in the Bay Area.
I am uniquely prepared for the Trustee role, given the practical applicability of my academic experience. I understand the value of community college and hold a two-year associate’s for transfer degree in public accounting that I started on at De Anza College. That pathway led to my Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability’s Center for Integrated Facility Engineering.
My research over the past decade has focused on applications of artificial intelligence in project controls and the supporting role of workforce tech education. Critical to my research’s mission is the advancement of workforce education, and I have five widely recognized publications within workforce education. Whether as a researcher, writer, or research program manager, I have played a leading role in shaping workforce educational and career advancement initiatives.
Paid for by Peterson for Foothill – De Anza College Board 2024
FPPC ID#1461155
You have my highest respect and gratitude for your kind support and generosity in contributions. Outreach to the community requires resources that can only come from those with an interest in the future direction of Foothill-De Anza Community College District which includes nationally ranked Foothill College (#3) and De Anza College (#95) (Read: Current Board; Trustee Elections; 2022 Election; 2020 Election). I would like to extend a very kind thank you for the many contributions made by colleagues, community, and friends. Those contributions are how this campaign started on a pathway to succeed.
Note, that this race has no contribution limits, and this is an open seat with no incumbent. That means any and all levels of financial support.
As a grassroots candidate with a blue-collar background, I value in particular the many small denomination contributions that show widespread support from many people. Every dollar is important. It is your time dedicated to this campaign that drives me to excel so your efforts contribute to an impact. Your effort and contributions make the difference to drive me to public service that makes a difference. I am humbled and driven to work on your behalf.
Kindest Regards,
(650) 206-8172
information@voteforest.org
Palo Alto, CA 94306