About Sinead geneva anderson

THE COMMUNITY’S CHOICE!

 

Sinéad Geneva Anderson is uniquely qualified to serve as a Peralta Community College District Trustee due to her deep-rooted connection to the district as a former student leader, employee, and union member. With over 30 years of residency in Area 2, she brings firsthand knowledge of the community's needs and the inner workings of the Peralta system. Her experience on budget, facilities, and health committees, as well as her involvement in union negotiations, has equipped her to address fiscal challenges, advocate for pay equity, and drive strategic initiatives that support student success and institutional growth. Sinéad is committed to fostering inclusive communication across all constituency groups and ensuring that the district thrives through transparent leadership and responsible stewardship.


Sinéad holds an A.S. in Mathematics, an A.A. in Social Behavioral Science, and a B.S. in Organizational Management. She has temporarily deferred her M.B.A. to pursue an aviation career. Recognized by the county for her impactful work with transitional-age youth and by the state for her student leadership, Sinéad is also a dedicated mental health advocate and sequestered speaker. Certified by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, she leads a Suicide Bereavement Support Group for Children and Teens, providing compassionate support to those in need.


Sinead is a Sr. Literacy Instructor and former Merritt College tutor who became a supplemental math instructor, eventually being permanently hired as a Staff Assistant for the Math, Science, and Applied Technology office, where she led numerous division meetings and educated faculty, administrators, staff, and students. She is known for "doing her research" and providing helpful, professional development training for her instructional division at Merritt College. In addition to educating, she is also a land proprietor, a notary public, and a small business owner. Her commitment to education, mental health advocacy, and community service demonstrates her ability to lead with empathy, integrity, and a vision for inclusive growth.

My Plan for Peralta Community College District

Please reach me at sinead@sineadisperalta.com if you have a question.

 

My Stance: Peralta’s financial health is critical, facing an over $11 million budget deficit and the end of "hold harmless" funding. As a trustee, I am committed to transparent, responsible financial management and innovative solutions to address these challenges.

My Plan:

  • Leverage Experience: Utilize my background in audits, forensic accounting, and my role as a voting member of budget committees to improve financial oversight and transparency.
  • Innovative Partnerships: Focus on building unique partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to create new revenue streams and opportunities for students.
  • Resource Acquisition: Secure resources that support new programs, strengthen existing ones, and ensure sustainable growth. These collaborations will create opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and skill-based training that meet the community’s needs.
  • Explore New Revenue Streams: Engage with local industry leaders, particularly in technology and trade, to invest in educational programs that benefit the community and create financial sustainability for Peralta. Education is a business, and we must look beyond traditional funding sources.
  • Oversight and Accountability: Establish regular, transparent budget reviews, and hold contractors and vendors accountable for efficient use of funds. Reevaluate any contract that has not produced results and reallocate those resources effectively.


 

My Stance: Enrollment is a persistent issue that needs to be addressed by reimagining how we attract and support students. I believe in offering diverse, accessible educational opportunities that reflect the evolving job market and student needs.

My Plan:

  • Targeted Marketing Campaigns: Invest in outreach programs to re-engage the community, with a specific focus on underserved populations and working adults. Expand Peralta’s presence in AREA 2, where marketing efforts have been lacking, to make Peralta a top choice for those looking to upskill or pursue higher education.
  • Partnerships with Organizations and Corporations: Collaborate with local businesses, organizations, and community groups to enhance program offerings, especially in trade and technical skills, which are in high demand.
  • Optimize Course Offerings: Regularly review course offerings to ensure that we meet students' educational and career needs. Address the gaps in class availability by better connecting the catalog to the class schedule, so students can complete degrees and certificates efficiently.


 

My Stance: High turnover rates are a major concern, driven by issues with compensation, career advancement, and work conditions. I stand for fair pay equity, career development, and investment in our staff as the backbone of our educational system.

My Plan:

  • Competitive Compensation and Benefits: To reduce turnover and attract top talent, Peralta must offer competitive salaries and benefits. We must complete classification studies and adjust pay scales to ensure fair compensation.
  • Professional Development: Provide ongoing training and career advancement opportunities for faculty and staff, ensuring that we maintain a high standard of education and support for students.
  • Promote from Within: Conduct a thorough study on internal hiring practices to understand why qualified staff are not being promoted to leadership roles. Staff should have clear pathways to advance in their careers, whether in technical or managerial positions.
  • Outcome-Based Thinking: I will approach this with an outcome-based, solution-oriented mindset, ensuring every initiative enhances staff morale and retention.


 

My Stance: Over Reliance on external contractors drains resources that could be better invested in our own workforce. I am committed to reducing this dependency and reallocating funds to strengthen internal capacities.

My Plan:

  • Reinvest in Training: Build up internal capabilities by investing in staff training so that roles currently filled by contractors can be taken over by qualified employees.
  • Cultivate Collaboration: Foster a team-oriented, community-focused culture that strengthens our internal workforce. Every department should have a stake in Peralta’s success, ensuring we are equipped to meet challenges without relying on outside help.

Build Self-Sufficiency: Encourage self-sufficiency across departments, creating a resilient internal team that can drive long-term success. 


 

My Stance: The condition of our facilities directly affects the health, safety, and success of students and staff. I believe in proactive maintenance, modernizing infrastructure, and prioritizing safety to create a welcoming and productive learning environment.

My Plan:

  • Prioritize Safety & Modernization: Address critical issues such as ventilation, classroom modernization, and safe communal areas. Advocate for updated, accessible technology in classrooms, including smart doors and improved security measures.
  • Strategic Facilities Planning: Develop long-term plans for facility improvements, ensuring that upgrades align with educational goals and directly benefit students. Efficient use of bond funds is essential to maintain Peralta’s infrastructure.
  • Efficient Key Access: Ensure that classrooms are equipped with smart doors or streamline the process of issuing keys to faculty so that instructors have reliable access to their teaching spaces.
  • Oversight and Compliance: Strengthen oversight and compliance to ensure all upgrades are completed with integrity and accountability, addressing both present and future needs of the district.


 

My Stance: As a former student, educator, auditor, and community advocate, I bring a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table. I have seen firsthand the strengths and challenges within Peralta, and I understand what it takes to lead effectively.

My Approach:

  • Outward-Based Thinking & Solution-Oriented Mindset: I don’t just see problems; I see opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. I bring an outcome-based perspective that prioritizes results over bureaucracy. In my world, "1+1 does not equal 11." I seek logical, effective solutions to real problems.
  • Community-Focused Leadership: My approach is rooted in serving the community. I will be proactive in engaging stakeholders, rebuilding trust, and creating partnerships that benefit the district, students, and staff.
  • Reputation Building: Addressing and correcting the district’s negative reputation is a key goal. Through transparent communication, integrity, and consistent action, we will restore Peralta’s standing as a leader in community education.


Rooted in PERALTA!

Sinéad has consistently been a champion for student and staff empowerment throughout her journey. She is the former president of the Associated Students of Merritt College, Merritt College Black Student Union, Merritt College Classified Senate treasurer, SEIU 1021 Union Treasurer.

Contact me

Sinead is for the community

Rooted in Peralta Continued..

Sinead overstands the inner workings of the Peralta system from multiple perspectives. Her participation on contract negotiations and key committees such as budget, C.E., facilities, and health reflects her comprehensive view of the district's operations. These experiences equip her with the holistic understanding necessary to effectively address the district's needs.


Sinéad's candidacy is driven by her commitment to fostering collaboration, enhancing fiscal health, and expanding resources across all Peralta campuses. She envisions a future where innovative solutions meet financial challenges and community colleges thrive as essential pillars of local development. With her proven leadership and deep community ties, Sinéad aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, creating pathways to success for students, faculty, and staff alike.

credentials and achievements

Degrees

  • A.S. in Mathematics
  • A.A. in Social Behavioral Science
  • B.S. in Organizational Management
  • M.B.A  (Pending) 

Awards

  • Certificate of Recognition, President, Associated Students of Merritt College (2012)
  • Certificate of Recognition, President, Merritt College Black Student Union (2011)
  • Certificate of Recognition, President, Associated Students of Merritt College (2013)
  • Certificate of Recognition, Alumni President, Associated Students of Merritt College (2014)
  • Award, Provider of the Year for Transitional Age Youth, Alameda County Pool of Consumer Champions (2016)
  • Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, Secretary of the Black Caucus of California Community Colleges, The Honorable Barbara Lee (2013)
  • Assembly Certificate of Recognition, Secretary of Black Caucus, Assembly member Holly J. Mitchell (2013)

Featured in Publications

  • Healing Systems: Reflections on Trauma Transformed
  • Nature Berkeley: Sinéad Anderson
  • Trauma Transformed Launches Regional Effort in San Francisco Bay Area
  • Peralta Matters - ASMC Sinead

Appointments

  • President, Associated Students of Merritt College (2011-2013)
  • Chair, Transitional Age Youth Committee, Alameda County - Pool of Consumer Champions (2014-2016)
  • Curator, Bay Area Paul Robeson Committee (2018)
  • Evaluator, Trauma Transformed (2018)
  • Treasurer, Merritt College Classified Senate (2019-2022)
  • Treasurer, S.E.I.U. 1021, Peralta Chapter (2022-2023)
  • Negotiator, Peralta Classified S.E.I.U. 1021 Employee Contract (2022-2023)

Trainings and Training Documents

  • Training: How to Enter Time on Human Capital Management, Merritt College, Division 2 (Recorded, 2022)
  • Training: How to Enter a Contract in the CTS System, Merritt College (Recorded, 2022)
  • Training Document: How to Find Student Emails and Telephone Numbers (2020)
  • Training Document: How to Search for Student Information for Canceled Classes (2022)
  • Ecology Demo and Youth Instruction (Grades K-5), Community Resources for Science (2010-2011)

Certifications

  • Research Methods, University of California Berkeley
  • Facilitator, Support Group Bereavement  (Children/Teens), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  • Mental Health First Aid - Youth, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare
  • Basic Life Support - Provider, American Heart Association

Licenses

  • Notary Public, State of California
  • CM1, State of California

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VOTE SINEAD GENEVA ANDERSON PERALTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT (AREA 2) TRUSTEE.

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