Sonia Salwan is a longtime Fremont resident.
As a mother of three, Sonia understands the importance of education personally.
As a first-generation immigrant, Sonia understands the challenges that language, communication, and unfamiliar systems can create. She believes community colleges can help students of every background and age build confidence and develop valuable skills.
Sonia believes Ohlone should remain focused on its core mission: helping students succeed while supporting the faculty and staff who make that success possible.
Sonia was the first woman to serve as president of a statewide veterinary organization. She strengthened the organization through fiscal leadership, collaboration, and practical problem solving.
As Rotary District Vocational Chair, Sonia connects students with professionals, mentors, and career opportunities, helping young people explore pathways for their future.
Through her nonprofit work, Sonia has supported programs for foster youth and children affected by human trafficking. She has also supported efforts that provide cleft lip surgeries for children in need.
“Sonia was instrumental in helping us secure the sutures needed to provide free surgeries for children around the world. She approached the effort with real professionalism and strategic thinking, always looking for ways to maximize the impact of every dollar raised. She's incredibly responsive and reliable — when you work with Sonia, you know you'll get results.”
Two of Sonia’s children attended Ohlone College. She believes a community college can provide students with the space and support they need to find their direction in life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many high school students faced distractions. At that time, Sonia enrolled her son in Ohlone College’s dual enrollment program. He went on to complete his degree and, at age 21, began working as a computer engineer at Amazon.
Sonia’s daughter also benefited from the opportunities available through community college. She transferred to UC Davis and was later admitted to a veterinary school.
Sonia believes the opportunities and meaningful guidance contributed to their success. Every student should have access to those opportunities.
Through her work with foster youth, Sonia has seen how many young people aspire to higher education but face significant barriers to completing college. In California, 93% of foster youth say they want to attend college, yet only about 10% attain an associate or bachelor’s degree by age 24. Sonia believes community colleges can help close this gap through mentorship, financial aid guidance, academic support, and consistent support from enrollment through degree completion.
Source: John Burton Advocates for Youth, 2025–2027 Strategic Plan
Ohlone is facing enrollment challenges. Local students are attending other Bay Area community colleges because the classes they need are unavailable at Ohlone. We must increase access to required and high-demand classes while strengthening academic counseling and mental health resources.
Ohlone has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on housing planning and consulting, with no construction completed. We need greater fiscal accountability, transparency, and common-sense leadership. We must stop the mismanagement of funds and direct resources toward students and employees. Our spending should support the core mission of a community college: education and student success.
Open Ohlone’s doors wider by expanding programs that benefit the entire community.
Treat taxpayer dollars as carefully as you would your own money. Prioritize investments that directly support students and faculty.
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Tell your friends and family about Sonia Salwan’s vision for Ohlone.