Dr. Salas has been associated with community colleges since she earned her associates of arts degree in paralegal studies at Riverside City College after serving in the United States Marine Corps for nine years. She is a proud first generation Mexican American veteran college student.

Dr. Salas’s long-time career in the California Community College system started more than twenty-two years ago at Riverside Community College District, where she started as a clerk typist in Health Services. She successfully transitioned through several valuable experiences and landed in Student Services. During this time, Dr. Salas came to possess extensive experience in strategic planning, accreditation, budget administration, enrollment management, assessment, the Student Equity, and Achievement program, Guided Pathways, categorical programs (EOPS/CARE, Cal Works, DSPS, etc.), career and transfer readiness, student discipline, and community relationships. After eighteen successful years at Riverside Community College District, she served as the Director of EOPS/CARE at Mt. San Jacinto Community College District for five years.

Dr. Salas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice, a Master of Arts in Higher Education and holds a Doctoral degree in Community College Leadership at San Diego State University.