Dr. Seher Awan Named 2025 Women of Influence Honoree by Silicon Valley Business Journal

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- The Silicon Valley Business Journal has named Dr. Seher Awan, President of Mission College, as a 2025 Women of Influence honoree. This annual recognition celebrates outstanding women leaders who have made significant contributions to their organizations and the broader Silicon Valley community.

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Dr. Awan will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on June 26, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Marriott, located at 2700 Mission College Boulevard in Santa Clara, California.

Since taking the helm at Mission College in 2022, Dr. Awan has led a bold and transformative era in the institution’s history. Under her leadership, the College has seen measurable growth in the number of degrees and certificates awarded, achieved sustained post-pandemic enrollment increases, and undergone a successful rebranding effort that reflects a dynamic and inclusive mission.

She has played a central role in launching Mission College’s first bachelor’s degree program and has cultivated strategic partnerships with leading organizations such as NVIDIA and Sutter Health. Her efforts have also resulted in the introduction of free tuition for residents of the district and a significant expansion of both apprenticeship and dual enrollment programs.

Dr. Awan has worked to double high school-to-college pipeline participation and has strengthened the College’s role as a community anchor through public events like the Summer Concert Series and fundraising 5Ks that support student scholarships. She has implemented college-wide reforms to embed equity, anti-racism, and social justice into all aspects of institutional operations. Through restructured participatory governance and the development of new strategic master plans, she has driven systemic change to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Beyond campus, Dr. Awan has served on national apprenticeship panels and advocated for justice-impacted learners, helping elevate the voice of Mission College at the state and federal levels. Her leadership is defined by visionary innovation, fearless advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to community transformation.

According to Neal Waters, Associate Managing Editor and Special Projects Editor at the Silicon Valley Business Journal, honorees are selected solely based on merit, leadership, and impact within the community. The recognition is the result of a rigorous independent editorial review process, which does not take into account any commercial relationships with the Business Journal.

Dr. Awan joins a distinguished legacy of Women of Influence honorees who have been recognized by the Business Journal since the program’s inception in 2005.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]