Welcome New Board Members and Officers
The Board welcomes 3 new Officers and 5 new Governors this year. Kieran Turan takes the helm as President of the AAMC, Adrienne Jardetzky joins the board as a Vice President, Njoube Dugas joins the Board as Treasurer. Join the Board in welcoming Nzinga Woods ‘11, Sheila Coleman Hopkins ‘10, Rachel Reyes, ‘13, Christina Rodriguez, ‘25, and Darcelle Lahr, ‘17, ‘18 as our new governors. Please read more about them and what they bring to the AAMC below!
New Officers and Governors for 2025
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Kieran Turan, President
1990
He/Him
BA, Communications, Mills College
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Senior Graphic Designer, Game Designer
Oakland, CAKieran Turan brings proven leadership experience and unwavering dedication to preserving Mills' transformative legacy to the AAMC presidency. Mills College shaped his values of ethical leadership and creative expression, and he is committed to ensuring that its 170-year tradition of empowering women and diverse leaders continues to thrive. He has strengthened the organization's operations and reinvigorated fundraising outreach, helping drive the Center of Contemporary Music campaign. He modernized the election process for greater accessibility and transparency, and spearheaded the alumnae database survey—the largest response to a single AAMC campaign to date. He holds a degree in Communications from Mills College, class of 1990, and went on to work in game design, 3D animation, and graphic design.
Kieran's presidential vision centers on establishing the AAMC as a resilient, professional nonprofit that preserves and advances Mills' distinctive educational values for new generations. His agenda focuses on defining the AAMC's mission with strategic clarity, securing the organization's place on campus, and developing innovative programs that champion Mills' liberal arts approach of integrative thinking, creativity, and social justice. He plans to create opportunities for meaningful intergenerational connections while ensuring alumnae voices remain important to campus life. His vision includes expanding the AAMC’s operational capacity, advancing initiatives and programs that authentically reflect Mills values. Drawing on his deep love for the transformative Mills experience, he is determined to ensure that the education that empowered him continues to shape women and diverse leaders who will change the world.
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Adrienne Jardetzky, Vice President
1980
She/Her
BA, Computer Science, Mills College
MS, Computer Science, Stanford University
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Retired Engineering Executive
Los Gatos, CAAdrienne Jardetzky brings valuable institutional perspective. As a Mills College Class of 1980 Computer Science graduate, Adrienne went on to earn an MS in Computer Science from Stanford University, and is a retired Engineering Executive and dedicated AAMC volunteer. She has served two terms on the Nominating Committee, working to build a pragmatic, functional organization by helping select board members and officers who collaborate effectively. After the 1990 strike, she was moved to give back to Mills and became an Alumnae Admissions Representative. She is a Bent Twig; her mother graduated in 1951—giving her deep appreciation for the bonds between Mills women across different eras and educational experiences.
Adrienne's vision for the AAMC centers on establishing it as a self-sustaining independent organization that maintains Mills' legacy and fosters connections between alums. She advocates for clarifying the organization's mission and vision, developing a strategic plan with member input, and working with Northeastern to preserve historic campus buildings including Mills Hall and the Campanile. Her goals include ensuring AAMC's rights to Reinhard Alumnae House as both a gathering space and revenue source, partnering to restore what made Mills' liberal arts departments unique, and determining the future of AAMC membership. Having been approached by current leadership to contribute her project and organizational management skills, she is prepared to help improve the AAMC's functionality and strategic direction.
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Njoube Dugas, Treasurer
2017
They/Them
BA Economics, MBA Mills College
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Operations Manager
Oakland, CANjoube Dugas brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, project management, and community organizing to the AAMC’s Treasurer role. As a proud Mills College graduate, they have developed expertise in leading initiatives that bring people together, amplify marginalized voices, and drive meaningful change. Their professional background includes serving as an Operations Manager and business advisor, where they have successfully led teams, managed budgets, and fostered community partnerships. Additionally, their work with diverse populations—including justice-impacted youth, small business owners, and underserved communities—has honed their ability to create programs that resonate with varied audiences.
Njoube's vision for the AAMC centers on fostering a strong, inclusive, and sustainable alumnae network that honors Mills' legacy. They envision the organization as a driving force for engagement and empowerment, with goals to deepen connections across generations, support social justice initiatives, and ensure institutional sustainability. Their entrepreneurial mindset and expertise in strategic planning and resource development position them to contribute significantly to the AAMC's sustainability efforts while building partnerships and enhancing alumnae engagement that reflect Mills' core values of equity, resilience, and empowerment.
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Darcelle Lahr, Governor
2017, 2018
She/her
MA Educational Leadership, EdD, Mills College
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University MBA
California State University, East Bay MA
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Professor of Practice at Mills College at NU, Lecturer in the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley.
Danville, CADarcelle Lahr is the Founder, Executive Director, and Board Chair of L.C. and Lillie Cox Haven of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving under-resourced communities through fiscal sponsorship, social entrepreneurship acceleration, and community-engaged initiatives. She currently serves as a legacy Professor of Practice at Mills and as a Lecturer in the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Darcelle is also the Founder and President of Integral Consulting Group, a community-based management consulting practice supporting socially-minded entrepreneurs in vulnerable communities.
Her extensive service to Mills includes recognition as Outstanding Teacher of the Year, elected Chair of the Mills College Dean Search Committee, and Chair of the Mills College Faculty DEI Committee. At Northeastern, she serves as an elected Faculty Senator and Officer of the Faculty Senate, and founded the Senate Committee on Shared Governance. Darcelle is also a long-time dedicated member of the Association of Mills College Alumnae of Color Committee. Her aspiration for the AAMC is to serve as the foundation for a tightly-knit, wholly engaged, self-assured alumnae community, bringing her experience in leading community-based organizations to reengage and re-center the alumnae family on rebuilding a unified purpose.
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Nzinga Woods, Governor
2011
She/her/ella
MFA-Choreography and Performance
MS, Educational Leadership in Administration
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Administrator
Oakland, CANzinga Woods brings experience in event planning and creative project management to the AAMC Board. As a recent Mills graduate, she offers valuable perspective on engaging younger alumnae and fostering connections across generations.
Nzinga's goal during her board term is to support and advance the AAMC's mission by fostering greater inclusivity, innovation, and accessibility while honoring Mills' spirit and vision. She is motivated by the opportunity to ensure that AAMC continues to evolve while staying true to its roots, and her experience in event planning positions her to help coordinate meaningful gatherings that strengthen alumni connections. She is eager to contribute the dedication and energy to AAMC’s goals whether it’s through attending events, engaging with members, or driving new initiatives.
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Sheila Coleman Hopkins, Governor
2010
MFA Dance Performance and Choreography, Mills College
Administrative Credential Educational Leadership, Mills College
Secondary Teaching Credential,
MA, Multicultural Education, Sacramento State University
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Manager of Special Curriculum for Fine Arts, Physical Education, Social Emotional Learner, KIPP Texas Public Schools
Humble, TXSheila Coleman Hopkins brings a rich background in performing arts and education to the AAMC Board. As a public school teacher for nearly twenty years, she worked tirelessly to provide enriching learning opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse students, including organizing after-school programs and community events. Her experience in curriculum design and professional development, combined with her skills in fostering collaboration and building relationships within diverse communities, positions her well to create engaging, impactful programming for the AAMC.
Inspired by her mentor Dr. Linda Goodrich's powerful example of board leadership, Sheila is motivated to give back to the institution that shaped her growth as a leader, educator, and artist. Her goal as a board member is to strengthen connections among alumnae who are artists, educators, and servant leaders, ensuring they have access to meaningful professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. She envisions developing career panels, internships, and initiatives that bridge the gap between alumnae and students, fostering pathways for mentorship and leadership. With more flexibility in her current schedule, she is committed to dedicating time and energy to support the AAMC's success and help it grow as an inclusive and impactful network.
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Rachel Reyes, Governor
2013
She/her
BA, Art HIstory; Ethnic Studies minor
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Senior Associate, Operations
Los Angeles, CARachel Reyes is an organizer at heart who believes the best progress is made together, having worked across dozens of coalitions throughout her career. She recently worked and volunteered on three successful local city council campaigns, experiences that reinforced her belief that building community should be at the heart of service. Rachel brings extensive event and volunteer coordination experience, project management skills, and technical expertise including managing CRMs like HubSpot and Mailchimp. She is an accomplished public speaker who regularly presents at work, rallies, and on podcasts, and co-hosts a political podcast.
Rachel's goal for the AAMC is to help it more accurately reflect the diverse student body that drew her to Mills College, despite having full-ride offers elsewhere. She chose Mills because it was unapologetically diverse and proud of its place in Oakland's history. After feeling disconnected during her early post-graduation years when she lacked the resources to contribute, she now sees the AAMC as the only body that advocates directly for the Mills she knew. Her vision includes serving as a mentor for younger alums, learning from those with more wisdom, and preserving Mills' history and culture. Currently serving on another board while maintaining her organizing work and full-time job, she demonstrates her commitment to working beyond regular hours to fulfill her duties.
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Christina Rodriguez, Governor
2025
She/her/ella
PhD Education, Mills College at Northeastern
Bachelor of Arts in Raza Studies at SFSU & MBA from Notre Dame de Namur University
Current or most recent occupation and job title:
Founder, Latinas with Masters and Director of Student Support Services at Solano Community College
Vallejo, CAChristina Rodriguez is a recent doctorate graduate whose Mills doctoral journey showed her the power of the unique Mills community. As a daughter of immigrants from Nicaragua, she carries her ancestors' and parents' strong work ethic into everything she does. Christina has demonstrated her commitment to community service as chair of the Vallejo Housing and Community Development Commission, where she dedicated countless hours helping community members secure pathways from temporary to permanent housing. Her experience building the Latinas with Masters community to over 30,000 followers across platforms demonstrates her ability to create meaningful connections and show up consistently for causes she believes in.
Christina's goals are to strengthen connections between alumnae through meaningful mentorship programs and preserve the unique educational values that defined the Mills experience. She plans to use her research background to document Mills' history while building new traditions that keep the community vibrant and independent. Her Mills doctorate taught her how to listen deeply, tell compelling stories, and bring people together around shared values. She is prepared to help strengthen the AAMC's digital presence, document the rich Mills and Oakland heritage, and create inclusive events that connect graduates across generations, bringing both qualitative thinking and collaborative spirit to address whatever challenges arise.
Board of Governors
President
Kieran Turan ‘90
Vice Presidents
Adrienne Jardetzky ‘80
Pierre Loving ‘77
Treasurer
Njoube Dugas ‘17
Governors
Mylia Granberry ‘05 (2024-2027)
Glodean Champion ‘06 (2024-2027)
Catherine Ladnier ‘70 (2023-2026)
Cynthia Mahood Levin ‘95 (2023-2026)
Nan Roche ‘75 (2023-2026)
Darcelle Lahr ‘17, ‘18
Nzinga Woods ‘11
Sheila Coleman Hopkins ‘10
Rachel Reyes ‘13
Christina Rodriguez ‘25
About the Board of Governors
The AAMC is managed by the Board of Governors, whose current membership is listed below. Each governor serves a three-year term.
Read more about the governance of the association in the Bylaws of the AAMC (pdf) and the Articles of Incorporation (pdf)
Review the Board of Governors’ antiracism statement and anti-homophobia statement
For more information, call 510.430.2110 or email info@aamc-mills.org.
Becoming a Governor
We welcome all alums to apply to serve on the Board of Governors. Applications are accepted each spring for three-year terms that begin on July 1st of each year.
For more information, call 510.430.2110 or send an email to info@aamc-mills.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Serving on the Board of Governors is a great way to have an impact by supporting fellow alumnae, students, and the Mills legacy and shaping the future of the organization during a critical time of transition and decision-making.
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General expectations of Governors include, but are not limited to the following:
Actively serve on, and preferably Chair, at least one committee;
Attend all regularly scheduled board meetings (Traditionally, there have been 4-6 meetings per year. Moving forward, we expect them to be as frequent as monthly);
Attend retreats, workshops, or other Board development activities, when scheduled; and
Attend AAMC-sponsored events as much as possible.
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Anyone who has completed at least one semester at Mills College can apply to serve on the AAMC Board of Governors. This term will begin in July and last for three years.
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Alums may indicate on their application if they want to serve as an AAMC officer. Current Governors must submit or update their application to indicate they want to be considered for an officer position.
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Per AAMC bylaws, it is up to the Nominating Committee whether to decide to hold an election or not. The AAMC has not held general elections for board seats in recent years, even when there have been more than one applicant per position. There were questions about this process last year, and it was requested that the AAMC seek a legal opinion about the compliance of the bylaws in last year’s selection of Governors by the Nominating Committee without an election.
The AAMC, its Board and leadership, engaged the Mill Law Center to provide an assessment on AAMC’s current bylaws and nomination and election procedures, specifically whether AAMC’s bylaws are in compliance with California corporations’ law both in its written form and in application. It was determined that the AAMC was in compliance with California Corporations Law and the AAMC Nomination Committee followed AAMC bylaws for election of the current officers and governors, and no further action is needed.
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Please send your questions via email to nomcom@aamc-mills.org, and a member of the Nominating Committee will get back to you.