2026 CCAE State Award Winner Bios

Awardee: Marie Lackey

​Central Section

Marie Lackey is the Office Supervisor at Clovis Adult Education, where she mentors new employees, manages all classified personnel with professionalism and care, and thoughtfully oversees all employee celebrations, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture. In her five years in adult education, Marie has consistently gone above and beyond her responsibilities to elevate both staff and students. Marie serves as Secretary of the CCAE Clovis Chapter, where she takes meticulous notes, maintains accurate agendas and minutes, and works collaboratively with the president and executive board to ensure smooth operations. She actively participates in all local events and volunteers her time and talents on the event committee, strengthening the chapter’s presence and impact. She also served as the Awards Nominations Chair during the 22-24 term. Marie's commitment to the CCAE board is seen both in her work behind the scenes and in her presence among the Chapter.

Awardee: Jesus Huizar

L.A. Metro Section

Jesus Huizar is an IT Support Technician at Harbor Occupational Center in San Pedro. He has been instrumental in providing technical assistance to all staff and students at the Center and its several branch locations. He is very flexible and always willing to adjust his schedule for the school when needed. He is a true team-player. Jesus has long assisted at CCAE conferences by setting up needed technological equipment. He has been a dedicated member of CCAE for the past 10 years, and attends many CCAE events, participates in fundraising activities and can always be relied upon to get the job done.

Awardee: Nakisha Woods

​​Northern Section

Nakisha Woods is an Academic Intervention Specialist at Twin Rivers Adult School. A proud graduate of the Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center, where she earned a Medical Administration Certificate and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. Her educational journey in adult education has deeply shaped her commitment to service and advocacy. Nakisha has emerged as a trusted and collaborative leader within CCAE and her local program. As the Legislative Chair for the CCAE Northern Section, she actively organizes, communicates, and supports members in understanding legislative priorities and the importance of advocacy. She regularly engages colleagues in preparation for legislative visits, encourages participation in statewide initiatives, and helps ensure classified staff voices are represented in conversations that shape adult education policy. Locally, Nakisha models service oriented leadership at Twin Rivers Adult School by mentoring staff, coordinating with instructors, and strengthening communication between programs and support services. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, accountability, and a deep commitment to student success — qualities that inspire others and strengthen both her school community and CCAE as an organization.

Awardee: Melina Bezada

Southern Section

Melina Bezada is an Administrative Clerk II at Apple Valley Adult School. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, she overcame significant challenges to achieve academic and professional success. Her mother’s limited education meant Melina had to navigate the academic system independently. As one of nine siblings and a mother of two, she set goals to complete high school, secure employment with the school district, and help her children access higher education. After graduating from the adult diploma program, she volunteered during the pandemic, helping keep the campus open for the US Census to support funding for her underserved area. She later gained full-time employment at the school where she graduated. Melina has since earned her AA degree from Victor Valley College, where she was on the Dean’s list. Her children are now in college and excel academically. Despite her busy schedule, she volunteers for community initiatives and has presented at CAEP, SCOE, and TDLS, serving as an inspiring advocate for adult education.

Awardee: Jorge Van Dyck

South Coast Section

Jorge Van Dyck started with Huntington Beach Adult School as a student in their ESL program. After completing ESL, he was hired as an Instructional Aide in Technology. Recently, he was promoted to the position of Data Specialist. In all these capacities, Jorge proved himself to be kind, knowledgeable, and supportive as he served the students, staff, and administration in all departments. Jorge's experience as a student gives him a unique perspective and valuable insight into what our current students are going through. This is a great benefit to our students when Jorge is helping them, whether with student orientation, technology needs or anything else. He is genuinely sympathetic to their needs. Jorge also is very supportive of our school staff. He is often called on to solve technical problems for teachers and classified staff and always does so with a smile. Jorge is a true scholar, with a deep understanding of administrative processes that complements his technological proficiency. He is always approachable, positive, efficient, gracious, and professional, consistently displaying a spirit of teamwork, and modeling the spirit of CCAE.

Awardee: Carlota Zuniga

Bay Section

Carlota Zuniga is a Counseling/Student Services Assistant at San Mateo Adult and Career Education. Carlota has demonstrated sustained and meaningful service to CCAE at the section level through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to elevating adult education. For the past five years, she has consistently volunteered her time and expertise to support the Bay Section Conferences, contributing to their planning, coordination, and overall success. Carlota played a pivotal role in organizing Student Leadership within the HSD program by preparing students to represent the student voice at the Bay Section conference. She supported students in developing public speaking skills, refining their messages, and confidently delivering presentations, ensuring authentic and impactful student representation. In addition, Carlota actively supported Legislative Day efforts by helping organize and prepare student leaders to engage in advocacy, strengthening the connection between adult education and policymaking. As Award Chair, she guided the nomination process and supported the timely recognition and delivery of awards. A true team player, Carlota is always willing to step in where needed.

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