Awardee: Elizabeth Penuela
L.A. Metro Section
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Elizabeth Penuela is the Assistant Principal of Operations for Los Angeles Technology Center. Elizabeth began her educational journey in adult school while studying Cosmetology during high school. She graduated from both in 1983 and then pursued her Cosmetology teaching license. She started teaching Cosmetology in 1984, establishing her lifelong commitment to adult education. She holds an Administrative Credential from the University of La Verne (2003), a Master’s in School Counseling with a Pupil Personnel Service Credential from National University (2002), and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix (1998). She also completed coursework at UCLA Extension and at Los Angeles Community College.
Elizabeth left her mother and siblings behind in another country at the age of 12 to pursue the American dream. Her school counselor helped her find opportunities that led her to learn a career technical skill at an adult school, ultimately enabling her to achieve her goals. Her lifelong commitment to adult education and CCAE has been unwavering. Financially independent from a young age, Elizabeth purchased her first home at 22, thanks to the technical skills she gained in adult education. She helped her family prosper as well. After reaping the benefits of adult education, Elizabeth became passionate about sharing its possibilities with others to help improve their lives. Throughout her long and rewarding career, she has served on numerous boards and committees, including chambers of commerce, to seek support for adult education. She has held positions on the Executive Board for the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation (2014-present), the Venice Chamber of Commerce (final year 2023-24), and the Van Nuys Airport Association Executive Board (2014-2018). Elizabeth has received Congressional recognition and awards from Congressman Tony Cárdenas (2009-2019), former Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, former school board member Monica Ratliff, and Mayor Eric Garcetti. She received the San Fernando Valley Rita Walters Educational NAACP Award in October 2018 for her service to the community and schools, and the Edward Manfred Evans Award for exemplary service to adult education in 2023-2024. Elizabeth’s collaborative spirit and advocacy have strengthened partnerships supporting adult learners across California, making her a standout role model in her field. Her contributions exemplify transformative leadership, ensuring that adult education remains a powerful engine of opportunity and equity. Since joining the CCAE LA Metro Section in 2014, Elizabeth has consistently exemplified outstanding dedication, leadership, and vision. Her commitment to advancing the field of adult education and supporting her colleagues has been nothing short of inspiring. Elizabeth’s journey with CCAE began with active involvement at the section level in 2018. During a crucial leadership transition, Elizabeth accepted the role of Treasurer, seamlessly managing the organization’s finances and ensuring smooth operations. Her leadership didn’t stop there—she went on to serve in numerous key positions, including Secretary, Membership Chair, Awards Chair, President, and Past President. Driven by a passion for adult education and CCAE, she recognized a pressing need to support new CTE instructors as they pursued their teaching credentials. Motivated by this vision, she founded a scholarship fund specifically for aspiring CTE teachers. Her efforts have awarded six $500 scholarships to date. Elizabeth’s efforts to grow and diversify CCAE’s membership have been equally impressive. Through tireless recruitment campaigns, personalized outreach, and a genuine enthusiasm for the association’s mission, she has helped welcome over 200 new members to the LA Metro Section since 2018—including 44 esteemed Diamond members—and has personally recruited more than 100 individuals. At the state level, Elizabeth has contributed her expertise to the State Membership Committee for over five years. She also served as Treasurer for the Los Angeles Metro Section CCAE State Conference at the prestigious Hollywood Lowe’s Hotel in May 2022 under the supervision and guidance of State Treasurer Jim Turnbough. Elizabeth Penuela’s service is a testament to visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and a profound dedication to advancing adult education. Her initiatives have strengthened the CCAE LAM Section at every level, leaving a legacy and making her a true champion for adult education and for CCAE. Elizabeth’s leadership in adult education is characterized by innovation, vision, and measurable impact. In 2024, she made history by recruiting nine CTE instructors and 22 students to launch the first ever SkillsUSA chapter at Los Angeles Technology Center in the Division of Career Education, creating opportunities for students to showcase their technical skills at the national level. Her commitment to expanding access is evident in the addition of over 100 new CTE classes across adult schools, including high-demand programs such as Medical Office Administration, EMT, Building and Grounds, Child Development, Networking, A+ Certification, and Microcomputer Applications. From 2018 to 2024, Elizabeth doubled CTE enrollment at VSC through strategic collaboration and data-driven decisions. Since 2002, she has opened more than 175 classes, recruited over 100 instructors, and mentored them through the credentialing process. Her efforts have strengthened workforce preparation and expanded career pathways for adult learners. Elizabeth also secured a groundbreaking articulation agreement in 2022 between VSC and West Los Angeles College, granting Dental Assisting completers 6.5 college credits—the only such agreement in DACE with this credit value. Additionally, she has secured over $1 million in equipment and scholarships for adult school programs. She has built partnerships with community businesses to help adult school CTE students find jobs and advocate for adult education. Some of the partners include The Van Nuys Airport and its tenants, the San Fernando, Encino, Venice, and LAX chambers of commerce, workforce centers, and many legislators in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including former Congressman Tony Cardenas and Senator Alex Padilla, among others, to promote adult education and CCAE. |
