Chatting with the Chancellor Podcast
Welcome to Chatting with the Chancellor, a podcast from the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) featuring Chancellor Melissa Moreno in candid conversations about the issues shaping education, our communities, and the world around us. Each episode explores timely topics with thought-provoking guests and offers insights into how community colleges are responding to today’s challenges and opportunities.
06/26/2026
Dr. Lisa Petrides, Trustee, SMCCCD; Education Non-Profit Founder & Leader
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Dr. Lisa Petrides, CEO of the nonprofit ISKME and an elected trustee of the San Mateo County Community College District, about democratizing access to knowledge. Lisa shares her path from Columbia professor to open-education advocate, why free course materials matter for students, and how AI is reshaping what good teaching looks like. The conversation also touches on her run for office, her belief in incremental change, and her North Star: treating knowledge as a public good.
04/20/2026
Danielle Powell, Communications Professor, Skyline College
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Danielle Powell, professor of communication studies and coordinator of the Women's Mentoring and Leadership Academy and Umoja A2MEND at Skyline College, about leading with an "ethic of love." Danielle shares how the culturally based learning communities she runs help students persist and matriculate, recounts a hard-won story of transformation with a hostile student, and introduces the concept of "sonder" — seeing people as fully human even when they don't extend the same grace. The conversation also touches on saying no sustainably, building students' self-efficacy, and staying hopeful for the next generation of leaders.
03/03/2026
Ray Lapuz, Math Professor, Cañada College
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Ray Lapuz, a math professor at Cañada College with over 26 years of experience, about the evolving intersection of mathematics, technology, and teaching. Ray shares his philosophy of finding the art and beauty in math, his thoughtful approach to integrating AI into the classroom, and why helping students learn how to think — not just calculate — has always guided his work. Tune in for a rich and wide-ranging conversation that also touches on gamelan music, Montessori learning, and the power of never stop learning.
12/03/2025
Francesca Mecano, Middle College Student at Skyline College
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Francesca Mecano, a Skyline College middle college student, about identity, leadership, and the power of finding your voice. Francesca shares her journey of self-discovery, how joining the Kababayan learning community transformed her connection to her culture, and why being unapologetically herself is her guiding purpose. Tune in for an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about resilience, belonging, and becoming who you’re meant to be.
11/13/2025
Melinda Nguyen, Director of Nursing, College of San Mateo
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Melinda Nguyen, Director of the Nursing Program at College of San Mateo, about leading with joy in a high-stakes field. Melinda shares her path from being turned away from med school to marrying into nursing school, her mission to bring joy and stability to novice nurses, and how her team pulled off national ACSN accreditation after 20 years of stalled attempts. The conversation also covers protecting evenings and weekends from work, and AI's evolving role in nursing education.
11/03/2025
Rosanne Foust, President & CEO, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Rosanne Foust, President & CEO of SAMCEDA, about leadership, giving back, and the power of community partnership. Rosanne reflects on her decades of public service, her deep ties to SMCCCD—from bond support to housing advocacy—and the role community colleges play in driving economic opportunity. Tune in for a heartfelt and forward-looking conversation on values, workforce, and what it means to truly serve your community.
09/29/2025
Nicole Taylor, President & CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, Chancellor Melissa Moreno is joined by Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, access, and shared responsibility in one of the most affluent—and inequitable—regions in the world. Nicole reflects on the values that shape her work, the role of philanthropy in closing opportunity gaps, and the critical importance of education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose during times of rapid change, economic uncertainty, and growing divides, and how mission-driven institutions can serve as anchors of stability, hope, and opportunity for the communities they serve.
07/29/2025
Michael Llanell-Vararaj, SMCCCD 2025-26 Student Trustee
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Student Trustee Michael Lanell-Vararaj about leadership, student voice, and building community across our colleges. Michael shares his journey through SMCCCD as a “swirling student,” his passion for nursing and public service, and how compassion shapes his approach to life and advocacy. Tune in for a heart-centered conversation about student leadership, resilience, and the power of showing up.
07/22/2025
Dr. Nate Carter, Skyline College President
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Dr. Nate Carter, the new president of Skyline College, about leadership, courage, and community-driven values. Dr. Carter shares his vision for inclusive education, the power of partnerships, and how technology and trust can transform the future of higher education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about equity, innovation, and building stronger networks across our colleges.
06/16/2025
Dr. Aaron McVean, SMCCCD Vice Chancellor
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Dr. Aaron McVean, the District’s Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning, about the power of data, policy, and purpose in driving student success. Aaron shares insights on transforming systems, supporting equity, and how bold ideas take shape through collaboration and research. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic planning shapes the future of community college education.
