The School of Business Technical Careers & Workforce Initiatives has hired Jennifer Peña as the new associate dean of Career Education. Pena will lead efforts in Career & Life Design Services and oversee key career education initiatives, including the Strong Workforce Program (SWP), Perkins, and other grants and special projects that support student career development and workforce alignment.

A dedicated higher education professional, Pena brings over a decade of experience in career development, student success, and workforce partnerships. She has a strong track record of managing large-scale budgets, securing competitive grant funding, and fostering strategic collaborations that connect students to meaningful career pathways. Her leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to equity, continuous improvement, and student-centered innovation. Pena previously served in the acting associate dean role for seven months, where she provided strong leadership during a time of transition. 

Since joining Miramar College in 2019, she has served in several impactful roles supporting Outreach, student retention, and program development. She is widely recognized for creating inclusive, welcoming environments and leading initiatives that uplift historically underrepresented students. As a proud first-generation college graduate, Pena is deeply passionate about access and opportunity, and she works to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.