Kriti Dogra was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a progressive neuromuscular condition that affects mobility. She is a Health Services major who earned a 3.9 Grade Point Average and was named to the Dean’s List twice. “Living with a progressive disability means every assignment, project, and exam takes extra time and energy, but I never gave up. My disability does not limit my abilities; my hard work and strength define me,” she said. In addition to her degree, she will also receive her Medical Billing and Coding certificate. “I am deeply grateful to HCCC for giving me the chance to turn my struggles into strength,” she said.
Kelli Frey, 54, will receive her second degree from HCCC. She earned her Associate in Science degree in Medical Assisting in 2016. At 19, she became a mom, then welcomed two more children and focused on family. Kelli lost her mother at age 62, and cared for her terminally ill father until his death. She worked as a classroom aide, assisting special education students in high school, and learning American Sign Language. After her husband died, Kelli enrolled at HCCC, this time to pursue her true calling – becoming a teacher. She received a scholarship and was named to the Dean’s List.
Shalisa Gonzalez will receive her degree in Early Childhood Education. While fulfilling her academic requirements, she served as a childcare director and worked as a realtor. She is the founder of the nonprofit Greenville Community Leaders. “Wearing many hats required discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. There were long days managing responsibilities and late nights completing assignments,” she said. Completing her education was essential, a promise she made to herself and the community she serves. She plans to pursue her Bachelor’s degree, deepening her commitment to shape young minds and strengthen her community.
Yousef Mohammed, who is part of the HCCC Early College Program, is graduating from High Tech High School after he graduates from HCCC. “The Early College program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience because it allowed me to challenge myself academically while earning college credits at the same time. Through HCCC, I was able to explore advanced coursework, build stronger study habits, and gain confidence in my ability to succeed in a college environment before graduating from high school. This experience has prepared me well for my next step at Cornell University, where I plan to study Applied Economics and Information Science. Thank you again for this opportunity, and congratulations to the Class of 2026!”
Ashley Polanco is a Psychology major who dropped out of high school after motherhood, added new responsibilities and obstacles – at age 16. She never let go of her belief in herself and her abilities. “Being a mother of three while working and going to school wasn’t easy, but my kids became my motivation. I wanted them to see that no matter how long it takes or how many challenges come your way, you can still achieve your goals,” she said.
Tharushi Rathnayake emigrated from Sri Lanka to the United States in 2021 to build a better future. Unwilling to place a financial burden on her parents, she enrolled at HCCC while working full time, sometimes 50 hours per week. She endured sleepless nights, long shifts, and exhaustion. “Every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself why I started. Thinking about my parents’ sacrifices and believing in the opportunities ahead of me gave me the strength to push forward,” she said. A Business Administration major, she aims to start her own business and inspire others.
Natasha Rivera dedicated 20 years to the photography and fashion industry before pursing her degree in Early Childhood Education. She wanted a chance to grow, learn, and rediscover her passions. Stepping into a classroom for the first time in over two decades was both daunting and exhilarating. “My journey took on even greater meaning when my son graduated from HCCC just last year. Seeing the pride in his eyes and witnessing his hard-earned achievement filled me with hope and determination,” she said.
Mars Rodriguez dropped out of school due to numerous issues, including her family being evicted from their home. A decade later, she will receive her Associate’s degree in Mathematics. Mars is a Fidelity scholarship recipient, Hudson Scholar, National Society for Leadership and Success inductee, president of the LGBTQ+ Club, tutor, academic coach, and mentor. “I will leave with the titles I earned and the connections I couldn’t have had anywhere else,” she said.
Dr. Joseph Segriff has a lifelong passion for learning, and holds nearly three dozen college degrees. He was the first in his family to attend college. He has received at least one degree from 21 colleges and universities. Dr. Segriff will add his Associate’s degree in Theater Arts to his college credentials.
Maria Silva has earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology. As an immigrant, wife, and mother, she faced challenges to completing her academic requirements. The 40-something, first-generation college student says she focused on taking small steps rather than leaps to reach her goals. She started out by enrolling in English as a Second Language courses to address the language barrier. Maria also credits the nationally acclaimed Bellwether College Consortium award-winning Hudson Scholars program for helping her succeed. “I thank the Hudson Scholars program and my advisor for calling me every month to make sure I had all the tools I needed,” Maria said.
Diamond Vazquez suffered a fractured pelvis while serving in the military, putting her at a crossroads. She pivoted directions, working as an esthetician before stepping away from the skincare industry to reassess her life. “Deep down, I knew I could do more and I was meant for more,” she said. She enrolled at HCCC to major in Construction Management. Diamond worked side-by-side with her daughter, each doing their respective homework. She is proud to have demonstrated strength, sacrificed sleep, and refused to settle in her search for a fulfilling and family-sustaining career.
Jasmine Williams, 41, is a Culinary Arts major who likens her college journey as a battle for survival. She volunteered for military service at 21, was raped at age 26, and discharged two years later with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Several job losses and suicide attempts ensued. She completed her degree in medical science, but her dream was culinary school. Jasmine enrolled at HCCC in 2023. Soon after, she lost her mom. Her home was engulfed in flames. At age 41, she took a semester off. Temporarily staying with a friend, Jasmine supported her sister and son while her partner worked in Florida. “Every day is a constant fight to talk myself off the ledge. The only time the ‘noise’ stops is when I’m in the kitchen,” she said. “Food is the only thing I remember when I think of my family; it’s the one thing they gave me that I can still hold onto. The kitchen is where I finally found my peace.”
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About Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College serves more than 24,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management; Nursing and Health Professions; and Humanities and Social Sciences. The HCCC Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools. The College’s School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development offers cutting-edge, industry-recognized, stackable credentials in alignment with high-priority workforce needs.
HCCC has partnerships with major four-year colleges and universities in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education.
The College has received dozens of national awards throughout the years. HCCC was a finalist in seven categories of the 2026 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) “Awards of Excellence” and earned 2026 Advancing Institutional Equity and Belonging, Faculty Innovation, and Faculty of the Year Awards, in addition to Dale P. Parnell Faculty Recognition. HCCC also earned AACC 2024 “Awards of Excellence” including CEO of the Year, Faculty of the Year, and Student Success Awards. In 2023, HCCC received the Outstanding Member-Institution Award from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
For the sixth consecutive year, HCCC was selected as one of only a few community colleges in the United States to be named a “2026 Most Promising Place to Work in Community Colleges” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). HCCC was one of 22 community colleges in the nation, and the only college in New Jersey, to be recognized by ModernThink LLC and the “Chronicle of Higher Education” as a 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 “Great College to Work For®” and named to the 2024 and 2023 “Great Colleges Honor Roll of Distinction.”
HCCC is one of two colleges in the United States to be named a Top Ten Finalist in all three program categories for the nationally recognized 2023 Bellwether Awards, and received the 2023 Bellwether Award for the College’s cutting-edge “Hudson Scholars” program, which also won the 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award. HCCC further earned the 2026 Bellwether “Best in Showcase Award.”
The College’s exemplary work in advancing student success has been recognized with “Leader College of Distinction” designation by Achieving the Dream, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as catalysts for equity and mobility in their communities. HCCC also earned the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention in 2025, 2024 and 2023 for demonstrating leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion.
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) named the College the inaugural recipient of the 2025 ACCT national “Impact and Success Award.”
