Josephine Cuevas was born in the Philippines and moved to America when she was just six years old. The transition was challenging, to say the least. She did not understand or speak the language, had never been exposed to people of diverse racial backgrounds, and struggled to grasp social norms, making it difficult to fit in. During this time, she experienced bullying and racism because of her Asian background.
Despite these early hardships, these experiences played a significant role in shaping her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. They helped instill in her a deep sense of empathy for others who may be going through similar struggles.
To cope and move forward, Josephine focused on her education. She progressed from being a “most improved” student to earning straight A’s and eventually secured a place in the National Honor Society. She went on to complete her Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees, building a career in higher education that spans over 20 years. Throughout her professional journey, she has carried with her the lessons learned in her youth—particularly the importance of resilience, compassion, and advocacy.
Josephine’s journey with the Unity Council began when she joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) subcommittee at SJVC Online. Being part of this group allowed her to contribute meaningfully toward creating more inclusive environments for students, faculty, and staff. The Online team has been responsible for DEI games played by students, as well as University Council announcements shared in e-Courses by faculty. The group strives to highlight diverse communities, showcasing their strengths and contributions to society—embracing the idea that there is strength in differences.
Today, Josephine is honored to serve as one of the co-chairs of the DEI program at SJVC. In this role, she is committed to championing equity and inclusion—not only as institutional priorities but as everyday practices. She works to ensure that individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Who They Are
They are a group of individuals dedicated to making SJVC a better place.
SJVCi provides a high-quality education to its students and upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism.
Their standards are defined by:
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Trustworthy conduct – being truthful in communications and actions; demonstrating dependability and loyalty; truthfulness reflects integrity
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Respectful behavior – treating everyone with civility, courtesy, tolerance, and acceptance, while recognizing the worth, dignity, and uniqueness of each individual
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Accountability – taking personal responsibility for one’s actions and decisions
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Fair and just actions – being impartial and equitable in decision-making; fairness reflects sincerity
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Compassion – caring for others both within and outside the organization; providing high-quality service and fostering positive relationships
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Good citizenship – ensuring that communities served experience long-term benefits; supporting both employees and students
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Responsible management – using resources wisely and maintaining fiscal responsibility