Episode 33 with Asm. Patrick Ahrens

On this episode of Leading Community Colleges in California, host Larry Galizio is joined by Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (26th Assembly District) whose leadership journey began as a community college student, then as an elected trustee, and now as a leader in the state legislature. He often shares that the opportunity to attend community college shaped his path in life. Prior to joining the Assembly, Ahrens served as a Trustee on the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board, where he led efforts to build affordable housing for faculty, staff, and students, and collaborated with Santa Clara County to establish a first-in-the-state medical clinic at De Anza College.

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A native of Silicon Valley, Ahrens is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by his constituents in one of the most dynamic yet demanding regions of California. His journey into public service was shaped by his own challenges, including growing up in a house with substance abuse issues and facing homelessness and housing insecurity as a college student. These experiences fueled his passion for public service and inspired his career advocating for affordable housing and education equity. He has championed policies to expand access and affordability in higher education, focusing on supporting community college students and ensuring pathways for economic mobility.

A first-generation college graduate, Ahrens earned an associate degree from De Anza College, a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and a master’s degree in public administration from San José State University. He resides in Sunnyvale and is proud to represent the vibrant communities of Santa Clara County in the State Assembly.