Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger honored Dr. Jill Zimmerman, Dean of Student Life and Services at Antelope Valley College, during the sold out Los Angeles County Commission for Women’s 38th Annual “Women of the Year” Awards and Scholarship Celebration.
“We are here to recognize some truly outstanding women who are champions for change and work tirelessly for the betterment of our community,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Dr. Zimmerman was my pick as the Fifth District honoree because she’s dedicated her entire career to serving the Antelope Valley and helping young people achieve their full potential. As Dean of Student Life and Services at Antelope Valley College for 22 years, she has championed mental health initiatives, foster youth programs, veterans support, homeless services and health care. She takes a holistic approach to equip students for a successful future and has touched countless lives.”
Colleagues and supporters gathered at the event to honor Dr. Zimmerman, including representatives from Antelope Valley College and Antelope Valley Partners for Health, where she sits on the Board of Directors.
“I am honored to receive this award in recognition of my service to the Antelope Valley community,” said Dr. Jill Zimmerman. “It’s inspiring to be surrounded with fellow strong women who are also committed to positively impacting the lives of those they encounter. I encounter students on a daily basis who arrive without a lot of hope. Through education and by developing meaningful relationships with them, I and those I partner with help bring out their dreams, goals, and talents to change the trajectory of their lives. There’s no better feeling than that.”
Dr. Zimmerman is actively engaged in Antelope Valley College’s housing efforts for homeless students. She’s on multiple planning committees that develop partnerships in support of those students and has written countless grants — including one for $2.1M to house students. Her heart and passion for helping those who are vulnerable extends to animals as well as she runs Jill’s Acres, a local animal rescue for homeless dogs and cats.
For more than 42 years, Dr. Zimmerman has worked in higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University, a Masters of Arts Degree in Student Affairs and Counseling from Western Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education, with minors in Higher Education Administration and Research and Statistics from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Zimmerman has been a National Board Certified Counselor since 1996.