Ellyzah Lemus, a San Diego native, has joined the Office of the President at San Diego City College as the new administrative assistant IV. Her role began May 4, 2023. 

The new title marks a full circle moment for the City College alumna who held her first job at the college. 

“It is because of higher education that has placed me in this position. Working in higher education has taught me new things every day, and is continuing to teach me,” said Lemus. “I have been surrounded by people who believe in me, who encourage me, and see great things in me, even when I don’t even know it myself. With that kind of work environment, I feel as though I am able to try anything, be anything.” 

Lemus got her start in higher education as a peer mentor at City College. A job she held while earning an Associate in Arts degree for Transfer in English. She transferred to San Diego State University to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Rhetoric and Writing Studies. 

As administrative assistant IV in the President's Office, Lemus supports Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D. and his executive team with administrative tasks that serve the college’s mission and priorities.  

Being a first-generation student, Lemus utilized working on campus to excel in her academics. “When I was a student at City College, I didn’t qualify for financial aid. I wanted to find a way to pay my own way through tuition costs without the assistance of my parents,” she explained. “School was my priority. Therefore, I wanted to work somewhere where I was given the freedom to work around my academic schedule instead of my education revolving around work.” 

The City College motto is “you belong here.” Lemus looks forward to making a further impact college-wide and fostering a sense of belonging is at the forefront. “When I worked as a student, I looked forward to making a positive impact on my peers who were going through the same situations that I was in. Though that has not changed, I now look forward to making a positive impact on the college itself, even if it is a small one.”