Chatting with the Chancellor Podcast
Welcome to Chatting with the Chancellor, a podcast from the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) featuring Chancellor Melissa Moreno in candid conversations about the issues shaping education, our communities, and the world around us. Each episode explores timely topics with thought-provoking guests and offers insights into how community colleges are responding to today’s challenges and opportunities.
11/03/2025
Rosanne Foust, President & CEO, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Rosanne Foust, President & CEO of SAMCEDA, about leadership, giving back, and the power of community partnership. Rosanne reflects on her decades of public service, her deep ties to SMCCCD—from bond support to housing advocacy—and the role community colleges play in driving economic opportunity. Tune in for a heartfelt and forward-looking conversation on values, workforce, and what it means to truly serve your community.
09/29/2025
Nicole Taylor, President & CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, Chancellor Melissa Moreno is joined by Nicole Taylor, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, access, and shared responsibility in one of the most affluent—and inequitable—regions in the world. Nicole reflects on the values that shape her work, the role of philanthropy in closing opportunity gaps, and the critical importance of education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose during times of rapid change, economic uncertainty, and growing divides, and how mission-driven institutions can serve as anchors of stability, hope, and opportunity for the communities they serve.
07/29/2025
Michael Llanell-Vararaj, SMCCCD 2025-26 Student Trustee
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Student Trustee Michael Lanell-Vararaj about leadership, student voice, and building community across our colleges. Michael shares his journey through SMCCCD as a “swirling student,” his passion for nursing and public service, and how compassion shapes his approach to life and advocacy. Tune in for a heart-centered conversation about student leadership, resilience, and the power of showing up.
07/22/2025
Dr. Nate Carter, Skyline College President
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Dr. Nate Carter, the new president of Skyline College, about leadership, courage, and community-driven values. Dr. Carter shares his vision for inclusive education, the power of partnerships, and how technology and trust can transform the future of higher education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about equity, innovation, and building stronger networks across our colleges.
06/16/2025
Dr. Aaron McVean, SMCCCD Vice Chancellor
In this episode of Chatting with the Chancellor, SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno speaks with Dr. Aaron McVean, the District’s Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning, about the power of data, policy, and purpose in driving student success. Aaron shares insights on transforming systems, supporting equity, and how bold ideas take shape through collaboration and research. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how strategic planning shapes the future of community college education.
