Eliliana Becerra honored with Yuba Spirit Award for dedication to students
At Yuba College, Eliliana Becerra is more than just the director of the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program: she is a mentor, motivator and consistent source of support for the students she serves. Now, her hard work and community spirit are being recognized with one of the college’s highest honors: the Yuba Spirit Award.
The Yuba Spirit Award is presented to an employee who goes above and beyond their role based on nominations from the excellence awards process and from administrators at the College.
“Eli has gone above and beyond to create a MESA program that empowers students to reach higher in their journey,” Dotson said. “This year, she led a team to win the University of the Pacific’s competition for building prosthetic arms, has led multiple field trips, and her program’s enrollment is booming. Her colleagues are thrilled to work with her, and the students deeply appreciate the support she gives them in their educational journey.”
For Becerra, the recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“Receiving this award means I’m serving and succeeding in my role,” she said. “Personally, my goal is to treat everyone I meet with kindness and respect. Professionally, I just want to show up, be present and do my best every single day.”
The MESA program that Becerra leads is a vital part of Yuba College, offering support and opportunities to students pursuing careers in STEM. Her days are filled with countless responsibilities: some expected, others not.
“I wear a lot of hats,” Becerra said. “I’m the program director, analyst, crisis counselor, event planner… sometimes even detective. But I remind myself why I’m here. I’m here to help my students be successful and reach their goals, and that gives me the strength to keep going.”
Despite the challenges, Becerra says her favorite part of the job is celebrating her students’ achievements, whether big or small.
“Watching them score high on a test, or get accepted into their dream university—those are my favorite things about my job,” she said. “Watching them reach their goals, and the ‘thank-yous’ I get from them, that’s food for my soul.”
Even on her busiest days, Becerra makes sure to pause and truly listen to her students.
“There are times when they’re stressed, depressed, quiet or just need someone to talk to,” she said. “That’s the hard part, yet it’s the most important part of my job.”
To stay inspired, Becerra focuses on connection, not just with others, but with herself.
“I check in with my students and colleagues, but I also check in with myself,” she said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. I focus on the good and positive even when it seems impossible.”
Looking back on her journey at Yuba College, Becerra describes the experience as nothing short of rewarding.
“I work with a great administration and department team,” she said. “And the students here are so grateful and eager to grow and learn. They keep me busy, but it’s worth it. I love helping them reach their educational goals.”
With her passion, compassion and leadership, Becerra is not just helping students grow, she is inspiring an entire campus. With the Yuba Spirit Award, she is getting the recognition she truly deserves.