Opening Speaker: Regina Gong, Ph.D. 

Associate Dean for Student Success and Diversity
Helen K. and James S. Copley Library, University of San Diego

Dr. Regina Gong (she/her/hers) is the Assoc. Dean for Student Success and Diversity at the University of San Diego (USD) Copley Library. In her inaugural role at USD, Regina works closely with campus partners to foster academic excellence, equity, and inclusivity, ensuring every student thrives within and beyond the classroom.

With over two decades of library experience, including 15 years in academic libraries, Regina has been a leading voice for Open Educational Resources (OER) and student success. Before joining USD, she spearheaded a highly successful OER initiative and publishing service at Michigan State University (MSU) Libraries as the OER & Student Success Librarian.

An influential presence on the national stage, Regina has delivered numerous keynotes, presentations, webinars, and workshops on OER, open education, inclusive library practices, and the experiences of Women of Color in OER. A prolific scholar, Dr. Gong has contributed significantly to the academic discourse through journal articles, book chapters, and thought leadership pieces. Her research, grounded in her Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education at Michigan State University, examines critical approaches to understanding Women of Color faculty and academic librarians’  experiences, particularly how racial and gender identities shape professional practice in open education work. 

Dr. Gong earned her Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and maintains an active research agenda spanning OER, student success, and diversity, equity, and social justice in higher education, including critical explorations of how race and gender influence the professional work of Women of Color faculty and academic librarians.

Email: rgong@sandiego.edu
Phone: (619) 260-4176

LinkedIn | Google Scholar | ORCID

Community Speaker: Beatrice Zamora

Owner and Co-Founder, Tolteca Press
Retired Educator, Community Leader, Award-Winning Author

Beatrice Zamora-Aguilar is a retired educator and lifelong community leader.  Her formal education includes a B.A. degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies and an M.S. degree in Counselor Education. Her work in the community has revolved around teaching and learning about indigenous traditions of Mexico and the Southwestern U.S.  Beatrice is committed to social justice and equality for all.  Her particular interest is in developing literature for children that focuses upon culture, history and social justice.

In 2015, Beatrice retired from a distinguished 30-year career in the CA Community College District where she served underserved and underrepresented students in her positions as faculty and college dean. She was honored as the “Woman of the Year- Higher Ed.” by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez.

As a community advocate, Beatrice serves on several local boards, including the Chicano Park Steering Committee, The Community Advisory Council of the Centro Cultural de la Raza, the Mexi’cayotl Indio Cultural Center, and The Kumeyaay & Original Peoples Alliance.

Awards:
• Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, ‘21
• California Governor’s Historic Preservation Award, ‘21
• Latino International Book Awards:
    Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book,
    Best Educational Themed Book, ‘20

Email: toltecapress@gmail.com
Phone: (619) 948-8863

LinkedIn | Tolteca Press