Portrait of Heather Conklin, Trustee (Area 7) for MiraCosta Community College District
Community college opened the door to my future. Affordable education isn’t just a pathway—it’s the spark that empowers students, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities.

Hi, I’m Heather.

Heather was appointed Trustee for Area 7 of the MiraCosta Community College District and confirmed by voters in 2024. As a Trustee, she has advanced policies that expand student access to basic needs support, strengthen partnerships aligned with regional workforce priorities, and promote innovation to ensure the college remains student-centered and forward-looking.

A dedicated and experienced public servant, Heather serves as a Deputy Director with the County of San Diego, where she helps guide policy and program development with a strong emphasis on inclusive engagement and measurable community impact. Previously, she served as a District Director in the California State Assembly, working collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to advocate for constituents and ensure community voices were reflected in public policy decisions. Across her career, she has demonstrated that strong partnerships and meaningful participation are essential to effective public service.

Her leadership is grounded in a strong academic foundation. Heather holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of California, Davis, and an Associate of Arts in Communication from Mt. San Antonio College. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Claremont Graduate University.

Heather lives in Oceanside with her spouse and their rescue dog and rabbit and remains deeply committed to serving her community.



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