A career built at the intersection of education, equity, and technology

Dr. Jacqueline Hester is a higher education executive, AI strategist, national speaker, and public safety workforce leader advancing the intersection of emerging technology, equity, and career pathways. She brings a distinctive dual perspective to California higher education, serving at the campus level as a dean and at the system level as an AI strategist supporting the state’s 116 community colleges. This vantage point informs how she designs workforce solutions, advises institutions on responsible AI adoption, and prepares students and communities for a rapidly changing economy.

Leading Public Safety Education

Dr. Hester, Dean of Public Safety at San Diego Miramar College, is responsible for more than 350 faculty members and classified professionals across the college’s eight workforce training programs. Among the programs in her portfolio are California’s first Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Management, Fire Technology, Emergency Medical Technician training, Lifeguard training, Administration of Justice, the San Diego Regional Police Academy, and the San Diego Sheriff and Detention Academies. She directs the college’s complex academic and workforce activities with a focus on student success, fiscal responsibility, enrollment growth, partnerships with public agencies, and innovative teaching methods.

Under her leadership, public safety has secured more than $3 million in grants and workforce funding to expand access, improve career readiness, and enhance the region’s public safety capabilities. Throughout her career, she has championed access and positive outcomes for marginalized student groups, establishing campus environments where students are accepted, supported, and prepared to succeed. Her leadership is recognized for turning ambitious ideas into sustainable programs, high-performing teams, and tangible community impact.

Advancing AI Statewide

As a 2025–2027 AI Fellow with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Dr. Hester is working to ensure artificial intelligence is incorporated in a responsible and practical way across education, workforce development, and public safety. Through her statewide work, she brings together educators, employers, public agencies, and technology leaders to move AI from concept to real implementation. Her initiatives include the Reel Futures Student AI Film Shorts Competition and the California Community Colleges Esports Competition, both designed to promote creativity, collaboration, digital fluency, and real-world skill development.

A Sought-After Voice

Dr. Hester is widely sought after as a keynote speaker, panelist, and conference presenter, with expertise spanning AI strategy, the future of work, innovation in public safety, workforce transformation, equity-centered technology adoption, systems change, and leadership development. In 2026, California State Senator Brian W. Jones recognized Dr. Hester as one of 20 distinguished women from the 40th Senate District during the district’s annual Woman of the Year Awards Ceremony, honoring women for their leadership, service, and impact throughout the region. In 2021, she received the Women of Excellence Award from Project H.O.O.D. in Chicago for her commitment to excellence and for setting inspiring standards.

From Chicago to San Diego

An inspirational and versatile leader known for turning vision into reality, Dr. Hester has spent more than two decades in education and administrative roles — from Chicago to San Diego — building teams, securing funding, and driving cultural change, fostering inclusive work environments where people from every background feel respected and heard.

She has co-led nationally recognized equity initiatives and helped secure multimillion-dollar grants and transformational gifts, pairing financial acumen and operational discipline — sharpened through her M.B.A. in Financial Fraud Examination & Management — with a scholar’s commitment to equity and leadership.

The 2nd Chance Restorative Justice Program

At Kennedy-King College, Dr. Hester created and led the first Restorative Justice 2nd Chance Program — a collaboration with Cisco and the Cook County Circuit Court that gave justice-involved students a path to real industry credentials in information technology.

“I have had the opportunity to be a part of many projects; however, the 2nd Chance Restorative Justice Program is near and dear to my heart. This program was a collaborative effort, and I want to personally thank Cisco, the Cook County Circuit Court, community partners, and our amazing Kennedy-King College faculty. Many said this program couldn’t be done, but anything is possible when you have a village that believes in our students. This is a true testament that if we continue to invest, our students’ dreams can become a reality.”