OCEANSIDE, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Daniel Villa, Associate Director of Education at UEI College in Oceanside, has been awarded the Hispanic Heritage Local Leader Award by California Assemblywoman Laurie Davies in recognition of his service, leadership, and dedication to mentoring students.
The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional community impact, resilience, and cultural contributions. Villa, the son of Mexican immigrants, was recognized for his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and providing second chances to residents across the Oceanside area.
“Daniel Villa embodies the resilience and determination we celebrate during Hispanic Heritage Month,” Davies said. “By giving local students second chances and opportunities to succeed, he is transforming lives and making a lasting impact on the community that raised him.”
Villa’s ties to the campus location run deep. Long before the UEI College Oceanside facility was built, the property housed an indoor swap meet where Villa’s family shopped and his cousin operated a bicycle shop. Today, Villa helps adult learners prepare for skilled careers in the same location.
“I am proud and blessed to be recognized and given the opportunity to represent my community, my campus, and my family,” Villa said. “My heart is full of gratitude being surrounded by amazing mentors, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Villa began his professional career in 2005 working in the dental field, aiming to build trust and expand care access within the local Hispanic community. After six years in clinical dentistry, he transitioned into education, serving as an instructor and program director before joining UEI College in 2011. Outside the classroom, Villa continues to work alongside his father in their family’s agricultural business and coordinates independent charitable initiatives providing essential supplies to local families in need.
“Daniel Villa is more than a leader in the Oceanside community,” said Jaclyn Marquez, UEI College Oceanside Campus President, who nominated Villa for the honor. “He is a testament to what can happen when hard work, perseverance, family values, education, and a commitment to helping others come together. Daniel doesn’t judge people by where they have been; he focuses on where they can go.”
Villa credited his parents’ perseverance and his campus colleagues for shaping his career.
“I am honored to be a part of the positive transformation in my community and to represent my culture,” Villa added. “I give thanks to God, my parents, and the amazing people at UEI College Oceanside.”
About UEI College
UEI College is an accredited institution that offers a range of vocational and skilled trade programs to help students earn a diploma and get started in a new career in as few as 10 months. In addition to career-focused education, UEI provides students with extensive support services, including career services and job placement assistance. UEI provides hands on career training in entry-level health care and the skilled trades at campuses throughout California. To learn more visit UEI.edu.
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SOURCE UEI College
