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SAAC President Brittney Tran Voted Equity Champion
Posted: Jun 14, 2021

SAAC President Brittney Tran Voted Equity Champion

De Anza College honored its 2020-21 Equity Champion winners on June 11 during an online ceremony, in front of faculty, staff, administrators, students and guests. Brittney Tran became the first-ever student-athlete to receive the award in the student category. Tran was recognized for her many accomplishments as Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) president; her advocacy around social justice activities and the athletic department's safe return to campus.

"This award is such honor," said Tran, who was a member of the women's soccer team and badminton team.

"I have the entire De Anza PE & Athletics faculty and staff to thank. You all believed in me when I didn't know I could achieve such things. Thank you to my coaches, advisors, and all other faculty that guided me these past three years. I will continue to take all these amazing experiences to in my next community, and share the love and support you all have given to me. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. And shout out to the SAAC team for always putting your best foot forward for your peers! I couldn't have done it without you all."

The Equity Champions program was created to recognize and celebrate those who make significant contributions to inclusiveness at De Anza – and to advancing the college's vision of equity, social justice and multicultural education. The program is sponsored by the Equity Action Council, a college shared governance group.

The 2021 recipients were:

Members of the athletic department, SAAC, and Tran's family attended the event to celebrate her honor.

"Brittney has the ability to get others to follow in her positive and caring way," Eric Mendoza, dean of physical education and athletics, said during the ceremony.

"Under her inclusive leadership, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council experienced its highest levels of student participation and advocacy – all during the most challenging time for student-athletes. The athletic department is proud to celebrate Brittney's Equity Champion Award – a fitting tribute to the wonderful legacy she leaves behind."

De Anza College president Dr. Lloyd Holmes added that Tran was instrumental in the result of athletics returning to campus this spring, as she led in hosting meetings between SAAC and college administration.

"When I think about the award-winners, I see the very best of De Anza College," added Holmes.

Tran will participate in online commencement on June 25, before heading to UC Davis as a pre-med student.

For more information on the awards, please visit: https://www.deanza.edu/gov/eac/champions/index.html

 

Excerpts from Athletic Department nominations for Brittney Tran:

Women's Soccer Head Coach Cheryl Owiesny: 

"Brittney is a member of the women's soccer team. She was quickly respected and embraced the opportunity that was extended to her. Brittney got involved in 2019 with the Student-Athlete Advisory Council where she found a place to have a voice and make a difference. She has been so supportive of all of her teammates and the athletic community at De Anza. During the 2019 season she asked so many great questions on her path to learning and improving in her ability to play soccer. What Brittney did not realize was that she was creating in her way a safe place for all her teammates to ask questions. Brittney has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has spent numerous hours as a member of SAAC. She has led SAAC through what will probably be one of our student-athletes most difficult times. SAAC was instrumental in communicating their need to return to campus for conditioning. She spoke very purposefully to our college administrators and chancellors about why De Anza student-athletes needed to return to campus. It was evident that she spent a lot of time working with others. One sure fact about Brittney is that she doesn't do something just to do it. When she does something, she is all in and she has managed to do a lot this past year.  

Brittney and the rest of SAAC have raised the level of what our student-athletes can expect. In a very unpredictable year they worked collaboratively to support each other and so many others in the De Anza Community. Some other equity and social justice initiatives they have provide this year are One Love Campaign- healthy relationships, True Colors Leadership workshops and Choose to Challenge.  They have also created merchandise to sell for De Anza Athletics. Brittney has also managed to be a mentor in biological sciences at De Anza College. Brittney has been an inspiration to me as a coach. Always having an open attitude towards all, is positive, caring and inclusive. This past year she has truly taken this opportunity as the SAAC president and embraced learning leadership, involvement and how to make and promote change. In the end, Brittney was provided an opportunity to be involved on the women's soccer team and has then herself taken this opportunity and all the opportunities it has provide and thrived. She has shown what can happen when someone is encouraged try."  

Athletic Trainer Christiana Kaleialii:

"Brittney helped organize BLM and AAPI townhalls for the student-athletes in response to current events. She also advocated for on-campus activity for student-athletes and for them to return safely. She rallied for participation from all sports in SAAC. I am beyond proud to see Brittney recognized as a Champion of Equity after her tireless efforts over the last year in providing a space for all student-athletes and her various community efforts. She helped facilitate the return to campus for athletics, she and her amazing SAAC team, organized racial justice townhalls for the different affiliate groups, and she piloted a community service project that resulted in providing over 1,700 meals to families in Santa Clara County."

Athletic Trainer David Kobata:

"During her term as Student-Athlete Advisory Council president, Brittney has made her it one of her missions to practice equity and urge her fellow student-athletes to participate in any equity-focused events. Brittney has participated in a social justice video with peers for Black Lives Matter; and led the department with our AAPI Townhall. Brittney has shown tremendous leadership as SAAC president by advocating for all of her constituents to participate in social justice events occurring across the Bay Area. She also led the SAAC group with donating time to participate in The Turkey Trot and Can Do Challenge which benefits charities."

Division Dean Eric Mendoza:

"Brittney leads a diverse SAAC group that consists of three other executive officers, seven commissioners, and more than 40 members – through a series of weekly planning meetings, bi-weekly general meetings, and additional workshops and trainings. She works closely with club advisors, the athletic director and division dean to enhance the student experience and promote an inclusive environment that represents more than 400 student-athletes. Brittney leads her student peers by example and makes sound decisions through an equity lens. Above all else, Brittney leads with great character and integrity. Her excellent work ethic, people skills, and emotional intelligence are second to none. She has the ability to get others to follow; and her passion to help others is contagious. Under Brittney's leadership, SAAC has experienced its highest levels of student participation, advocacy and overall campus involvement – all during the most challenging time for student-athletes.

Brittney was instrumental in hosting the first-ever SAAC Orientation & Leadership Retreat at the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year – a two-day program that included True Colors training, Student Leadership Challenge principles, presenters and guest speakers, including new college president Dr. Lloyd Holmes. Brittney is known for her commitment to "Model The Way" for others and "Leading By Example." She presented on these topics during the Leadership Retreat – and has remained true to these values as SAAC president. She assisted the Physical Education & Athletics Division with coordinating and hosting important forums on Black Lives Matter and Anti-Asian Racism. Brittney has been the top advocate for helping her peers cope without sports activity during the pandemic. She has organized and led meetings with the Athletics Department, College Senior Administration, DASB, and the Board of Trustees – providing a respectful voice for the student-athletes' safe and healthy return to campus. Her leadership has been admirable during this challenging time, as she has often been the sounding board for her peers around equity – as many have struggled with mental/psychological wellness during COVID. Brittney has led SAAC through conversations around social justice and anti-racism; providing safe spaces for important dialogue among all 16 sport teams. Brittney is a member of the De Anza College women's soccer team, badminton team, an Honor Roll biology major, and a member of Mentors@De Anza. She hopes to attend UC Davis as a Pre-Med student. Brittney has been a true Equity Champion at De Anza College."

 

Chat Messages from June 11 Ceremony:

13:28:01 From Amy Wang (she/her) - Chat Monitor to Everyone:
*DRUM ROLL*!
13:28:34 From Khoa Nguyen (he/him) to Everyone:
Congrats Brittney!
13:28:36 From Edmundo Norte (he/him/ese) to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!!!
13:28:38 From DuJuan Green to Everyone:
Congrats, Brittney! :)
13:28:48 From Chesa C (she/they) to Everyone:
Congrats Brittney! :)
13:28:50 From Michele Fritz to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!
13:28:50 From Christine Chai (she/her) to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!
13:28:53 From Amy Wang (she/her) - Chat Monitor to Everyone:
Round of Applause for Brittney!
13:28:54 From Derrick E Felton to Everyone:
Congrats Ms. Tran
13:29:02 From Amy Wang (she/her) - Chat Monitor to Everyone:
Welcome Eric!
13:29:03 From Karen Chow (she, her) to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!!
13:29:05 From Mayra Cruz (she/her/ella) to Everyone:
Congratulations, Brittney!
13:29:24 From Jovanah Arrington to Everyone:
Congrats Brittney!! Well deserved. Such a pleasure to work with you :)
13:29:27 From Rob Mieso to Everyone:
Congratulations, Brittney!
13:29:31 From phong lam to Everyone:
Congratulation Brittney! Continue the great work.
13:29:38 From Judy Miner to Everyone:
Congratulations, Brittney! Amazing accomplishments!
13:29:43 From Christian Rodriguez to Everyone:
Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). The purpose of the club is to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC offers input on the activities, program services, and policies that affect student-athletes. Input of the SAAC will be requested on various issues and topics as initiated by the Dean of Physical Education & Athletics or designee. Contact Info deanzasaac@gmail.com
13:29:55 From Susan Ho to Everyone: 
Congratulations, Brittney!!! We're so proud of you!
13:30:01 From Amy Wang (she/her) - Chat Monitor to Everyone:
"Congrats Brittney!! Well deserved. Such a pleasure to work with you :)" -JA
13:30:17 From Louise Madrigal to Everyone:
Congrats Brit! We are so proud of you!! ����
13:30:21 From Elvin T. Ramos to Everyone:
Brittney!! - congratulations! You are such a role model for many. You are a great leader and a fierce collaborator! Continue to shine! We are so proud of you.
13:30:28 From Moaty Fayek to Everyone:
Congratulation Brittney, Keep ups the great work.
13:30:30 From Manisha Karia to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!
13:30:47 From Suzanna Ramirez to Everyone:
Congratulations!!
13:30:50 From Mark Landefeld to Everyone:
Congrats Brittany — keep walking the talk!
13:31:11 From Lorrie Ranck (she/her) to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!
13:31:20 From Amy Wang (she/her) - Chat Monitor to Everyone:
"Brittney!! - congratulations! You are such a role model for many. You are a great leader and a fierce collaborator! Continue to shine! We are so proud of you." -ETR
13:31:45 From Michele LeBleu-Burns to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!!
13:31:45 From Roseanne Giannini Quinn to Everyone:
Congratulations, Britteny: Thank you for all you have done to support our amazing team of De Anza student athletes! You are great!
13:32:01 From Brian Malone (he/him) to Everyone:
Congratulations, Brittney!!
13:32:36 From Joycie K to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!!!! You more than deserve this award! You are an amazing leader and person overall :)
13:32:44 From Melissa Aguilar (she/her/ella) to Everyone:
Congratulations Brittney!!!!! Keep leading!!!
13:32:56 From Mallory Newell (she/her) to Everyone:
Congratulations, Brittany. Such a cool little you on your slide!!!
13:33:08 From Edmundo Norte (he/him/ese) to Everyone:
Thank you Cheryl for your expression of appreciation for recognizing Brittney!!
13:33:10 From Kulwant Singh to Everyone:
Congratulations to all the award winners