California State Treasurer Fiona Ma to Speak at Online Santa Monica College Commencement Ceremony June 25

California State Treasurer Fiona Ma will be the speaker at the 2021 Santa Monica College Opening Ceremony on June 25th. The ceremony will again be online as a virtual event this year, as public health safety protocols relate to large-scale in-person events during the the COVID-19 pandemic.

The opening ceremony begins punctually at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 25th. Families and friends from all over the world can enjoy the ceremony, the congratulatory speeches and the “Move the Tassel Moment” for the graduates on smc.edu/graduation. Special personal quotes, photos and short videos from graduates celebrating their academic achievements will also be on display.

A special graduate drive-thru celebration will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the SMC Bundy Campus, 3171 S. Bundy Drive, Los Angeles. The celebration will be a personal event and all COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed

Around 1,000 of the 5,135 students with degrees and certificates are expected to take part in this year’s final examination.

“We’re excited to add a personal component this year in the form of a graduate drive-through event, the second opening ceremony of Santa Monica College in a virtual environment,” said SMC Superintendent / President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “And we’re equally delighted that Treasurer Ma – an inspiring leader and civil servant who blew the glass ceiling – is speaking to the second cohort of SMC graduates who have persistently and successfully achieved their educational goals in one of the most difficult times.” of human history. I am incredibly proud of her! “

Graduates can download their personalized tribute video to share on social media. You can also tag your pictures and videos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with #proudtobesmc.

Fiona Ma is the 34th Treasurer of the State of California. She was elected by more votes (7,825,587) on November 6, 2018 than any other candidate for treasurer in the history of the state. She is the first black woman and the first certified public accountant (CPA) to be elected to this position.

Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker for California, the fifth largest economy in the world. Her office processes more than $ 2 trillion in payments annually and manages an investment portfolio of more than $ 124 billion, of which approximately $ 34.8 billion is local government funds. She serves as a government bond sales agent and is a trustee for $ 93 billion in debt.

In 2020, her office refinanced $ 6.2 billion in debt, saving California taxpayers $ 1.8 billion.

Prior to being elected treasurer, she was an elected member of the California Board of Equalization from 2015 to January 2019, working to protect taxpayers’ rights while ensuring that California got its fair share of tax revenues.

Treasurer Ma served in the California State Assembly from 2006 to 2012 and as Speaker pro Tempore from 2010 to 2012. During the budget crisis, it passed laws to expand access to health care and protect education and the environment.

She served on the San Francisco Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006 and worked on many topics including ending human trafficking in massage parlors.

Treasurer Ma entered the civil service in 1994 when she was elected president of the Asian Business Association. She worked for Ernst & Whinney from 1989 to 1993 before starting her own accounting practice in San Francisco.

Treasurer Ma has been a California Chartered Chartered Accountant since 1992 and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology (NY), a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University (SF), and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

She is a member of the Vatican Council on Inclusive Capitalism, a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants, a member of the Board of California Women Lead, honorary chairperson and spokesperson for the San Francisco Hepatitis B Free Campaign, and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. She is married to Jason Hodge, a full-time firefighter and Oxnard Harbor Commissioner.

Grace Smith, Public Information Officer