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News and Events

Chats with the Chief feature Dr. Shinta Hernandez
Chats with the Chief

On February 11, we welcome Dr. Shinta Hernandez, Dean of MC Online and Academic Support, to chat with MCRPA virtually from 12-1 p.m. as a part of Super Staff Tuesday.

MCRPA invites a senior College leader each semester to speak about their professional journey. These leaders also share advice on how to navigate career progression and other priceless nuggets to encourage, empower, and support our members. Members have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with leaders outside of their normal role in the College.

Shinta Hernandez, Ph.D. is the Dean of MC Online and Academic Support at Montgomery College (MC), providing leadership in online education, open education, and the Digital Learning Center. From the time she started at MC in January 2007, she has helped to advance work in open education and open pedagogy, social justice and equity, inclusive curriculum, faculty professional development, international collaborations, online education, and the social science disciplines.

This event is open to the entire College community.

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Valentine's Day: Origami and Sweets

February 13, Rockville Campus, MK 122

Join MCRPA for a fun and educational day exploring the art of origami! Learn about its history and techniques while folding your own origami creations. We’ll be making flower origami, enjoying sweet treats, and catching up with one another.

No registration is required—just drop in and bring your colleagues to introduce them to MCRPA. Everyone is welcome to attend!


MCRPA Digest February 2025

As we step into February, I want to reflect on what an incredible start to the year we’ve had! January was a month full of inspiration, connection, and growth for MCRPA.

We kicked things off with Super Staff Tuesday, where Nghi and I presented on the power of visualization through vision boarding using Microsoft Whiteboard. It was a powerful session that left participants feeling energized and focused. 


MCRPA Committee Meetings

Get Involved and Make a Difference with MCRPA!

Joining a committee is one of the best ways to actively participate in the Montgomery College community. As a member, you have the chance to contribute and shape the future of MCRPA. Our committees consist of dedicated members who serve and support the mission of MCRPA. Each committee meets once a month, offering members insights into current initiatives, upcoming events, and important updates.

Interested in attending a committee meeting? Click a join link below at the time of the meeting.

Want to receive a calendar invite? Email the Committee Chair/Vice Chair and they will send a calendar invite.

We look forward to having you join us kick off the new academic year!

Membership, Marketing, and Communication
First Wednesday of the month, 10:00-11:00 p.m., Chair and Vice Chair: John Amoroso and Nghi Nguyen

Professional Development
First Thursday of the month, 2:00-2:45 p.m., Co-Chairs and Vice Chair: Michele Knight & Kimberly Bloch-Rincan and Anna Donohoe

Community Engagement and Events
Second Tuesday of the month, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Chair and Vice Chair: Maria Martinez and Nichole Land


Event Highlights

These are planned events for the Spring semester. We will send out information for additional information.

  • Chats with the Chief featuring Dr. Shinta Hernandez, February 11, 12:00-1:00 p.m., via Zoom
  • Valentine’s Day Origami and Sweets, February 13, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Rockville Campus
  • Staff Enrichment Day, March 19, Germantown Campus
  • National Poetry Week, April 2, 2:00-3:00 p.m., via Zoom
  • Five Weeks of Fun, April-May
  • 10th Annual MCRPA Retreat (Music, Food, Travel), May

Newsletters and Reports

MCRPA publishes annual newsletters and reviews to share the work that we do to support our community. If you like what we are doing, come join us and be part of the narrative.

  • September 2024 - Sun, Sand, and Memories: MCRPA’s 2024 Mexican Summer, View PDF (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) or View Magazinenew window
  • October 2024 - A Royal Affair: Exploring the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, View PDF (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) or View Magazinenew window
  • November 2024 - Fostering Leadership: The White House Fellows Program, View PDF (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) or View Magazinenew window