By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
After years of advocating for classmates, leading college organizations and making an impact in communities across Arizona and beyond, Kelly Sukkha is taking on a new role: the 2026–27 student representative to the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board.
"Being selected as the student governing board member is one of the greatest honors of my educational journey," Sukkha said. "Community college completely changed the direction of my life. Now I have the privilege of giving back."
As a psychology major at Rio Salado College, Sukkha sees the position as an opportunity to listen to the diverse experiences of Maricopa students and advocate for their needs.
"Every student has a different story, whether they're attending classes online, balancing work and family, returning to school after many years or overcoming personal challenges," she said. "My role is to listen, advocate and bring those perspectives to the governing board."
Sukkha channels her own life experiences, including losing family members in the Colombian conflict and spending time in an orphanage in Medellín, into her commitment to helping others.
She currently leads Rio Salado College’s Alpha Theta Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa as president and previously held the role of Arizona Regional President for the PTK Honor Society.
Those experiences have prepared her to represent the 100,000+ students across the Maricopa district.
"Serving as Arizona regional president for PTK taught me how to represent students beyond my own campus," Sukkha said. "While every campus has unique strengths and challenges, students often share the same desire to be heard, supported and given opportunities to succeed."
Beyond PTK, Sukkha has volunteered with organizations including Aid to Adoption of Special Kids, Feed My Starving Children and Phoenix Rescue Mission.
One experience that shaped Sukkha’s leadership perspective was volunteering at an orphanage in Thailand. Working alongside children from different cultural backgrounds reinforced the importance of listening first, understanding different perspectives and recognizing that every person has a unique story.
"Service has taught me that effective advocacy begins with listening rather than assuming what someone needs," Sukkha said. "Leadership isn't about speaking for people— it's about creating opportunities for them to be heard and ensuring their voices influence decisions."
During her term, Sukkha hopes to increase awareness of student resources while elevating the needs of online learners, working adults, parents, veterans and foster youth. She also wants to strengthen connections between students and their college communities.
"Through Rio Salado College and PTK, I discovered that one person can help create meaningful change when they're willing to listen, collaborate and take action," she said. "Leadership isn't about titles; it's about serving others and helping people feel seen, heard and valued."
As she begins her term, Sukkha hopes her impact will be measured not by her own accomplishments, but by the opportunities created for future students. She wants every Maricopa student— regardless of their background, circumstances or how they attend college— to know they belong and that their voice matters.