Kish College seats Gema Hernandez as Student Trustee, bids farewell to Diego Gonzalez Zabala

Kishwaukee College seated Gema Hernandez as the new Student Trustee on the College's Board of Trustees at the April meeting. Hernandez was elected by the student body to the position and took over the role of outgoing Student Trustee Diego Gonzalez Zabala.

Hernandez, of DeKalb, is studying Business and Marketing & Management at Kish with plans to graduate in Spring 2027. After Kish, she plans to work in real estate. Hernandez is a member of Kish's Art Gallery Club and Student Government Association and works as a student employee in Kish's Athletics department. As Student Trustee, Hernandez said she intends to be an active supporter and voice of the Kish student body.

"My goal as Student Trustee is to accurately represent and voice student opinions and to continue to make Kish adaptable and flexible for all students. I hope to positively impact students' lives in this position. As a Kish student, I've always been impressed by how student-centered the College is, and I'm glad to be a part of how that happens," Hernandez said.

Gonzalez Zabala, of Sycamore, will graduate in May with an Associate in Science degree. Following his time at Kish, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Data Science at Northern Illinois University.

"Diego has been a tremendous representative for Kishwaukee College students, and we appreciate his leadership," said Bob Johnson, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "We are pleased to welcome Gema as the new Student Trustee and look forward to her collaboration."

Gonzalez Zabala served as Kish's Student Trustee since April 2025. He said the continued development of Kish's All-In Tuition model, which includes fees and textbook costs in the tuition price, and the opportunity to promote positive student experiences are among his proudest accomplishments.

"The All-In Tuition initiative is something unique that the College offers, and I would love to see it continue to grow. The College has a strong vision for student involvement. I hope the campus continues to create engaging and fun activities that not only bring students together but also help them develop skills for their professional lives," Gonzalez Zabala said.

In addition his role as Student Trustee, Gonzalez Zabala has been a member of the Student Government Association, Latinos Unidos, the Business Club, the Women's Student Union, the National Society of Leadership & Success, and Cru.

Learn more about Kishwaukee College at kish.edu.