Lissa Santiago

LISSA SANTIAGO
Trustee, Hudson County Community College, Educator, Jersey City Public Schools and Exectutive Director, The Lissa Santiago Foundation
Associate's in Childcare Education

Ms. Lissa Santiago was born and raised in Puerto Rico. At the age of seventeen, she moved to Jersey City to attend college. She first attended Hudson County Community College, where she earned an Associate's degree in Childcare Education. Following this, she graduated from Jersey City State College in 1993 with a double major and promptly began her teaching career. Ms. Santiago continued her education at Seton Hall University, where she obtained her first Master of Arts in Bilingual/Bicultural/ESL Urban Studies in 1997.

Ms. Santiago began her career as an elementary school teacher while attending New Jersey City University, where she earned her second Master of Arts in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction. In 2006, she became one of the assistant principals who helped open Middle School #7 in the Heights. Four years later, in 2010, she was assigned to Middle School #4 in the downtown area, where she served as an assistant principal for 15 years. Currently, she is the assistant principal at Martin L. King Jr. School #11. Throughout her career, Ms. Santiago has been a dedicated educator at the Jersey City Public Schools for thirty-two years. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Latino Advisory Board at Hudson County Community College.

Ms. Santiago is a proud mother of three teenagers who have attended Jersey City Public Schools. She and her family are deeply passionate about children and education, with a lineage that includes educators and professors from Jersey City, Bethlehem, Philadelphia, New York City, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Ms. Santiago is fully committed to supporting teachers, parents, and the community, both during and after school hours.

Ms. Santiago, a longtime resident of Jersey City, is well known for her volunteer work in community outreach programs, cultural events, and holiday food drives. She has dedicated thirty-two years to actively participating in a drug and alcohol abuse program. A passionate advocate for underprivileged community members, especially senior citizens and children, she also has a deep love for animals, particularly dogs, which inspires her community efforts. Ms. Santiago has tirelessly worked on numerous initiatives to support the Jersey City community.

In recognition of her commitment to the community, Ms. Santiago founded The Lissa Santiago Foundation in February 2024. She takes pride in the assistance she has provided thus far, which includes organizing food drives, haircuts, backpack giveaways, and health fairs. Furthermore, she has collaborated with various organizations to donate funds for Thanksgiving meals and holiday toy drives. Ms. Santiago hosted the First Lissa Santiago Foundation Annual Gala in March 2025 and looks forward to celebrating the dedicated community workers and students who consistently serve others at the next Lissa Santiago Foundation Gala in March 2026.

"Hudson County Community College provided the foundation for my education. Earning an associate degree in Early Childhood Education was the first step toward later achievements, including two master’s degrees."

What resources or support services (e.g., tutoring, counseling, career services) did you find most helpful during your time at HCCC?

Throughout my time at the college, I received consistent support from career services, the deans, and the financial aid staff. Mary Oyola from Financial Aid always welcomed my fellow students and me with a smile. I also established lifelong friendships with classmates such as Gilma Herrador-Acosta and Yasmin Calderon. This supportive environment was essential to my success.

Was there a moment, class, or person at HCCC that made you feel supported, welcomed, or empowered as a student?

I am deeply grateful to Professor Elaine Foster for her significant impact on my academic journey. As I learned English after moving from Puerto Rico, she encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and strengthen my academic language skills. Her support challenged me to grow, think critically, and believe in my potential.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your community college experience?

Hudson County Community College offered a sense of security as I adjusted to life in Jersey City, one of my greatest challenges. Adapting to a new climate, missing the warmth of Puerto Rico and its culture, while meeting academic expectations and developing English proficiency required persistence, discipline, and resilience. Despite these challenges, my experience was overwhelmingly positive. I completed my associate degree, earned a bachelor’s degree, and later achieved two master’s degrees. I look back with gratitude and pride, knowing my journey started at Hudson County Community College, where I have now returned as a newly appointed Board Trustee.