Meet Aileen Orlino Dinkjian, Ed.D. M.P.H.
“ This is a moment that requires leaders with experience who can anticipate change, secure the resources we need, and safeguard the future of public schools. My entire life has prepared me for this. ”
Aileen Dinkjian talks about her work opening up pathways to careers in healthcare for young people.
Relevant experience:
My job title is Associate Vice President of Population Health and Executive Director of a Healthy Communities Institute.
I develop workforce development pipelines and early exposure programs for K-12 students in healthcare. I work at a hospital; part of my work is in the community with families, collaborations with partners and non- profits and multiple school districts in classrooms, meeting students where they are.
NONPROFIT/BOARD/OTHER EXPERIENCE
Since 2023: Chaffey College Foundation Board Member
We have raised and managed millions of dollars to help students get a college education and technical skills for career success. Funds go to student scholarships and support programs and facility enhancements. The Chaffey College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, does this work with the involvement of community leaders who volunteer their time. This is a volunteer position for me because it matters to me that vulnerable students succeed.
Since 2024: GUSD Budget Oversight Committee, parent member (volunteer)
Since 2020: PTA member, Jefferson Elementary, currently serving as 2nd VP of Programs
GRANT WRITER
I am experienced in bringing in revenue via grants, a skill I put to work on behalf of my school site PTA.
GUEST SPEAKER
I have several articles and presentations on workforce development that I have presented at events nationwide to show other organizations how to best set up career pipelines in schools.
VARIOUS TRAININGS/CERTIFICATIONS
• Care Training: LGBTQIA+ Suicide Prevention & Sensitivity Training
• Seizure Recognition and First AID – Epilepsy Foundation
• Education Justice Academy – School Governance Training
• Armenian General Benevolent Union (Virtual College 2012)
• National Federation of Filipino American Associations – Run for Office
• Basic Life Support & CPR – Key Medical Group
• Narcan Nasal Spray (Opioid Overdose) – San Bernardino County Dept. of Behavioral Health
• Stop the Bleed – Key Medical Group
FAQ: My qualifications
I have spent my career leading complex systems, securing funding, and advocating for vulnerable populations - English Learners, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ students, historically under-represented and marginalized students. I have built community programs that work, formed the partnerships needed to sustain them, and delivered results for our community. I know how to navigate policy shifts, budget challenges, and public systems because I have done it before.
The current federal administration’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education place essential student supports at risk. When federal protections and funding disappear, state and local governments and school districts are forced to absorb the impact: this means fewer resources for English learners, special education services, families, and the children who rely on these programs the most. The threat of lawless ICE agents kidnapping children and families is keeping kids out of school out of fear and tearing families apart, exacerbating gaps in learning and development.
As a GUSD parent, I am deeply invested in the future of our school district. As a public health professional, I respond to emergencies. I feel a moral urgency to act, not just to talk about test scores or salaries, but to help build a district that can withstand the storms ahead and ensure a resilient future for our children. As a systems thinker, I have witnessed multiple institutions go through financial storms and make tough decisions. The formula is simple: where can we lead, where can we support and where can we collaborate. If there are no “margins,” there is no “mission.” Let’s keep these margins wide and solvent!
My priorities:
To continue strengthening the partnership between GUSD and our educators by supporting fair working conditions, collaborative labor-management relationships, and investments that allow teachers to thrive.
To ensure equitable student achievement, especially for English learners (many of whom attend schools in South Glendale) and students experiencing academic, social-emotional, or mental health challenges. I support cradle-to-career-to-legacy pathways that open doors from early learning through college and into the workforce. As your GUSD Trustee, I will prioritize career and technical programs. These programs often spark early exposure to actual careers, which not only helps remedy workforce shortages, but also empowers our kids with direction, purpose, and hope.
To bring my experience in public health, data oversight and responsible budgeting to protect GUSD's financial stability and ensure resources are directed to classrooms, teachers, and student learning. We need to prioritize resources and investments for schools and neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by pollution, heat, and lack of green space. This includes strengthening partnerships that address environmental health disparities and ensuring all students benefit from clean, safe, and well-resourced campuses.
