El Camino College recently announced an in-person graduation ceremony this spring and the commencement speaker for 2022. This year we are pleased to welcome alumna and accomplished broadcast news writer, editor, and manager Deyja Charles, who will address the Class of 2022 at the 75th Annual Commencement Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, June 10 in Murdock Stadium. 

Charles is an executive producer at ABC10 News in San Diego, but she got her start at El Camino. As an ECC student, Charles found opportunities that guided her classwork, helped her land internships, and enabled her to envision her future. After earning an associate degree at El Camino, Charles transferred to California State University, Fullerton where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism. She then conducted research for a year overseas in Europe and Asia, completing her master's degree in international relations. 

Returning stateside, Charles began her television career in the South Bay at Torrance CitiCABLE. From there, her journey in broadcast journalism took her to newsrooms in Montana, Louisiana, and Texas, where she wrote, produced, and reported local news. Her current role as an executive producer in San Diego prompted her return to Southern California. 

Charles said El Camino allowed her to explore career interests, which set her on a path to news reporting and production. She credits much of her success to joining El Camino's First Year Experience, a program that launched in 2001 with the mission to help students be successful in college. Charles credits the professors, counselors, and staff members at El Camino who helped her become a successful student as she transitioned into college life and her career.