Getting to Know SDCOE: Lucero Diaz-Kennon

When Lucero Diaz-Kennon came to the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) from San Diego Unified School District eight years ago, she initially only worked two hours a day. It didn’t take long, though, for her dedication and commitment to stand out and she was quickly hired full time as a food service program assistant.  

“Lucero is one of the most resolute, loyal, detailed, considerate, honest, dependable, flexible, helpful, motivated, and positive employees I have had the pleasure of working with in over 30 years,” said Jerry Smith, who works with her. “I couldn’t do it without her.”  

Her leadership skills particularly stood out during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and the rest of the food service team were out in our communities to make sure students had the meals they needed.  

Diaz-Kennon has worked at every one of SDCOE’s Community Schools since she started, serving meals to students, who connect with and look up to her, Smith said.  

“Oftentimes the students only talk during their mealtimes, and it is because they trust Lucero and her calm demeanor,” Smith explained. In supporting her team, she handles a plethora of duties, everything from unloading trucks and ordering food to training new colleagues and processing invoices. 

Getting to Know SDCOE is a regular feature at sdcoe.net that highlights the important work of different members of the team.