Strategic Partnerships & Workforce Development (SPWD) and partners from Skyline College hosted a successful College and Career Day on May 10, 2023. This event was designed to engage Culinary and Health Science students from Woodside HS, Menlo Atherton HS, and Sequoia HS.
The event began with a welcoming message from Dr. Lauren Ford, Interim Dean of SPWD, and a keynote presentation by Jenem Martin, Director of Bon Appetit Management. Martin shared valuable insights into the food industry, captivating the audience. Other engagement included culinary students experiencing plant-based cooking from The Vegan Hood Chefs, Ronnishia Johnson and Rheema Calloway, and getting to explore their food truck. Health Science students gained practical training in surgical and respiratory care from Professor Franciosa Deal and Heather Esparza, Director of Allied Health.
The high school students also participated in mock interviews and received constructive feedback from professionals. A panel discussion featuring six accomplished Skyline College students – William Hernandez, Sara Morrison, Daniel Giraldo Aristizabal, Armand Benedicto, Serena Ng and Nina Kelley – provided insights on college life and career preparation. Rouding out the event, approximately 80 students left with renewed excitement for their career paths. Skyline College remains committed to bridging the academic and the professional worlds together to enhance student success.
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Lauren Ford, Jenem Martin, Ronnishia Johnson, Rheema Calloway, Faith Velschow, Heather Esparza, Franciosa Deal, Robert J. Lopez Jr., Alexa Moore, Brittney Sneed, Jasmine Jaciw, Angelique Fuentes, Derek Allenby, Jeremy Evangelista, and our six student panelists—William Hernandez, Sara Morrison, Daniel Giraldo Aristizabal, Armand Benedicto, Serena Ng and Nina Kelley. This event empowered the visiting high school students with valuable knowledge.
Article by Walter Manuofetoa and edited by Christopher Wardell | Photos by Angelique Fuentes, Jasmine Jaciw and Walter Manuofetoa
