More than 90 Middle and High School students and their parents gathered on Friday March 9, 2012 for “Latino to Professional,” a Career Night which brought positive Latino role models to share their story of struggle and professional success.
Edwin Fernandez and Nereida Palafox, Graduate students at San Jose State University coordinated the Career Night with eight professionals in the areas of Social Work, Mental Health, Law, Medicine, Law Enforcement and Radio. Fernandez, a community worker at the San Mateo County Human Services Agency, is posted at Puente.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Migdalia Reyes, Professor at SJSU, inspired youth and adults with her testimony about growing up in Puerto Rico and migrating to the United States.
All participants had the opportunity to meet all presenters. In group tables, they got to ask presenters questions about their education, challenges, and salaries; about those who influenced them to take their career paths; and most of all, their advice to prepare for a career in the field of their choice.
Puente is very grateful to the following local businesses for their contribution to gift baskets for the presenters:
Duarte’s Tavern, Pescadero Country Store, Norm’s Market, Phipps Farm and Harley Farms.
This program was sponsored by Puente and Pescadero High School.
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- Getting information about college and youth programs
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- Presenter: Detective Lupe Mejia, San Mateo Police Department
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- Presenter: Rosa Gomez, Immigration Attorney at Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto
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- Presenters: Aaron Lechuga and Carlos Smith, Social Workers San Mateo County
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- Presenter: Diana Robles, Stanford Graduate Medicine Student
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- Presenter: Iris Fernandez, MFT Trainee, Western Seminary
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- Presenter: Dr. Migdalia Reyes, SJSU Professor
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- Presenter: Gloria Orellana, Recuerdo 100.3 Univison Radio
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- A great attendance when it comes to education
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- Local businesses provide thank you gifts for presenters
