The Honorable Gilbert A. Romero, Judge of Ventura County Superior Court. Photo by David Yamamoto
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By Mona AlvaradoFrazier/ Guest contributor
Criminal Justice professionals from Ventura County gathered together on March 29, 2014 to present career seminars for the students of Future Leaders of America. Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez welcomed the 60 high school and community college students. The Honorable Gilbert Romero, Judge of the Superior Court, made the keynote address.
Presenters included representatives from the District Attorney and Public Defenders office, Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Probation. These career seminars are part of a larger Youth Initiative strategy to build youth leaders in Ventura County to take personal responsibility for their education. Future Leaders of America’s goals are to build career pathways as early as possible for youth.
The goals of the career seminar series are to inform local youth of the required education and skills needed by specific professionals, expose them to professional careers, and to inform them of the daily tasks and duties of specific jobs.
Several students gave their impressions: “I really wanted to meet Judge Romero,” said Channa Carter. “It was exciting to hear the Judge speak. Even when his life circumstances seemed impossible, he still followed his dream.”
Student Patricia Casimiro said “This opened my eyes to the career paths that I could take and study in college. The Probation Officers taught me about the different types of jobs … Officer Mora had an impact on me too. She taught me it doesn’t matter where you came from, you can follow your dream.”
“I liked the testimonies the speakers gave. They said don’t give up no matter what…it was inspiring,” Mayra Arambula said.
Sgt. Alex Rangel, Officer A. Nunez, Detective M. Perez, Reserve Officer A. Mora, and Officer Mora of Oxnard P.D., Photo by David Yamamoto
Gabriela Rodriguez, executive director of Future Leaders of America stated, “These career seminars connect youth to mentors who want to help prepare students to participate in Ventura County – and California’s – economic, social and political development.”
The career seminars feature a wide array of careers including business, criminal justice, STEM and the arts, amongst others. The employment readiness training will focus on education, job readiness and personal development. All participants engage in discussions and interactive activities that build self-esteem and character. At the end of day, students were invited to connect with a professional for mentorship. They also have the opportunity to participate and visit the presenters in their workplace.
All career seminars take the last Saturday of the month at the Center for Educational Training (C.E.T.), 741 S. C St., Oxnard, CA 93030. Admission is free. For questions, please call Gabriela Rodriguez at 805-642-6208 or email gabriela@futureleadersnow.org
Mona AlvaradoFrazier
— Mona AlvaradoFrazier is a writer. To see more of her work, visit http://www.alvaradofrazier.com
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