Abra Flores. Courtesy photo.
VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors has added two new board members: Harald Wulff and Abra Flores.
Wulff is a retired chemical industry executive. He served on the management board of Henkel KGaA headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany. As the business was spun off into a self-standing entity called Cognis GmbH, he served as CEO of the new company, and became chairman of the board after it was sold to Goldman Sachs and Permira.
“Industry needs young people with technical skills and young people need well-paying, challenging jobs,” says Wulff. “I hope to see Ventura College expand its STEM and STEAM programs, particularly in vocational training.”
Flores retired in 2018 after a decades-long career as the resident costume designer at Ventura College. She initiated and developed costume design and makeup programs at the college where she currently teaches classes in these subjects part-time.
As a child, Flores was in and out of the foster care system. She understands how difficult learning can be. It was a simple $50 scholarship, given by her undergraduate university, which made a huge impact on her education. That small grant created a feeling that success was possible, and that her dreams had validity. Flores instituted and funded a scholarship program at Ventura College known as the “Excellence in Volunteering in Costume Design.” It is awarded each year to performing arts students who show excellence in production work.
“I’d like to do more outreach to high schoolers about the college’s theatre department and the available funding and resources through the foundation and the VC Promise paid tuition program,” says Flores. “The more we can help students access educational funding, the better chances for success in their career path.”
“Harald and Abra bring different skills and experiences to the board,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. “What unites them is their love of learning and their desire to share the value of education to our students. We look forward to their contributions and insight.”
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.