LOWER LAKE >> On Saturday, 78 girls attended the Girls in Careers Workshop focusing on career exploration at Lower Lake High School (LLHS). Mendocino College along with the Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department funded the event, allowing girls in grades seventh 12th to explore non-traditional female careers.
Keynote Quanisha Smith welcomed the girls in the morning and encouraged them to do more than dream big, but rather be open to possibilities and search out a path to individual happiness.
After Smith”s motivating words, the girls spent the rest of the day rotating through hands on sessions with teachers and industry professionals. Sessions included CSI Lake County taught by LLHS instructor Robynn Giese and Clearlake Police School Resource Office Bobbi Thompson; Chemistry is Beautiful included Clear Lake High School instructor Oscar Dominguez and owner of Her Purdy Cosmetics Laboratory Leah Palmer; Upper Lake High School instructor Erica Boomer and SPCA Vet Tech Savannah Mello, along with a couple of animals, lead the A is for Animals unit and Jacob and Connor Gill from Cheating Daylight were the star attractions in the Girls on the Mic seminar.
Each student also participated in a presentation by Smith called “What”s preventing you from living your desired life?” Girls were able to explore ambitions, fears, obstacles and solutions in order to build a blueprint for their future success.
Lunch was provided free-of-charge by Robert Cabrero and the culinary department of Yuba College.
At the end of the day, the group gathered back in the gym for parting remarks from Smith and to partake in the drawing for a college prize packs, Chromebook, GoPro, Dr. Dre headphones, Nook tablet, iPod and gift card.
The previous night, LLHS hosted Smith for an adult workshop titled “How to Talk so Youth Will Listen.” Smith engaged the audience with her life story and educational and career accomplishments in addition to educating participants in effective communication with youth through activities and asking the right questions. The 40 participants also received a fabulous meal catered by the LLHS culinary department all without charge. Parent participant Deana Clausen was the recipient of the nights drawing prize of a Kindle Fire.
Smith is an international inspirational speaker, youth achievement mentor and leadership development trainer. She draws on more than 15 years of youth development, teaching, personal experience, community organizing and social justice philosophies to deliver purpose-driven success strategies and transformational Keynotes for youth, mid-level professionals, college students and women.
The Lake County Office of Education Career & College Readiness Department is continually searching for ideas and funding regarding career exploration and college readiness for middle and high school students. Share ideas by emailing tserpa@lakecoe.org or calling 994-9001. For details regarding future events and scholarship opportunities follow their Facebook page at LCOEcareerandcollege.
Tammy Serpa is education specialist for Mendocino and Lake counties offices of education.
