This workshop will bring awareness to each person’s current relationship with their money and discuss ways to make it healthier. This workshop focuses on the awareness and action of our financial management habits and how they impact our lives.

Presented by: Alouette Cervantes-Salazar

Alouette has been coaching people on their personal financial situations for over 10 years.  She incorporates "real-talk guidance without judgment" into every one of her interactions with her clients. For almost 5 years, she has designed and implemented the Financial Wellness Program at East Los Angeles College. Through her business Silvertray, she offers workshops, seminars, and personalized coaching that centers around each person's relationship with their money and habits. Alouette is passionate about working with others in Education, Nonprofit and Community-based settings. Her mission is to support people in building their legacy, one step and one leap of faith at a time. 

Participants will learn key concepts and strategies to negotiate a job offer. Given that Latinas earn only 54 cents for every $1 that a Caucasian male earns, it’s important to negotiate a higher offer.

Presented by Angélica S. Gutierrez, Ph.D.

Angélica S. Gutiérrez, Ph.D. earned her B.A. in Political Science and Sociology with honors at UCLA, M.P.P at the University of Michigan, and Ph.D. at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. 

Recognized as one of the “World’s Best 40 Under 40 Business Professors” by Poets & Quants, Dr. Gutiérrez teaches Leadership, Negotiations, and Diversity Management at the undergraduate, MBA, and Executive MBA levels at Loyola Marymount University. She has presented her research on diversity, and the impostor syndrome to various organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Hasbro, and tech firms in Silicon Valley and Silicon Beach.

The healthcare industry is a booming economy and a promising career. There is a shortage of Latinas pursuing this promising career path. Come learn more about all the various opportunities in healthcare and why you should choose this path!

Presented by: Christina X. Buendia, BA, Kaiser Permanente

Christina Buendia, BA is a Diversity Consultant for Southern California Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) where she has assisted in producing and facilitating various trainings, prepares and participates in various health plan surveys and audits, assists with rolling out video remote interpreting throughout Southern California, amongst some of her projects. 

Ms. Buendia joined Kaiser Permanente in 2000, starting in the Riverside Appointment Center and later worked in Care Management, assisted the Chief of Psychiatry in Fontana, and was the Diversity Administrative Champion for Riverside. She currently Co-Leads the Kaiser Permanente Latinx Association, where she also chaired and initiated their previous scholarship program. In addition to her work at Kaiser Permanente, Ms. Buendia serves as an RCIA Catechist at her church, served as a member of the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and served as a member of the UCR Exploratory Advisory Board.

Ms. Buendia has a passion for advocating and ensuring our members/patients, regardless of their differences, are treated with equal respect and provided the best quality of care we all deserve. Ms. Buendia earned her BA from California State University, Fullerton.

Are you ready to make a difference by being involved in public service? The career that you choose, will provide you with the necessary skills to run for office.  Join this exciting workshop as it will feature strategies, effective advocacy, provide education, and mentoring that will help you get encouraged for your political journey! 

Presented by: Julia Ruedas, MPA, Governing Board Member, El Monte City School District 

Julia Ruedas is an educator, university instructor, children's advocate, and community volunteer. She is the founder of Julia Children's Services whose mission is to help families with access to quality and affordable early childhood education services.

Ms. Ruedas is an Instructor at the University of California, Davis Extension and Placer County Office of Education. Her efforts support the next generation of early childhood education leaders. Julia has fought for quality, continuous, and affordable early childhood education throughout Los Angeles County, Sacramento, and Washington DC. In 2018, Ms. Ruedas was elected as a Governing Board Member of the El Monte City School District.  In 2019 she was elected by the voters of Assembly District 48, as Delegate for the California Democratic Party.

Julia's commitment to promoting change is shown through her 19 years of partnership with local and state nonprofit organizations. Ms. Ruedas serves as a board member at SPIRITT Family Services.  She is a member at the California Democratic Party, Children’s Political Caucus, El Monte Union High School District Citizens Oversight Bond Committee, California School Boards Association, and the National Association of Latino Elected Officials.

Ms. Ruedas attended Azusa Pacific University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and is a current Doctoral candidate at the University of La Verne. 

You, now more than ever, are living in a media world it is vital to understand how to consciously engage with digital platforms on a daily basis. In order to learn media literacy this workshop will cover how to successfully build/manage your digital identity, check your media consumption, and examine social media tactics.

Presented by: Ariana Cano, M.A., Adjunct Faculty in Communication Studies

Ariana Arely Cano is an Indigenous Chicana, educator, dancer, social media researcher, and activist. She was born in Los Angeles and raised in Rialto CA. She is an Adjunct Faculty for the Communication departments at California State University of San Bernardino (CSUSB), San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), Chaffey College, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She graduated from CSUSB with an MA in Communication Studies (2018) and was awarded as the Outstanding Graduate Student and Graduate Teaching Associate in her department. As a graduate student, Ariana earned the HACU Student Track Scholarship, earned the Chicana Caucus Student Scholarship, and was competitively selected as the student representative of the College of Arts and Letters at the 32nd Annual CSU Student Research Competition. As a recent graduate, Ariana was awarded the Emerging Scholar Award in the Third International Conference on Communication and Media Studies and received full funding from SBVC to present at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE). Ariana’s research presentations analyze how Indigenous, Chicana and/or Latina (particularly womxn) self-presentations on social media sites challenge mainstream media stereotypical tropes. Her research provides the foundation for her posts on social media. She enjoys updating her Instagram account where she posts Chicana Feminist ideas as @Conscious_ Dialectic (Diálogo Consciente). Many of her artistic works (poems, posters) are inspired from her account. She continues to serve her community through her account, as a Board Member for the CSUSB Faculty/Staff Alumni Chapter, a Group Facilitator for the CPP Womxn’s Leadership Institute, and an Inland Empire Public Speaker.

This workshop will engage participants in the exploration of one of the highest art forms: the world of emotions. By facilitating further understanding of emotional intelligence, how it connects to owning your voice, and how it is all integrated in our bodies.

Presented by: Rosanna Del Rio and Gabriela Pineda

Gabriela Pineda, M.A. AMFT #114295
*Under Licensed Supervision*

Gabriela attended Loyola Marymount University as a transfer student from Santa Monica College and earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Dance. She earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on the Latinx Community from the Aliento Program at Pepperdine University. Gabriela is currently working with individuals, couples, and families in a private practice setting with the goal of making mental health accessible to all. Gabriela is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for the California Latino Psychological Association. 

Rosanna Del Rio, B.A. 

Rosanna is currently attaining her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma from the school of Cultural and Family Psychology at Pacific Oaks College. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California Santa Cruz in Latin American Latino Studies and Community Studies. She has worked with non-profit agencies in Los Angeles County, working with underrepresented communities as an organizer, educator, and advocate. Rosanna currently works independently as a Dance Instructor as she continues her education and studies on trauma and its effects on the mind and the body. 

Do you love helping people? Do you want to make the world a better place?

This workshop will discuss how program management can help you create a change in the world.

Presented by: Sofia Benitez

Hello, My name is Sofia Benitez, I am a Program Service Coordinator for 24 Hour Home Care. I grew up in Baldwin Park, where I attended Vineland Elementary School, Jones Jr. High and Baldwin Park High School. Right after high school, I attended California State University, San Bernardino where I graduated in 2019 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Gender Studies. I began my journey with ADELANTE in 2008 when my elementary school took a group of girls to the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference. I FELL IN LOVE. I made it my goal to attend every conference since then. I graduated high school in 2015 and began my presenter journey in 2016, I have presented at every conference since then, and I plan to continue. Although this year’s workshops are a bit different, we will make the most of it and have fun! Can't wait to see you there! 

This workshop will thoroughly cover the application and interview process. The presentation will include, how to write a successful resume and cover letter to be granted an interview, how to have a successful interview, interview questions, and tips for career growth.

Presented by: Graciela Carnigella, Human Resources, Pasadena City College

Opportunities for females in the construction industry do exist! Learn how to develop and maintain business characteristics, the importance of self-esteem, and a positive attitude.

Presented by: Alicia Sierra

As an entrepreneur, I thrive in the business world. It was when I was trying to fit a mold or live up to society's expectations that I found myself feeling lost. My career in business started in 2007 when I received my cosmetology license. I worked in salons for the first five years of my career and I knew I needed something more. I launched a mobile hairstyling business in 2014. My favorite part of running my own business was being able to choose clients who were aligned with my values. It made me feel empowered and successful to work for myself. My love for business led me to a career change in 2019. I was offered an opportunity to join a team in construction. The change in course made me feel inadequate, insecure, and afraid. In just a short period of time, I was able to push my leadership skills to another level. Construction is a man's world and it can feel intimidating at times. This new role has challenged me as an entrepreneur and as an individual. I am proud to be a woman of color in an industry that is mostly male-dominated.  

How to become an officer and promote within the department.

Presented by: Sergeant Monica Cuellar, Pasadena Police Department

Sgt. Monica Cuellar has been with the Pasadena Police Department for 27 years.  Sgt. Cuellar has worked various assignments, which include Neighborhood Crime Task Force, Traffic Division, Event Planning, Detective Section and Patrol.  Sgt. Cuellar is an experienced investigator…her expertise was investigating Sexual Assaults against Adults and Children.  She handled numerous high profile cases throughout her years.  In 2015, the Masonic Wisdom Lodge recognized Sgt. Cuellar for her service with the “Beyond the Call of Duty” award.  

Sgt. Cuellar was promoted to the Sergeant rank in 2016.  She currently supervises the HOPE Team (Homeless Outreach & Psychiatric Evaluation Team) as well as the Park Safety Unit.  She is currently enrolled in the Supervisor Leadership Institute, an intense program designed to stimulate growth, leadership and ethical decision-making for front-line supervisors.  

Sgt. Cuellar has lots to share about entering a career which is still to this day a predominately male oriented profession. She will talk about her experiences both good and bad. 

Sgt. Cuellar enjoys encouraging young females to explore opportunities and to not settle on something just because it’s comfortable. Whether their goal is Law Enforcement or becoming a CEO, she believes it is important to have a strong female mentor that will help guide them into their future. 

The future lies ahead and it's important to prepare and know what moves you need to make to get into your ideal colleges.

Presented by: Rocio Gomez, School Counselor, ABC Unified School District

During Rocio’s junior year in High School, she decided that I would become a High School Counselor.  Though it took her years and hard work to get there, it was certainly worth it!  She is a first-generation college student. Her parents didn't go to college and she did not know anyone who attended college. Her mentor and guide during the college application process was her AVID teacher. 

Rocio received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Cal State Long Beach. She studied a summer abroad at Universidad de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain and it was one of the best experiences of her life. Shortly after completing her Bachelor's, Rocio attended Cal State Dominguez Hills and completed her Master's Degree in School Counseling and PPS credential.  A few years later, she received a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Cal State Long Beach. Rocio has been a counselor for six years and truly believes that education is power. 

In this workshop participants will learn the advantages of attending community college and the three secrets to transfer within two years.

1) What not to do when applying to a community college

2) Where to find the key tools that will help them transfer in two years

3) How to save time and money before transferring to a four-year college

Presented by: Martha Castillo

Martha Castillo is an Educational Consultant and owner at Seeds of Grit Educational Services. Her mission is to equip students and leaders with the tools necessary to close the equity gap in education. Prior to launching her consulting business, Martha served as a public school special education teacher for three-years in one of the most underserved areas in the nation, The Bronx New York and later moved back to her native Los Angeles to work at a local non-profit as a College Readiness Counselor, helping foster youth make a successful transition from high school to college. Martha earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne and her M.S. E.d in education from The City College of New York. As a first-generation college student, diagnosed with a learning disability while attending community college, she is familiar with the challenges first-generation students face when transitioning to college. Martha has dedicated her career to helping underserved students receive the guidance and resources necessary to successfully achieve their educational goals. By continuously building relationships with fellow educators and members of the community she strives to provide the best tools and practices available to help students and leaders thrive.

Exploring animal-related careers and how to pursue them through various college majors and experiences (e.g., internships, volunteering) that are necessary to be successful.

Presented by: Dr. Janel Ortiz

Dr. Janel Ortiz is originally from La Puente, California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from University of California, Davis. Towards the end of her time there she discovered wildlife research and she was hooked and knew she wanted to pursue a career in wildlife. She took a two-year break and worked as a Research Associate working on animal models to study brain cancer in humans. Dr. Ortiz returned to school to receive her Master of Science degree in Biology at California State University, Los Angeles where she studied the behavior of urban tree squirrels. She continued on to receive her Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University-Kingsville where her research focused on developing curriculum on wild birds for grades K-12 and bird-habitat relationships. Currently, she is a Diversity Postdoctoral Fellow in the department of Biology at University of San Diego where she is evaluating introductory biology courses and studying urban parrots. In August, she will be transitioning to a new position as an Assistant Professor at Cal Poly Pomona where she can give back to her community through her teaching and research in conservation education and urban wildlife.

We are honored and excited to host Assemblywoman Luz Rivas as our 2020 Keynote Speaker

Luz M. Rivas was born in Los Angeles to an immigrant family and grew up in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. She attended LA Unified schools before earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from MIT and a master’s of education from Harvard. 

Luz has built her career at the intersection of engineering, education and public service. She worked as an electrical design engineer at Motorola before founding DIY Girls, a nonprofit that provides enrichment programs focused on encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.  While presiding over DIY Girls, she served as a Champions Board Member of the California Girls in STEM Collaborative; as a Senior Fellow at the USC Marshall Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab; on the Visiting Committee for the MIT Dean of Undergraduate Studies; and as a service learning instructor for engineering undergraduates at USC. She also collaborated with engineers, planners and environmentalists to develop environmental technology curricula for high school students, and worked to increase diversity at Caltech and on NASA- and NSF-funded projects that aimed to increase access to STEM in community-based organizations. In 2016, she was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti to the Los Angeles Board of Public Works.

Luz was elected and sworn in to the California State Assembly in June of 2018. She currently serves on the Assembly Committees on Budget; Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation; Jobs, Economy Development, and the Economy; Labor and Employment; Local Government; Revenue and Taxation; and is co-chair of the Legislative Ethics Committee and Chair of the Select Committee on STEM. It is an honor for her to represent the community she grew up in. 

Presented by: Assemblywoman Luz Rivas