Arts and Media

See 2007 autobiography

Participation in the classroom and outside is crucial to a successful college career and for life experiences. Faculty at UC Santa Cruz are resourceful and posses in depth knowledge of their field, so it's important to interact with professors whenever possible. Student organizations contain a wide array of fellow peers that come from various places with many different backgrounds and the best way to get to know one another is through student initiated events. The best way to find one's "dream job" is by experience. School helps build the knowledge, but unless one engages in their craft, everything is just theory.

Dawn Valadez, Producer/Director, believes that feminism is a dirty word and she loves dirty words. As a Chicana feminist she has worked with children and youth struggling to stay sane despite the insanity of the adults around them, with young people wanting to make a difference in the world and with families, hard working people, trying to make ends meet. She believes that the media must be taken back; freed from faceless, nameless corporate interests. She has collaboratively built public art and installations with youth, hosted conferences on community service and trained hundreds of people. For over 20 years she’s worked on the front lines of social services and now sees the wisdom of producing media about the people she has lived with and served. She lives in a sleepy community on the edges of the urban world with her school-aged son and raises resources, including money, for a non-profit that serves working poor people.

Business and Management

I manage and create economic development programs and strategies for the City of Brentwood. In addition to realizing programs that promote job creation and retention, I also fund development of housing developments. I have an extensive background in private and public finance. From my time at UCSC, I use a number of courses outside of the Economics discipline in my profession. These courses in the other social sciences and political science help me to consider the ramifications of such areas as environmental/land use considerations. My best career advice for students is 1) truly examining what transferable skill sets you may possess, and 2) network. 1) Your education isn't just about the material covered in class. What other skill sets do you possess from employment, hobbies, extracurricular actives, etc.? Are you someone that others would want to work with? 2) Network with other people in your career search. Conduct informational interviews with people doing what you want to do. Informational interviews help to determine if there are gaps in either education or skills, what you need to do to fill them. In my case networking lead to an internship where I had a position lined up at the beginning of my senior year.

I did double major in Business and Mathematics to become a Financial Analyst. I always thought that I would work in the Finance or Banking Industry after college. After interning at Citigroup as Financial Research Analyst for 6 months, I wanted to try something different. That's when I jumped into construction project management. This industry was totally new to me and wasn't easy for me to adapt at first, but through my previous work experiences and education background, I was able to learn things a lot faster. My career advice would be to try different things in your life and always work hard. You never know where you will end up. Most people think there is some sort of secret to success, but there is no general/set path. You can take many different paths, but as long as you can pick up great set of skills from each path, you can succeed. For example, I worked in many different areas such as sales, hospital and finance. They all are different, but I picked up communication, teamwork and analytic skills from my previous jobs.

I have been working since 1976 in Human Resources as an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Diversity professional at various companies to improve employment opportunities for people of color, women, and people with disabilities.

My job is to spearhead Wells Fargo’s initiatives to benefit low- and moderate-income communities and individuals by providing equity investments, sourcing community development loans, and helping to increase affordable housing throughout the greater Los Angeles region. In addition, I oversee the Wells Fargo Foundation in Los Angeles that has donated more than $10 million to local-based nonprofits for the past five years. Previously, I served as senior counsel for Wells Fargo’s Los Angeles law department where I provided legal support for the Community Reinvestment Act investments group. I joined Wells Fargo in 1993 to provide in-house legal support for its corporate real estate group. I began my career as Deputy Legislative Counsel in the Office of the Legislative Counsel in Sacramento, which serves as the nonpartisan legal advisor to members of the California State Legislature. I later became an associate attorney with a small law firm in El Paso, Texas, handling international business matters. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, I was a business and real estate partner in the law firm of Kroloff, Belcher, Smart, Perry & Christopherson in the city of Stockton, California.

Professional experience: 23 years at Pacific Gas and Electric, San Francisco, CA. Positions held include Manager in Fleet, Learning Services and of the Quality Team; Change management Team Lead, eBuy Project; Sr. Process improvement Consultant, Supervisor, Administrative Services; Contract Administrator; Residential Conservation Auditor. Currently a Training Design Specialist at Palm, Sunnyvale, CA. 10 years of service on the Alumni Council including membership on the Executive Committee. Currently serve as past-President. Facilitated the organization of the Filipino students at UCSC in the mid-70s laying the foundation for today’s Filipino Student Association. Participant and leader for the Multicultural Career Conference for over ¾ of the 21 years. In this increasingly competitive job market understanding how to forge meaningful career connections will make the difference in your ability to find jobs. During the course of your work career you will change jobs a number of times. Understanding how to navigate through that process, knowing how to find the resources available to you and how to best use them will create a competitive advantage from the less informed job seeker. Please come with your questions, an open mind and your willingness to take risks.

Two of my passions have always been culture and food. Granted that it may have taken me about 30 years to figure it out, I found them nonetheless. Since graduating in '99, I've primarily maintained my residence around the Bay Area while working as community activist, journalist, published poet and cemetary manager. In 2004, I enrolled at the California Culinary Academy to enrich my knowledge of cooking techniques and be exposed to various cuisines from around the world. This experience led me to work in a kitchen 623 feet in the air at the Sky Tower in Auckland, New Zealand and back to a fine dining establishment in San Francisco. I currently hold the position of associate foodservice director at the Palo Alto Unified School District where I supervise a staff of over 35 people, oversee the catering department, and assist in the day-to-day operations. My advice(s) to the future moneymakers of America: Sharpen your listening skills. Never be too complacent. Respect your worth.

In 2004, April joined Pantheon Ventures, a private equity specialist firm, where she focuses on the sales, business development, and client service efforts. Previously, April was the Office Coordinator at a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Santa Cruz, CA. Prior to that, April worked at VantagePoint Venture Partners in San Bruno, CA where she assisted with investor relations.  She is currently a Board member of KIDPOWER International, headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA. April received a B.A., with Honors, in American Studies (emphasis on Political, Social, and Economic Analysis), a B.A. in Psychology, and a minor in Communication and Rhetoric, from the University of California, Santa Cruz. April is based in San Francisco and enjoys playing the cello, doing yoga, and is an avid foodie. Being involved in student organizations during my time at UCSC helped with my organizational, event planning, teamwork, public speaking, and time management skills. Also, having a part-time job working at a student resource center was important in developing a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and creative organization skills. Working hard, putting in 110%, learning quickly, and proving to your manager that you can take on more responsibilities can open doors to growth and more opportunities within the organization.

Health

I have been working as a consultant in the fitness industry since graduation. The best preparation for this field is to experience it first hand. There are many elements that go into consulting such as sales, coaching techniques, persuasion, marketing, and many other elements. You have to treat it as if you are running your own business. It takes servicing others with the mindset of a businessman. If I would to turn back the hands of time and be back in Santa Cruz I would have done somethings differently. For one, I would have been in more organizations, groups, and students activities. Second, I would have gone to more parties, met more people so I can talk to more people. If I could have found a way to give back to students in Santa Cruz i would have done that. As far as advice goes, you must invest in yourself to discover what it is that you were meant to do in this world. Your talents don't have to be confined in the major you are studying. There are talents within you that you never knew existed had you not taken the opportunity to look within. You might have a calling to go out and do something worthwhile but scary. Yet, you know that is where you belong. And it takes looking into places you wouldn't normally look into.

Ruth P. Wilson is an applied medical anthropologist and an Associate Professor at San Jose State University. At UCSC she double majored in Community Studies and Biology, and then went on to complete her Ph.D. in Social Anthropology at Stanford University in 1984. During the past 15 years Dr. Wilson has provided technical assistance to numerous national and international health organizations seeking to develop culturally-appropriate community programs and policies. Her current research focuses on developing culturally sensitive public health programs to prevent, treat, and control infectious and chronic diseases. Although she entered UCSC as a music and French major, the liberal arts curriculum at UCSC helped her to develop an interest in anthropology and biology. A chance meeting with a Visiting Professor led her to meld these two fields into a career as a medical anthropologist. She attributes the Community Studies Program, and its requirement for field study, with her first opportunity to travel and work internationally--in Southern Africa, the geographical region where she continues to work as a scholar and consultant.

Law

I grew up in the Los Angeles area and was the first in my immediate family to attend a four year college. While a student at UCSC, I was very active in various student organizations, and served as MEChA co-chair. I took a brief leave of absence from UCSC to work for Congressman Matthew Martinez in Washington D.C. After graduating, I worked for State Senator Gloria Romero, and later for what was then called SEIU, Local 434B, the largest labor union in California. While at SEIU, I was the public policy director and worked on healthcare and affordable housing issues. I am currently a third year student at the UC Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Ball). I am the managing editor for the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal and active with the Boalt La Raza Law Students Association as well. I have also served on the Boalt admissions committee. Upon graduation this year I will be returning to southern California and taking a position with a well respected law firm. I can give input on finding employment after graduation as well as the law school admissions process. The best advice I was ever given was to do internships. They are an invaluable source of experience and give you an edge when applying for jobs. Internships can also help you figure out what fields you are interested in. Most importantly, you can make valuable connections as an intern that will help you throughout your entire career.

After college, I found myself unsure of what path to take, and on top of that, having very little practical experience, I didn't think there would be much of a chance of finding anything related to what I actually wanted to do. But I got lucky and found a job that was a little unconventional. I started as a service clerk at a really small asbestos law firm in Berkeley and moved my way up to where I am now. PS. Just a quick plug - the Chinese Student Association's Lunar New Year Banquet is also happening on Feb. 23rd, so if you're still in town at 7:30pm, you should stop by.

Since passing the bar in 2004 I have had the excellent opportunity to practice real estate law and land use with the Law Offices of David G. Boss, now the Boss Law Firm. As an attorney I am able to assist a broad array of people while continuing my active involvement in the community. I learned that being active can start while in school, while at UCSC I was the MCC student coordinator and had the privilege of being the graduation commencement speaker. I maintained this active involvement while attending USF School of Law where I tutored other students and was fortunate to be the SBA President my last year. I continue today to maintain my involvement, by working with various groups. The MCC is great place to learn from those who have been where you are now. I look forward to meeting many of you this year.

I am a staff attorney in the Migrant Division for the California Rural Legal Assistance in Oceanside, CA. After working for the UC system, the CSU's, and a host of non-profits, I returned to school at City University of New York School of Law for her J.D. As a law student, I continued to be active in community work and advocacy for immigrant and indigent people just as I had as an undergrad at UCSC. I attribute my decision to go to law school in part to early mentors such as Professor John Brown Childs, Professor Greta Gibson, Rosalee Cabrera and Sayo Fujioka, who offered opportunities to further my interests in social justice and the practical application of social theory. At UCSC, I worked on honing my academic and professional skills as a summer research fellow, a research assistant, and a peer advisor. I also found time to play rugby and fence for UCSC's club teams as well as participate in many student organizations and activities. Looking back, I know that I should have taken advantage of all of the FREE services that Career Services has to offer. Things like resume writing, interviewing skills and application review are very important and can't be left to chance or to the last minute! Get to know the folks at Career Services and get to know your professors, they will be the ones to help open doors for you whatever your career. My advice is simply, "believe." Take advantage of ALL of the resources on the campus and believe in yourself.

Public/Social Services

I am an Americorps alum having worked for Public Allies Silicon Valley. With Public Allies I was placed at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties as their Community Outreach Coordinator. I had recently been abroad through an environmental justice program, Filipino American Coalition for Environmental Solidarity (FACES) examining the effects of US outsourcing in the Philippines. My interests include implementing social justice particularly in the field of public health. Definitely take advantage of all of the workshops that the Career Center offers. Consider stopping by the Ethnic Resource Center just to get to know what resources you can take advantage of. Also, really consider keeping letters of recommendation in the Career Center's Graduate Reference Letter Service (GRLS). This is particularly good for those who are not considering going to grad school directly after college (i.e. need a break), because GRLS will tuck them away for safe keeping.

One of the most recent career building and learning experiences I have is participating in the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce Riorden Volunteer Leadership and Development Program (RVLDP). This program offers a 10 month curriculum on how to become a board member for a non-profit organization. There is an internship with local non-profit working on a project during the duration of the RVLDP Program.

was a Jr transfer, '71. I attended Williamette University, Salem Oregon '69 - '71. It is the oldest University in the No. West. I was recruited out of L.A., in the day when affirmative action was the norm. In '75, I graduated from USC, School Social Work. Earned a MSW (my wife, ditto & Stevenson '73 Community Studies). My hope then & now is to assist w/social change as I am able. Currently, 25 plus yrs w/No.L.A. Co. Regional Center(not affiliated w/L.A. county services) as a Case Manager for the developmentally disabled. The agency contracts yrly w/the State Dept of Devel. Services, there are 21 centers in the state. San Andreas Reg. Center, San Jose, reaches out to Santa Cruz & down the coast. A few terms as shop steward, '99 - '04. I service adults living in a variety of settings (residential, apts & a few living w/elderly folks). Keeping it real: new grads do not expect to start at the top with the 1st job, unless it is family business, self employed &/or just won the lotto. Dress for success as the culture of the job indicates. 2/28/06, was my last day of employment w/the Regional Center. 3/01/06 was my '1st' day of early retirement. Since then I've done lite jobs for family, friends & my church community as needed. I was able to befriend the local merchants in my 'barrio' that I've done business with through the yrs. I've maintained my volunteer position on the UCSC Alumni Assoc. Council for the 4th yr., as a Porter(College V) alumnus,'73. I continue to talk up the 'UCSC' univerisity experience to all upper division high school students considering a University of California campus. My daily bottomline: living w/in my means & keeping it real for my creator, spouse, adult kids, family, friends & church community.

At UCSC I studied Sociology, but really I studied people and the best ways to unite us to create change. I have continued that in my professional career as someone who creates programs to develop youth as leaders. I believe in young people and their ability to change the world. If I had been smart, I would have studied Economics and Community Studies, so that I could have had some more insight to the real underpinnings and mechanisms of oppression. The only career advice I have to offer is to follow whatever your passion is and to really believe in yourself as a thinker and an agent of change, no matter what field you choose.

While at UCSC Libby Lok was involved with student initiated outreach and retention, the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center, as well as efforts to establish an AA/PI minor. Libby’s involvement in the student of color community allowed her to articulate and act upon injustices such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Currently Libby is working in Santa Barbara for the Nonprofit Support Center which is a resource center for nonprofits and folks who want to start their own nonprofit.

I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to be a student at UCSC. Academic, professional and social development throughout my lifetime has always been directly linked to my years at the university. Whatever I've chosen to do during my lifetime has always been influenced by what I consider to have been the most important four years of my life. It's difficult to list what other things I might have taken advantage of during that time. I believe that my academic and social life were quite fully packed and wouldn't have allowed me to do much more although there were many more things to enjoy and to learn from them. It's easier said than done when giving career advice. I've been quite eclectic when it comes to jobs and a career. I would advice that whatever you choose to do, make sure that something is set aside for retirement. It sounds wierd, but life does go by quickly. Before I knew it, I had become a grandfather and I thought I wasn't ready for that. But it has been great because there are rumors that at least a few people think I'm the greatest grandpa ever.

After leaving UCSC, I immediately enrolled in the Master's program for Urban and Regional Planning at San Jose State University. I was inspired to apply my background in Psychology toward helping communities feel a greater sense of belongingness and empowerment. During and after completing the program, I had one internship, and many job interviews in the field, but did not find anything that suited me well enough to make me want to stay. After months of searching, I decided to pursue a job in counseling, where I was able to integrate what I learned at UCSC into new experiences. I am currently an MSW candidate at San Jose State University, with an expected graduation of May 2008. I have learned from my experience in working with various disenfranchised populations that Social Work is the field that I feel most passionate about, and it has compelled me to pursue a second master's degree. I feel very fulfilled by the choices I have made, and believe that a combination of my two master's degrees is a great advantage. I plan on moving toward more community development and organization work, as well as program development for disenfranchised populations. The advice I would give to anyone who is contemplating the direction of their career is they should listen to their passions and pursue whatever it is they feel strongly about. With passion for their work, one is more likely to feel fulfilled and will know they have made the right choices for themselves.

Clifford graduated from UCSC in 2002. During his undergrad career, he was active in various student organizations and at Oakes college. After earning a degree in Psychology, Clifford worked as the Program Coordinator at the Asian American/Pacific Islander Resource Center on campus. In 2004, Clifford began a 16-month MSW program at the University of Michigan where he concentrated on community organizing and interpersonal practice. Currently, he is the Youth Program Coordinator at Asian Health Services (AHS) in Oakland. The AHS Youth Program provides free and confidential reproductive health education and services to teenagers.

Science

Director Professional Science Master's Program in Environmental Sciences, CSU Chico

Teaching/Administration Higher Education

I am currently working at UCSC with the Academic Excellence Program (ACE) teaching Math sections during the academic year. Main duties include developing supplemental for students to work in groups, facilitate small group intensive discussion, provide exam reviews and mentor student staff. I also work as an Editor for a Mathematics Curriculum Developing Company. My main duties is to make sure the flow of the material is accurate and write solutions for the material.

During my time at UCSC, I was involved in SACNAS, ACE, EOP, Los Mejicas, SHPE, amongst other programs. My success is due in part to my involvement and support received in these programs. Furthermore, study groups and faculty interactions were crucial to my academics. I currently work in student affairs. In this position I am able to advice and guide community college and high school students through the community college system onto transferring to a university.

Teaching/Administration K-12

This is my 11th year of teaching Social Studies. Currently I teach World History, U.S. Government and AP U.S. Government. My goal is to help students develop an understanding of and interest in the world they live in and empathy for others. Learn all you can. Nothing is useless when it comes to the teaching profession.

Everyday is a culmination of past experiences and consistently striving to perform your best is the best advice I can offer. Compound this with integrity and fidelity to yourself and doors will open. I love my current job and never imagined myself working where I currently work. After graduating from UCSC, I taught high school English in Japan via the JET Programme. When the desire to serve my home community strengthened I returned home to NorCal (Sacramento) and worked with Upward Bound, the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, and am now with Breakthrough Sacramento (B-SAC). B-SAC is a college-prep program for students from Sacramento's most under-resourced schools. It is also an opportunity for talented high school and college students to teach and explore a career in education. All of my experiences have built upon each other and I draw on the many different skills acquired in the diverse jobs and environments I've worked. My advice to future colleagues now is to follow your interests because the more you experience the stronger your resume/skills.

As a child I worked in the fields with my parents as a migrant farmlaborer. I received enormous assistance through State and Federal funding. But I especially recieved guidance and support from UCSC. I taught elementary school K-8 for 17 years and have been a school administrator for 11. I would like to give back and possibly mentor other students who would like to pursue education as a career.

Student organizations, non-profit work and activism was key not only in my success as a student at UC Santa Cruz but in my current position as a high school counselor/ teacher. Working to create social change not only benefits your community, but for me personally, it helped me decide my own career path and future educational goals.

Technology

I'm a software engineer at IBM, Silicon Valley Lab with the DB2 Query Optimization Team. I've also held positions as a research developer at Lawrence Livermore Labs and Argonne National Labs working with distributed system and grid technologies. - took advantage of summer opportunities (didn't waste summer time)... - wanted to get my "monies worth" out of school -- the TAs and Teachers worked for me approach :) - have an open mind, and find that area that you enjoy and are passionate about --> everything else follows - only way you let yourself down is if you don't try your best, and never let anyone get in your way.

Get excited about interviewing; it’s the best way to find out if a job is a fit. Use these oppurtunities to get beyond the job description and company name. Find out if employees positions are manipulated to the talent or interests of the person employed rather than only what the company needs.

I've worked in the data analysis field for almost 25 years. The best thing I ever did for my career was to take a variety of personal interest/profile tests (Myers-Briggs, Fiero Behavioral, Holland Interest, etc.). It helped me focus my talents in the field that best suited me. If I had to do it all over again, I would have been braver about seeking out help from other alumni when I hit the bad patches in my career.

Came to the USA in 1994 from Nicaragua to study English and get into the Computer Field. In 2001, I graduated from College Eight with a BS in Computer Engineering. Did some technical support work until 2004. Later that year, I went back to Nicaragua and worked as a computer analyst for about 3 and half years. The last system I worked on was a Procurement System for the Nicaraguan Government located at www.nicaraguacompra.gob.ni I recently, came back from Nicaragua and plan on getting the SCJP Java 5 certification by the end of March 2008.

During my time at UCSC I was involved with the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) student chapter. These organizations helped me grow as a person and developed my leadership skills. The career advice I would give is to be as prepared as you can for what ever opportunity may come up such as graduate school, internships or job interviews. The people you are competing against for internships and jobs will not only be prepared in their subject but will have great leadership skills.

Who do you admire? Go to work for them. Subtext 1: What enterprise do you believe is making a real difference in your life and the world around you? Go to work for them. Subtext 2: Where on the planet do you want to see and experience before you die? Go to work there. Subtext 3: "Do not be encumbered by history. Go off and do something wonderful." (Robert Noyce co-founder Intel) The first part of the journey is to decide where you want to go. I realize what made it possible for me to put my heart & soul into the proposition of working in my first job was fundamentally I admired the principals in the company as people, and admired their enterprise, and longed to experience Africa. The business of getting a job is personal, meaning you and your needs drive it.

Being a part of the University Economics Association really helped me because it taught me how to make a resume and how to be successful in a job interview. If I were to give some career advice I would say that the biggest lesson I learned from UCSC was to always pursue what you love. Money will come and go, but your career is something you will be doing 8 hours a day (at least) for the rest of your life. You should look forward to your work, not dread it, even if the pay is not incredibly high. It doesn't take a six-figure salary to have a happy, secure home and provide your family with happiness. Do what you love and love what you do.