Position:
Work Experience Coordinator

High School, City, and State:
Antelope Valley Union High School District, Palmdale, California

Years in Profession: 15+

Specialty:
Preparing students for the “World of Work” and the realities of living on their own, from filing their taxes to starting their own business.  I bring “real-life” experiences to the classroom from my own background in working in the private industry, especially in the programs that FIDM offers.

Classes Taught:
Work Experience, Fashion - Apparel & Accessories, Retail Merchandising, Interior Design, Architectural Drawing, Marketing, Computer Applications, Business Law, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Business

Board Member Since: 2007

I believe we live in the best country with the best educational resources for any and ALL students who choose to pursue and achieve their personal and career potentials. Students need to be empowered to reach beyond the confines of the classrooms and explore the many opportunities that are available to them. I am an avid supporter of and encourage “hands-on” learning and career education. As educators, we need to teach our students how to become lifelong self-directed learners, be productive contributing citizens, learn professional skills, have a strong work ethic, along with old-fashioned hard work, sacrifice, and discipline. This is a MUST in order to be successful and competitive in our ever-changing global market.

Since my discovery of FIDM in 1990, I have been an advocate and cheerleader of the outstanding education, the innovative programs offered, the wonderful opportunities, and the exposure and industry contacts the students receive by attending and graduating from FIDM. I have had several students enroll and graduate from FIDM. To present, the students continue to thank me for introducing FIDM to them AND to their parents. Every time touring the campus, either with students or by myself, it makes you want to go back in time and enroll yourself. Years ago, I had graduated from a small regional private college in Atlanta that offered Fashion programs and shared the same philosophies as FIDM. I am honored to have been asked to be on the Advisory Board and be a part of the “FIDM Family.” FIDM is “the” Industry’s choice!!!