On Friday, September 19th, the LA Fellows program reached a milestone, graduating it's 10th class in a ceremony at Los Angeles Valley College's Monarch Hall. LA Fellows are unemployed mid-career professionals who commit to nine weeks of classroom instruction in professional development and job search techniques and 100 hours of project-based volunteerism in order to get back to work faster.
 |
| Lennie Cuifo, Director of the Job Training Office at Los Angeles Valley College, addresses the capacity crowd. |
 |
| Sara Lamog one of the two Fellows chosen by the class to speak on behalf of the cohort, reflected on the road to becoming an expert, what it means to be a Fellow, and moving forward. |
 |
| Derrick Clemons, the other speaker chosen to represent the cohort at the podium, spoke about why he became an LA Fellow and how the experience has changed them all. |
 |
| Dr. Sue Carleo, former President of Los Angeles Valley College and founding member of the LA Fellows Advisory Committee, spoke to the Fellows about carrying on the legacy. |
Congressman Tony Cardenas sent beautiful framed certificates for each of the LA Fellows to recognize the work they did through the program. Field Representative Brian Gavidia presented them to the Fellows with inspiring words of appreciation and encouragement.
 |
 |
 |
| Sydney Kamlager, District Director for Senator Holly Mitchell, shakes the hand of one of 4 graduating veterans, Michael Robison, before presenting a certificate of recognition on behalf of the senator (below). |
 |
| Derrick Clemons accepts his certificate. |
Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Krekorian, a long-time supporter of the LA Fellows program, also provided personalized certificates for the Fellows. Field Deputy Nikki Ezhari attended the ceremony on his behalf and congratulated each Fellow as she presented the certificate.
 |
| Job Training Director Lennie Ciufo presents a certificate to LA Fellow Yoonsin Park while WorkSource representatives, Barbara Washington and Doni Hooker, and Instructor Roberto Gutierrez look on, applauding. The Canoga Park WorkSource center provided the funding to make this cohort possible. |
 |
| LA Fellows Cohort 10 |
Attending Cohort 10's graduation was a very moving day for me. I went to support my friend and colleague, Yoonsin (and reunited with colleague Richard), as she achieved her milestone! I was very proud of Yoonsin and Richard for their successful completion of the program.
ReplyDeleteI knew I had to be a part of something so inspiring and successful as this program, and to see what the opportunity could do for me. I am proud to say I had the opportunity to learn from such terrific mentors of success, and carry the memories experienced to this day!