Connect your passion and interests to a lucrative and satisfying career!

Event Date: April 12, 2023, 4:30-6:45

We invite all Santa Cruz County educators, students, and community members to our Spring Think Big! event on April 12th. Sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Cruz Works, and Your Future is Our Business, this event will take place at DigitalNEST in Watsonville and Cruzio Internet in Santa Cruz. Food and beverages will be provided.

Learn about careers in:

• Environmental Advocacy and Climate Change 

• Social Justice and Community Advocacy

• Arts and Creative Design

• Local Fire Protection and Public Service

• Employee Protection Advocacy

Meet our CTE Team members as they showcase all the Career and Technical courses available to Santa Cruz County students.

Speakers

Welcome Jacob Martinez, founder and CEO of theDigitalNEST, and hear his inspiring story of how he worked with his community to turn his vision into reality. DigitalNEST creates sustainable and scalable technology learning centers for Latinx youth in order to foster economic equality. Make a difference in the community, and create opportunities for equity!

Welcome Annie Morhauser from Annieglass and see how she turned a love for fine art into a thriving local business with world-wide appeal! Annie has spent decades honing her craft, experimenting with materials and technologies, and supporting her talented team of artisans to create breathtaking and unique works of art. Artists and Creative Makers - This is for YOU!

Welcome Toby Corey from CruzFoam. Learn Toby's story and see how this local business uses science and technology to create products made from naturally occurring materials without adverse effects on our environment. For You, Environmental Literacy and Climate Science Advocates!

Welcome LeBaron Meyers, Author and President & Chief Business Officer of #NotMe, the first mobile solution to offer a transparent, safe, and simple way to report workplace misconduct. The company’s mission is to bridge the gap between employer and employee by empowering everyone to report and address workplace misconduct. Learn about Employee Protection and Advocacy.

Welcome Rudy Lopez, Sr, Watsonville Fire Chief. This veteran firefighter has served the Watsonville Fire Department and community for over 29 years. Hear his inspiring story and find out how you can connect with your community in a career you love!

Free to Attend

During this FREE event, you'll hear from successful industry leaders as they share their own experiences in career exploration and their personal career journey. You'll also have an opportunity to meet our CTE Team members as they showcase all the Career and Technical courses available to Santa Cruz County students. Learn about Technology and Computer Systems, Culinary Arts, Fire Technology, Construction Technology, Medical Assisting, and Dental Assisting, and work with our team to explore these exciting opportunities!

About Think Big Events

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Santa Cruz Works have partnered to provide Santa Cruz County educators and students the opportunity to participate in a series of exciting events that revolve around connecting your passions with the possibilities of the technology industry. These events are aimed at inspiring individuals to Think Big! when reaching for your dreams.   We encourage everyone looking to expand their awareness of the possibilities that exist in Santa Cruz County by joining these events.  

Contact

Elizabeth Shaw, ICT Pathway Coordinator, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, eshaw@santacruzcoe.org ~ 831-466-5818