Events
Get real-world career insights from professionals in different industries. Listen as they share their personal journeys, how they got started, and what their jobs are really like. These events are all about helping you explore options and make informed decisions for your future.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
Career Exploration Series - Ziyad Dahbour
A seasoned tech entrepreneur and graduate of San Francisco State University. He founded successful companies like OuterBay and TierData and served as COO of Incorta. Ziyad discusses his journey and offers insights into careers in technology and entrepreneurship.
Career Exploration Series - Ahmad Walker
An artist and animator from San Francisco. He developed art skills in various mediums, including painting, sculpting, digital illustration, graphic design, and clothing design. Skills that allowed him to make the Black Student Union (BSU) at Cañada logo, land commissions as a freelance artist, and the opportunity to build ELFWORLDSTUDIOS, his own stop-motion animation production company.
Career Exploration Series - Jason Mayol
An entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in sports nutrition and business. He founded San Mateo Sports Nutrition and is known for his leadership and ability to iinspire others. Hear Jason's thoughts on building a meaningful career through leadership and connection.
Career Exploration Series - Elizabeth Roman
Elizabeth Román, DMSc, MPH, PA-C, shared her own journey from being a community college student to becoming a Physician Assistant, highlighting her education through Stanford’s Primary Care Associate Program, San José State University and the University of Lynchburg. Román also reflected on her leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, as well as her passion for volunteering and community wellness.
Career Exploration Series - Allison Palestino
Allison Palestino is an educator, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. She was born and raised in Redwood City and now works for the Redwood City school district. As a first generation Latina, Allison is passionate about bridging education through fashion. Her goal is to show up and give back to her communities however she can.
Career Exploration Series - Ralph Turner
Ralph Turner is a former corporate banking executive and Silicon Valley innovation leader with 40 years of experience at Wells Fargo and Intuit. With degrees from the University of British Columbia and San Jose State University, he now mentors young professionals and continues his own learning at Cañada College.
Career Exploration Series - Antonio López
San Mateo County’s 2025-2027 Poet Laureate. López is a poetician at the intersections of the arts, policy, and social change. He is the son of immigrants from Michoacán, México who moved to East Palo Alto in the 1980s. The first in his family to graduate from college, he holds degrees from Duke University, Rutgers-Newark, and the University of Oxford as a 2018 Marshall Scholar. His poetry and essays have appeared in numerous publications, anthologies and podcasts including Poetry Foundation, Latino Poetry: The Library of America Anthology, The Slowdown, Poetry Daily, among others. His first book of poetry, Gentrification, was selected by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Gregory Pardlo for the 2019 Levis Prize in Poetry published by Four Way Books. His second book, The Right to Remain Violets, is forthcoming from the University of Arizona Press. Antonio served his hometown as a council member and mayor for the City of East Palo Alto from 2020 to 2024. He serves on the board of several nonprofits, including El Concilio of San Mateo County, Mannakin Dance Theater, the Catalino Tapia Scholarship Fund, among others. He is currently finishing his PhD in the Modern Thought and Literature program at Stanford University. Antonio also serves as the Associate Director for Research and Advocacy for the coast side organization Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS).
Career Exploration Series - Ralph Turner
Ralph Turner is a former corporate banking executive and Silicon Valley innovation leader with 40 years of experience at Wells Fargo and Intuit. With degrees from the University of British Columbia and San Jose State University, he now mentors young professionals and continues his own learning at Cañada College.