April 8, 2024 – Clovis Community College hosted the Soroptimist International of Clovis (SIC) annual Dream It, Be It Career Support for Girls Conference on April 5, 2024. The venue gave the attendees a chance to experience the college campus firsthand.
“We had 64 students register and attend our conference this year from all eight of Clovis Unified’s high schools, including Gateway, Clovis Online, and Clovis Community Day,” said Suzi Erickson, Conference Coordinator and SIC Vice-President.
“It is so affirming to see our young women’s hearts and minds inspired and empowered through our Dream It, Be It Conference. Today, we watched and listened as students shared new HOPE for their futures; speakers who changed lives and career opportunities never imagined were unlocked.
“I would call the day a huge success! On behalf of Clovis Soroptimist, we want to thank Clovis Community College President, Dr. Kim Armstrong and her amazing leadership team for partnering with our club this year and providing a fantastic collegiate setting for our students. Our club and community support is what makes this event come together and I am very proud to be a part of it.”
The goal of the conference was to provide the participants with tools to discover their dreams and how to overcome obstacles in obtaining those dreams.
Clovis Community, Reedley College, and Clovis Adult Education provided career rotations in the field of STEM lab work, aviation and health care, respectively.
Women employed in those fields described their work experiences, the required training, and salary ranges. Fresno County Sheriff personnel provided information on law enforcement careers such as detective, corrections officer, patrol officer, and the Explorer Youth Academy for those interested in law enforcement.
The atmosphere of the workshop was upbeat and relaxed. Attendees received raffle tickets and prizes were awarded throughout the event.
The Assistance League of Fresno generously donated five $200.00 gift cards for shopping sprees for the five grand prize raffle winners.
Two keynote speakers, Jene D’Ambrosio and Karen Lopez Pena, shared their inspirational stories of overcoming adversity on their paths to successful careers.
“I love pushback and feedback,” said D’Ambrosio. “It’s how you are going to grow and change.”
Pena stressed she never saw herself as a victim of abuse. “You really have to focus on what you want,” she told her audience. “Push yourself to go forward…you can reach your goals.”
Through education, Soroptimist International’s mission is to help girls and women reach their full potential and realize their dreams. For more information, please visit siclovis.org.