A University of La Verne business administration major will spend the next few months developing ways to sustain California\u2019s water supply and examining the state\u2019s economic future as part of a leadership program for Latino college students.<\/p>\n
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce\u2019s Creating a Path to Success (CAPS) selected Kassandra Aguilera for the program, which includes training in public speaking, networking, and job preparation.<\/p>\n
Aguilera works with former CAPS member David Betancourt \u201815 at the University of La Verne\u2019s Small Business Development Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter hearing how life changing and inspirational the program had been for him, I knew I needed to apply for this opportunity,\u201d Aguilera said. \u201cBeing accepted, I know I have to use this opportunity to continue to develop and grow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aguilera will work with 14 other college students, applying theories they have learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Last year\u2019s group visited the Central Valley to learn about the state\u2019s drought through the eyes of farmers. The students then presented solutions during the chamber\u2019s annual convention.<\/p>\n
Bernedette Medrano, chair of the CAPS program, said students have gone on to successful careers because of their exposure to the program, including one student who works for U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and several who work in management at financial institutions and the government. Most of the students selected are the first in their families to go to college.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost first-generation young people do not have the luxury of parental advice on how to navigate the college or job experience,\u201d she said. \u201cWe provide that service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Medrano said the CAPS students will receive projects this month that they will need to complete for the chamber\u2019s convention in August. The projects will focus on water sustainability and the economic forecast for Latino millennials.<\/p>\n
Sean Snider, director of the university’s Small Business Development Center, said Aguilera’s talent helped her rise above others who applied.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredible to see Kassandra chosen out of applicants from across the state for the CAPS program.\u00a0 Her drive, discipline and determination impresses me on a daily basis,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce\u2019s Creating a Path to Success (CAPS) selected Kassandra Aguilera for the program.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3529,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,283],"tags":[243],"class_list":["post-510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-and-events","category-students","tag-cbpm","ulv_author-university-of-la-verne","legacy_tags-bernedette-medrano","legacy_tags-california-hispanic-chambers-of-commerce","legacy_tags-college-of-business-public-management","legacy_tags-creating-a-path-to-success","legacy_tags-la-verne","legacy_tags-sean-snider","legacy_tags-small-business-development-center","legacy_tags-university-of-la-verne"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n