Collaboration Sparks Ideas for Advancing Equity, Access, and Workforce Readiness
Pasadena’s leaders in science, technology, education, and community engagement convened at Caltech on November 15, 2024, for the Pasadena Educational Foundation’s (PEF) second SciTech Roundtable. Building on insights from the inaugural session, this event explored actionable strategies to equip Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in future careers and drive technological innovation.
The roundtable featured vibrant conversations focused on workforce development, career readiness, equity, and access in education. Participants examined how emerging technologies, inclusive practices, and strategic partnerships can empower students and create pathways to meaningful careers.
“This roundtable highlights the power of collaboration in opening doors for students,” said Patrick Conyers, PEF Executive Director. “By aligning community resources and expertise, we are creating a brighter future where students see clear opportunities to lead, innovate, and thrive.”
Key topics discussed during the session included:
- Equity and Access in Education: Ensuring every student has the resources and support needed to achieve their goals, regardless of background.
- Workforce Development: Addressing foundational skills, career pathways, emerging technologies, AI, and real-world exposure to prepare students for future industries.
- Student Empowerment: Inspiring leadership, resilience, and critical thinking in classrooms.
- Collaboration and Community Partnerships: Leveraging resources and expertise across sectors to enhance student experiences.
Participants shared ideas and practical strategies to create meaningful opportunities for students. Discussions centered on breaking down barriers, building connections between classrooms and careers, and providing students with hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and confidence. Discussions also included ways to expand access to innovative on-campus and off-campus learning experiences.
The event featured an ethusiastic group of participants, including:
- Mitch Aiken, Associate Director, Educational Outreach, Caltech
- Heidy Arriola, Regional Account Manager, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
- Erik Berg, President, Tyton LLC | PEF Board President
- Mimi Carter, Partner, Carterus Strategies | PEF Board Member
- Helen Chan Hill, Chief Academic Officer, PUSD
- Maggie Hendrie, Dean, Media & Technology, ArtCenter College of Design
- Phil Hettema, CEO, THG Creative
- Joann Kozyrev, Dean, Extended Studies, ArtCenter College of Design
- Zach Mank, Director, Engineering, HoneyBee Robotics
- Deborah Membreño, Project Manager, Economic Development Division, City of Pasadena
- Karina Montilla Edmonds, Senior VP, SAP | PEF Board Member
- Deborah Orret, Computer Science Teacher, App Academy Curriculum Designer, PUSD
- Claire Ralph, Director, Career Achievement, Leadership, & Exploration | Lecturer, Caltech
- Jeff Rich, Outreach Coordinator, Carnegie Science
- Joanne Roberts, Senior Director, Human Resources, Kaiser Permanente
- Amir Sadjadpour, Lead Structural Engineer, TMT International Observatory
- David Spiro, Development Director, Pasadena Educational Foundation
- Kim Stone, Vice President of Health Plan Technology Services – Membership Technology, Kaiser Permanente
- Michael Trogan, Deputy Director, Foothill Workforce Development Board·
The Pasadena Educational Foundation remains dedicated to advancing innovation and inclusivity in education. Insights from the roundtable will shape future programming and partnerships, ensuring Pasadena students are prepared to lead and innovate.
PEF’s next SciTech Roundtable is planned for early 2025, continuing the mission of uniting education and industry leaders to drive meaningful change.
Additional contributors include:
Chris Mattmann, Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer, UCLA; Bassil Dahiyat, President & CEO, Xencor; Vannia De La Cuba, Deputy, Office of the Mayor, City of Pasadena; Alexander Hernandez, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Pasadena; Rob McClinton, Board President, Innovate Pasadena; Pamela Weatherspoon, VP, Enterprise, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Engagement & Wellness, Huntington Health; Nadirah Nayo, Director, Curriculum, Instruction, Professional Development, & Ed Tech, PUSD; Veronica Jaramillo, Dean of Natural Sciences, Pasadena City College; Kristina Turley, Director, Planning, Innovation, Accountability, & Special Projects, PUSD; David Klug, Director, Economic Development, City of Pasadena
