LOFT STEM Symposium | Los Angeles, CA

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) hosted two Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) Leadership Symposia sponsored by the U.S. Army on January 23rd and 24th at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). 

The LOFT STEM Leadership Symposium is a free leadership and workforce development program sponsored by the Army that provides career-path guidance, educational opportunities and connectivity for students/ young professionals in the STEM fields. Welcome remarks were given by Sergeant First Class Carlos Caraballo, Junior at Coastline Community College. 

Students at the Symposium were eager to learn about leadership and how they too can be leaders in their everyday high school careers. The leadership presentation was led by Captain Gregory Szabados, Assistant Professor of Military Science for the University of Southern California AROTC program. The students networked with students from other local Los Angeles high schools and networked with speakers and the U.S. Army.

“Leadership means that I am able to empower those that are working with me to be able to be successful as a team. Nurses in general are leaders everyday as we care and plan for patients healthcare, advocate for patients, work with other colleagues within the area and as a leader in different areas and arenas. For example, within our community, as an educator, as faculty and also working with other members of the team,” said Juana Ferrerosa. 

Speakers included Jorge Orrantia, Computer Scientist, Pattie Soltero Sanchez, Chief Nursing Officers at the Los Angeles County -Harbor/ UCLA Medical Center, Luis Gonzalez, M2020 Deputy Atlo Electrical Integration and Test Lead at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Captain Manual Reyes, Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Southern California.

Other speakers included Juan Vasquez, Data Programs Manager, Business Experience Unit at the Office of Finance for the City of Los Angeles, Juana Ferrerosa, President at the National Association of Hispanic Nurses of the Los Angeles Chapter and Manuel Amaya, Data Scientist and Co-Founder and CEO of Motive Ventures.

The Hacking a Career in STEM segment also had the students thinking about ideas on how they can continue on their path to successful careers through the end of their high school careers and after graduation. Speakers gave students insight on their personal background, their high school careers, highlights throughout their career and tips/advice on what they can do moving forward. 

HHF and the U.S. Army thank all the students, teachers, speakers, faculty and volunteers at CSULB who contributed to the success of the Symposium. HHF continues to bring new programs across the country to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about internship opportunities, fellowships, career guidance and more all through our LOFT Network. Learn more about our 2017 LOFT STEM Symposia in Los Angeles, Miami, and Austin!