Ever wondered what it’s like to be a tattoo artist?
How about what goes on in those tall office buildings all day?
Love being outdoors but not sure how to make money doing it?
Edge High School’s annual Career Day may have answered these questions and more. We were thrilled to host some of Tucson’s top professionals to share their knowledge and experience in a wide range of career opportunities that await our high school grads. Here’s the lineup of our incredible speakers for 2024.
Who did you meet? What did you learn? What does the future hold? It’s so exciting!
Accounting
Nancy Stockton is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Originally from Columbus Ohio, Nancy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Miami in Oxford, Ohio. After graduating she moved to Denver, Colorado to accept a job with Deloitte and Touche, one of the largest international accounting firms in the world. She has worked in accounting at small start-up tech companies, restaurants, and Microsoft.
This presentation expanded students’ understanding of what happens inside tall office buildings and provided some familiarity with what are likely new business terms. It gave a brief big-picture overview of the main departments that exist in all companies and nonprofit entities. Students gained a high-level overview of what accounting is and what accountants do. Next, some advantages of a career in accounting were highlighted along with what steps you can take now to prepare for a career in accounting.
Banking
Gloria Sanora is a Member Service Representative at Pima Federal Credit Union, originally from Tucson, Arizona, with two decades of experience in the banking industry. Gloria’s banking career began unexpectedly at Wells Fargo, where an impromptu interview led to a teller position. She quickly advanced to merchant teller, excelling in sales, and earning the Excellence award. Within two years, she was promoted to Banker and later to Business Expert. After balancing long hours and family life, Gloria transitioned to Bank of The West, advancing from Personal Banker to Financial Services Officer over four years. After a career break, she joined a Credit Union, where she now helps members achieve their financial goals, drawing on her extensive experience. Gloria is a proud mother of four, she loves going to the beach and listening to audiobooks.
This presentation provided insight into the Credit Union world, focusing on the values of pursuing a career in the financial industry with members’ interests at heart. Additionally, we discussed current preparations for future job opportunities, the collaborative efforts of different skills and departments for company success, and the involvement of the Credit Union in the community.
Business & Automotive Internships
Monica Romero, Art Basurto, and Ashley Monreal work at SER Jobs for Progress. SER-Jobs for Progress of Southern Arizona is a private, non-profit organization offering comprehensive employment and training programs. Their services consist of intake, certification, testing, and assessment. They operate literacy, academic, summer high school credit, and summer vocational training programs. They provide career counseling, job development, case management and support services. They offer paid internships in the automotive industry with Southern Arizona’s largest dealerships.
This presentation detailed the steps you need to take to be eligible for paid internships in the automotive industry.
Chef & Caterer
Pablo Valencia is the chef and owner of Scratching The Plate Catering. Brought up around the entire concept of farm to table – making things from our earth from scratch – was a staple in his childhood. Adopting campfire ranch-style cooking, he translates all he makes with that backbone. In his career he has learned to create edible earth out of ember and fire and strives to teach the old ways of food while attaching modern twists and profiles. He believes in returning to the table and appreciating the culture around the Plate!
Chef Pablo discussed different pathways into careers in culinary arts and demonstrated ranch-style cooling with students. He promotes individuals pursuing careers in things they love.
Cosmetology
Gadabout Salons & Spas was founded in 1979 and is a locally owned business in Tucson, with 6 Salons, and two unique brands. With about 200 employees, it prioritizes education within the company and has built a strong training program that is supported by their technicians who give their time to teach new teammates. Gadabout is passionate about giving back to the Tucson Community, and participating in organizations like The Boys and Girls Club, The Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and many more.
Alice Showalter has been with Gadabout for 33 years, managing their River and Campbell location for 30 years. She now works in Gadabout’s resource center helping with onboarding and hiring new employees, working with guest loyalty, retention, and hospitality, while also facilitating their on-site Wedding Team.
Focusing on the cosmetology industry, including cosmetology schools in Tucson as well as financial aid, students engaged in a hands-on activity using mannequins. Tips were shared for how to begin a career in the industry to gain financial security and travel opportunities.
Cyber Security -Fastest Growing Job Sector
Sean Paul is a Senior Cyber Security Engineer at SOS International LLC, where he plays a pivotal role in safeguarding digital infrastructures. With a wealth of experience in cybersecurity, Sean has been instrumental in implementing advanced security measures and protocols to protect sensitive information. He is also an active volunteer in the US CyberPatriot program, where he mentors high school and middle school students, teaching them the fundamentals of cybersecurity and system administration.
Sean’s journey into cybersecurity began with a deep fascination for technology and its potential to transform the world. This passion led him to pursue a career in IT, where he quickly realized the importance of cybersecurity in protecting digital assets. Over the years, Sean has honed his skills through various certifications and hands-on experience, becoming an expert in the field. His dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals have made him a respected figure in the industry.
In this presentation, students will learn what cybersecurity is and what it is not. Students will learn about the array of jobs that exist in the field, both locally in Arizona and across the globe.
Students learned the variety of jobs available in the industry along with understanding the educational pathways and skills needed. They were presented with real-world examples of cybersecurity in practice, how it can impact everyday life and actionable steps they can take to start their journey. https://www.youtube.com/@kiltsandcomputers
Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Lieutenant Tammy Ritenour is a Firefighter/EMT at Fort Huachuca Fire Department. She earned an associate’s degree at a community college in Rochester, Minnesota. After speaking with an Army recruiter she decided to explore other career options through the military. She served three years as an active-duty firefighter at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and upon completing enlistment, became a government civilian firefighter. In 2009, she transferred to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and has been a Firefighter/EMT ever since. She is the only female firefighter at Fort Huachuca. In 2014, she finished her bachelor’s degree in business management at Grand Canyon University using the Montgomery GI Bill. In 2021, she was promoted to Lieutenant. She is married to a Flight Nurse/Paramedic and has six kids and an English Bulldog named Cart. She runs a local 501C non profit in Sierra Vista called Helping SV, and is the CEO of a flight apparel line, TrueFlightCrew. She stays busy volunteering in the community, keeping up with her kids’ busy athletic schedules, and enjoys boating, riding motorcycles, crafting, and being outdoors.
Complete with trying on firefighting gear, students participated in a hands-on activity related to Emergency Medical Services. They learned how to become a firefighter and gained insight into the workplace dynamics and physical and mental demands of the job.
Forensic Scientist
Adella Herrera has been employed with the Tucson Police Department for approximately 18 years. She is currently a Forensic Scientist III at the Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory Chemical Analysis section in the Fire Debris Unit. Previously, she has worked in the Firearms, Explosives, DNA, and the Seized Drug Units. Adella has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a Chemistry minor, a Master of Science degree from Grand Canyon University in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire, and a Graduate Certificate from the University of Florida in Forensic Drug Chemistry. In her free time, Adella loves to volunteer with Embrace Grace, a non-profit organization, whose mission is to help new moms and dads impacted by unexpected
In this presentation, students learned about the role of a forensic scientist and the career opportunities that exist locally that apply the scientific method to crime scene investigation. In addition to engaging in a forensic hands-on activity, students learned numerous pathways one might take to start a career in forensic science.
How To Be Successful In Business
Mitch Pisik is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pisik Consulting Group. He is an award-winning business consultant, executive coach, sales trainer, and leadership executive. He has consulted with over 700 companies including small businesses and Fortune 50 global businesses.
He teaches Strategic Leadership at the University of Arizona, is a Certified Public Accountant, and is an Honorary Commander at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. Mitch has served on the Board of Directors for the following entities:
- Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Southern Arizona Leadership Council
- Vantage West Credit Union
- United Way of Southern Arizona
- Jewish Community Services
- Rotary Club of Tucson
Highlighting key characteristics of successful people in business, students gained insight from an industry leader on how to develop the necessary traits to succeed in business and life.
Marketing/Sales/Senior Care
Hope Noble is a Senior Living Professional with over a decade in the Senior Living and Senior Care industry. Starting as her first job fresh out of college, she found a passion for providing care, support, and engagement for elderly adults in her community. She found herself in the Sales & Marketing realm about 7 years ago and has never looked back! Working her way up to Regional Sales Director for Frontier Senior Living. She is the mom of a Toddler and wife to a High School Football coach.
Joanna Contreras is a Sales Director for La Sonora at Dove Mountain. She has extensive experience in medical service sales across various specialties, including cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, urgent care, occupational medicine, and luxurious senior living. She has discovered that working with people in senior living, a crucial time in their lives, is the most rewarding and she is committed to making a meaningful difference in her community.
Students learned about the various careers and pathways for senior care and sales and marketing in general, identifying the skills necessary for success.
Nursing/Critical Care Flight Nurse
Sarah Baumann is a Certified Critical Care Flight Nurse for Banner University Medical Center. She has nearly 10 years of nursing experience working in both hospitals and emergency air transports. She has worked in Emergency Pediatrics, Adult Emergency Medicine, and Trauma Emergency Services. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arizona.
Focusing on steps one can take to prepare for a career in nursing, this presentation highlighted the differences between the various nursing programs that exist in Arizona.
Tattoo Artist & Business Owner
Marcela Watson is the owner of Church Ink Tattoo Parlor in Tucson, Arizona. She started Church Ink in 2018 but has been tattooing for 11 years. Marcela shared her story of how she became a tattoo artist and detailed the different education and training needed to become both a tattoo artist and a small business owner. She showcased the variety of opportunities she has been presented with as a tattoo artist, including travel. She also spoke about her lived experiences as a woman of color small business owner and provided a brief tattoo design lesson.
Wildlife Management- Arizona Game & Fish
Mark Hart is a public information officer with the Arizona Game and Fish Department in Tucson. He serves as department spokesman for southeastern Arizona news media, and manages information and education programs throughout the region. Hart, who joined the department in 2009, also serves on the agency’s CAT-1 Incident Management Team, and as a wildfire public information officer through the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. In addition, he is an agency representative to the federal Borderlands Management Task Force. Hart, an alumnus of the American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson, WY, earned a bachelor’s degree with high honors from Loyola University of Chicago in 1981.
Students learned about the various career opportunities through Arizona Game and Fish that allow those who love the outdoors a chance to spend a career doing so! They also learned about jaguar conservation in southern Arizona.
Thank you to everyone who shared their time and expertise with the next generation! We are thrilled to host you at our tuition-free high school.
About Edge
EDGE is a Cognia accredited, tuition-free, charter high school, with two campuses in the greater Tucson area. We provide an alternative to traditional education, meeting the diverse learning and life needs of our students with our blended curriculum and flexible morning or afternoon class schedules. Our high-quality, passionate teachers are dedicated to individualized instruction in our small academic classes. Be you. With us. At Edge.