Discover Our Students’ Experiences Through Their Own Words: Maria Gracia-Esquival

“The reason why I joined Richland’s Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management program was I wanted to enter the hospitality industry, but realized there were so many different areas of work. I needed to network and learn more about which area I wanted to focus on. “Bill Boyd was on the HEEM board and through his support of the Richland program, I was accepted as an intern with Sunbelt Motivation and Travel and later was hired on full-time. I don’t think I could have opened doors on my own for a meetings job that I love. The skills acquired through the HEEM program ensured my success.”

A student with a red jacket poses for a photo in a downtown setting

Stephanie Gutierrez

Culinary Student

“At El Centro’s Culinary and Hospitality Institute, I’m learning how to plan a menu and use time management in the kitchen. Now with SkillsUSA, it’s teaching me to get where I want to go.”

Culinary and Pastry Arts

Albert Pantoja III

Senior Accountant American Home Mortgage Servicing

“My experience was really good; I learned a lot about different types of loans, underwriting and loan origination. The program gave us a broad overview from the get-go. I didn’t have any previous experience in mortgage banking at all, so it really helped me to prepare for changing jobs into the industry.”

Banking and Finance

Tammy White

Project Manager Verizon Telecom

“The most important thing I learned in my education was a sense of accomplishment and purpose, and that nothing is impossible as long as I am willing to expend the effort to reach my goals. I have been promoted a number of times in recent years, into positions of more and more responsibility as a direct result of my education.”

Business, Business and Management