Latest Chamber News
‘THROUGH THE DOOR’: UNLOCKING CAREERS IN CONSERVATION
“The California Conservation Corps allowed me to not only be part of the work but also start talking to people that can help me get through the door,” said Corpsmember Azucena “Oz” Peraza.
During a CCC Statewide Trails project at El Capitán State Beach, Oz used chisels, hammers, and drills to build new pathways for park visitors to enjoy. All the while, they became exposed to numerous career opportunities offered by California State Parks.
“We were working directly with the State Parks’ Statewide Trails Crew,” said Oz. “I didn’t know they existed until I started working with the CCC.” In addition, Oz connected with rangers who visited the project site, which gave them direct insight into their career of interest.
Each year, the California Conservation Corps helps many young adults like Oz develop job skills, navigate career opportunities, and earn scholarships to support personal and professional growth.
If you, or someone you know, wants a career conserving California’s outdoor spaces consider enrolling in the CCC today.
https://ccc.ca.gov/07-13-23-through-the-door-unlocking-careers-in-conservation/
How can you give back to the Hispanic Community?
How can you give back to the Hispanic Community?
Volunteer at SCORE serving the Hispanic Community and causes in ways that it uses your talent and expertise. Establish a circle with friends within your own social or professional network, and support nonprofits that serve Hispanics and other community groups.
Become a mentor for the Hispanic Community at: https://www.score.org/volunteer/become-mentor
Join Hispanic entrepreneurs networking circle at: info.0380@scorevolunteer.org and submit your contact information and name of your business.
Hispanic Business Growth
There are nearly five million Hispanic-owned businesses throughout the country, and they contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy each year, according to SCORE’s analysis. Not only that, but Hispanic small businesses also employ about three million workers, with more than $100 billion in annual payroll
With a projected population over 66.5MM in 2023 and a Consumer Buying Power exceeding $2T, Hispanic Americans will represent over 20% of the total U.S. population and will become 22% of our nation’s population over the next 5 years.
NO EXPERIENCE, NO PROBLEM IN THE CCC
NO EXPERIENCE, NO PROBLEM IN THE CCC
“The CCC has allowed me to take on so many new opportunities that I didn’t see myself doing. Since I joined, I’m more confident that I can do these things,” said Corpsmember AJ Nared.
Things like cutting fire line, cooking a meal, felling trees, and restoring fish habitat are all possible in the CCC. Corpsmembers receive a monthly stipend of $2,700, the chance to earn scholarships and, most importantly, the opportunity to test out possible careers and learn what it takes to be successful. And, there’s no experience required to enroll. You just need to be 18 to 25 or a military veteran 29 or younger.
“I just finished my first month and I’ve been exposed to a lot of new skills that I didn’t have the chance to develop at home,” said Corpsmember Franklin Bertellotti. “The opportunity to learn has been phenomenal for me. I’m excited to see what else I can learn as we go.”
In the California Conservation Corps, young adults can develop the drive and work ethic to find their footing, confidence, and future career.
Unsung Heroes: Veronica Caufield
Mrs. Veronica Caufield was born and raised in Sanger Ca. She is the daughter of Jose and Josefina Villalobos, and has loving and caring sisters who motivate her and make her laugh every day! She has been married to a loving and understanding husband for 25 years. Together they have four incredible children whom they are very proud of and whom she loves with all her heart.
She is a graduate of Sanger High School and California State University, Fresno where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Education in Cross-cultural Teaching. She has served the community of Parlier for 25 years working in various roles in Parlier Unified. She was nominated as FCOE Educator of the Year in 2013 and nominated as FCOE Administrator of the Year in 2020.
Mrs. Caufield is intentional in providing opportunities for all students and team members in order to build capacity in social-emotional and instructional skills and practices. She is a lifelong learner always looking for new ways of establishing a positive learning environment and promoting a growth mindset in a supportive and caring space.
Unsung Heroes: Over Color Design/Print
Founded in 1998 by Dwayne and Vanessa Ferguson, Over Color Design/Print is a local marketing company that specializes in web design, promotions, logos, custom t-shirts, commercials and social media with a concentration in nonprofits and small businesses. The company’s goal is to provide the same services a large corporation would receive but on a nonprofit or new company budget.
Unsung Heroes: Denise Wyatt
Denise has been with the Family Healing Center for 9 of the 11 years it has been in existence. She has a strong passion for serving our community and helping all the families that come through the doors of the Family Healing Center. Since her leadership at the Center, it has become a Child Advocacy Center in Fresno County through the Children’s Advocacy Centers of California. This is a membership organization dedicated to helping local communities respond to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient – and put the needs of child victims first. She is continually working on doing more for her community by working with multiple agencies that serve many diverse clients. She is currently a member of the Fresno Latino Rotary, the League of Mexican American Women, and a member of the Central Valley Giving Circle.
Denise is a Fresno native. She is a graduate of Bullard High School. She maintained a 4.0 GPA and was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Kaplan College where she obtained her certification as a Medical Office Specialist. She is the current Executive Director at the Family Healing Center. She manages and oversees a staff of 10 employees. Her and her husband are the parents of five children and she is active in her church.
