Winter/Spring 2009
Each year, more and more MESA students learn vital career-building skills at the Student Leadership Conference sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and this year's event was no exception.
Students came from 18 MESA community college and university centers. The effort was successful with the help of almost 30 industry volunteers, a talented planning team and support from AT&T, Chevron and Texas Instruments.
PG&E officials hope to expand the conference in future years to coincide with MESA's 40th anniversary in 2010.
"It will be an opportunity for MESA to pat itself on the back for 40 years of success," said Marya Bloodsaw, of PG&E Diversity Talent Programs. "PG&E has a long-term hiring need and a commitment to diversity and MESA fulfills both of those needs."
Senator Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, shared the key note address at the opening evening dinner with Bill Harper, PG&E Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer and MESA Board of Directors member.
Students wasted no time and immediately began workshops that continued late into Friday evening. A transfer fair and more sessions were held on Saturday, covering topics such as project management, leadership and teambuilding.
Students came from MESA programs at Bakersfield College, Cañada College, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CSU Chico, UC Santa Cruz, CSU East Bay, CSU Fresno, Gavilan College, Los Medanos College, Napa Valley College, CSU Sacramento, CSU San Diego, CSU San Francisco, CSU San Jose, Skyline College, CSU Sonoma, University of the Pacific and Yuba College.
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