Embark on the inspiring journey of Andrea Diaz-Vaughn, a talented artist whose passion for art started at a young age. Join us on Future Groove as we delve into the emotions, connections, and collaborations that drive her work. From doodling to becoming a successful business owner and creative director, Andrea's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination in achieving artistic excellence.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (01:07) - Introduction of Andrea and understanding her role in the creative industry.
• (04:06) - Discussion on purposeful execution and emotional connection.
• (05:49) - Exploring the art of storyteller and connecting with your audience.
• (12:01) - What is involved in building a brand?
• (16:05) - Andrea's personal journey toward becoming a creative director.
• (25:16) - Understanding Andrea's success and the role her parents played in her life.
• (30:42) - What was the learning curve on creating your own clientele list?
• (33:52) - Andrea's favorite projects and her future groove.

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In this episode, we talk with Dina Samson, a successful Los Angeles restaurateur who built her career in finance and branding before entering the food and beverage industry. Dina discusses her passion for connecting people and amplifying voices within the industry, and how she's cultivated a culture of joy and core values to drive success. With her experience opening acclaimed restaurants in Southern California and co-founding nonprofits to support local business owners, Dina shares valuable insights on the importance of community and connection in the restaurant industry. Don't miss this episode as we explore Dina's journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (01:32) - How Dina got into the restaurant industry.
• (04:17) - Working with celebrity business leaders.
• (08:00) - What are your primary roles as a restauranteur?
• (09:56) - What skills and traits do you look for when hiring staff?
• (16:20) - Uncovering Dina's youth which led her to her current position.
• (18:42) - What project are you most proud of?
• (19:58) - What advice would you give young people for finding the right career?
• (23:39) - What is your future groove?

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In a world that's becoming increasingly dependent on cars, the role of auto mechanics has never been more crucial. However, with the closure of dealerships during the Great Recession and a mass exodus of retiring technicians, the demand for skilled automotive professionals has reached an all-time high.

In this episode of Future Groove, we speak with seasoned auto specialists, Joe Mulleary and Trinidad Linares, who have transitioned into education and explore the various paths to certification and degrees in the automotive industry.

Join us as we delve into the exciting opportunities available in this thriving field, where hardworking individuals can earn six-figure salaries while keeping the wheels of our economy turning.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (02:00) - Trinidad's career pathway in the automotive industry.
• (04:45) - Joe's pathway to working in the automotive program at Cerritos College.
• (12:12) - Changes in the automotive industry and the demands required to enter today.
• (15:52) - Additional changes in the industry within the last 10 years.
• (22:27) - What are the specializations students are going into in this industry?
• (26:12) - An in depth look at Joe's program at Cerritos College.
• (29:57) - The automotive program at Downey High School.
• (33:44) - Alternative fuels and advanced automotive program at Cerritos.
• (38:10) - Student success stories who went through these automotive programs.
• (42:44) - Joe's and Trinidad's look into the future of the automotive industry for students.

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In this episode of Future Groove, we explore the world of Esports in schools, specifically in the Downey Unified School District. Alan Zack, Dr. Cari White, and Russ Heike discuss the increasing engagement of students in their studies, particularly in STEM careers, as a result of Esports mega-events. They share how Esports, with its focus on teamwork, strategy, and STEM classes, has won over skeptical parents and funneled students into skills-based classes, such as game programming. Additionally, we learn about how Esports experiences can count towards college admissions and promote career exploration in the rapidly-evolving gaming industry.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (01:35) - Introducing the Esports industry.
• (04:41) - Career opportunities in the Esports industry.
• (07:30) - Why even include Esports as a student activity?
• (09:35) - What are the logistics of bringing Esports to the schools?
• (12:55) - Exploring the partnership with the Carrot Group and DUSD.
• (15:30) - Student stories on the impact of Esports.
• (21:06) - The Carrot Group and career development in Esports.
• (30:46) - Transferable skills and other benefits with Esports in school.
• (35:04) - What is the future of Esports in DUSD?

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On this episode of Future Groove, we'll be joined by June Bayha, CEO of Bayha Group, and two of her colleagues to discuss their innovative program that has been connecting teens with internships and industry mentors for the past eight years. Through this program, young people are gaining important workplace skills and building impressive resumes and portfolios. Join us as we learn more about the Bayha Group's Gen Z-focused programs and how they're on the cutting edge of reinvention.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (01:06) - Introducing the DowneyMADE internship program
• (03:36) - Receiving the California Career Trust Grant and how students apply to the program.
• (06:38) - How many students and businesses were involved in the beginning?
• (09:58) - Pivoting the program and adding a virtual element during the lockdowns.
• (15:24) - Juan's personal experience with the DowneyMADE internship program.
• (18:35) - Enrique's personal experience with the DowneyMADE internship program.
• (19:57) - Working with the employers and structuring the work experience.
• (23:34) - Examining the efficacy of the weekly reflecting journals.
• (25:35) - How were the students placed with their desired employers?
• (29:43) - What is the future groove for the DowneyMADE program?

Resources Mentioned:

• https://www.downeymade.net/
• https://www.downeymade.net/programs

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Downey Unified has spent years building Career Technical Education programs that connect students to their interests, and ultimately to tangible industry certifications and college and career pathways. The CTE vision can’t happen without support and direction from high school leaders who have taken their own winding journeys to current job roles as principal and assistant principal. You’ll hear them say, “We don’t want kids to feel lost.” The three leaders joining me on this episode of Future Groove talk about growing confidence in students to excel in the things they enjoy. Positive collaborations with CTE teachers encourage students to be who they are—to do what they love and what comes naturally.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (03:02) - Dr. Ortiz's journey to becoming a principle.
• (05:15) - Russ's story to administration and CTE.
• (07:38) - Adrian's background and his involvement in special education.
• (12:34) - What has it been like to support students with your CTE program?
• (15:45) - Providing options for all students to set them up for success.
• (21:47) - What is the presence of industry relations interacting with your CTE programs and students?
• (26:20) - Discussion on the Cerritos college partnership and Xochitl's welding pathway.
• (28:56) - The importance of grants to develop high quality CTE programs.
• (33:50) - What is your future groove and your vision for these programs?

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In this episode, we explore the world of welding and the important role it plays in our daily lives. Our guests, veteran welders Bryan Mazariegos and Carlos Cervantes, share their experiences working in the welding industry before joining Downey Unified's Career Technical Education program.

We discuss their passion for guiding students through the welding process and helping them graduate with valuable college credit and industry-recognized skills. The high-demand and well-paid field of welding offers a range of diverse opportunities for certified craftspeople both locally and abroad.

Tune in to learn more about the exciting world of welding and the rewarding career paths it offers.

Topics and Questions Covered:

• (01:47) - Bryan's story and welding background.
• (05:06) - Carlo's story and his introduction into welding.
• (14:35) - Diving deeper into the current welding industry and the high demand for this trade.
• (18:37) - Types of welding and the discussion on the skills needed.
• (24:25) - What are the students learning in your welding program?
• (29:24) - The positive change in the students' confidence and behavior before and after the program.
• (34:06) - The partnership with Cerritos College and Columbus High School.
• (36:50) - The benefits of having two welding professors.
• (41:10) - The future vision of the welding program and Columbus High School.

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In this episode, we hear from Downey Unified Superintendent Dr. John Garcia as he reflects on his 31 years as an educator and what it means to be in 'legacy mode.' As a Downey High graduate, Dr. Garcia is the first alum to lead the district and has an executive MBA and a doctorate in education, which have helped him create a visionary action plan for bridging classroom learning to industry. Dr. Garcia emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, businesses, government, and community groups, and discusses how Downey is modeling effective practices in college and career readiness. Tune in to hear his insights on how public schools can stay relevant in preparing students for our digital economy.

Questions and Topics Covered:

• (01:37) - Dr. John Garcia's story and how he got into education.
• (03:27) - Challenges that are facing public education in Southern California.
• (06:22) - Dr. Garcia's career development in connecting business and public education.
• (08:14) - How CTE is meeting the needs of the students in Downey Unified School Districts.
• (12:40) - Bridging the gap between the private sector and public education.
• (17:13) - Being the superintendent in DUSD and the secret sauce of this school district.
• (20:58) - How the staff supports the district overall, and the winning formula for DUSD.
• (24:40) - The working relationship between DUSD and Cerritos College.
• (28:23) - Dr. John's future groove and the future of DUSD.

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