USC Biotech: STEM Pathways Begin in East LA

WORKSHOPS RECAP

From left to right, panelists Jan Perry (general manager, Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development), Theda Douglas (USC assistant vice president for government partnerships and PREPARING STEM Pathways Begin programs), WIllie Zuniga (president, Grifols Biologicals), and Andrew Chavez (supervisor, Grifols Biologicals) answer questions about job training, certificate programs, and “stackable” degree FOR THE programs that lead to long-term employment in the biotech and in East LA healthcare fields. BIOTECH Panelists share advice and personal insights into DECADE the road leading to a career in biotechnology EVENT By Pamela Madrid LEADERSHIP East LA Chairs Thomas S. Sayles, Senior Vice getting down President for University Relations, University of Southern California Guillermo “Willie” Zuniga, to work in President, Grifols Biologicals Inc. Honorary Committee the biotech Xavier Becerra, U.S. House of Representatives, 34th District decade Kevin de León, President Pro Tempore, By Ron Mackovich California State Senate, SD 24 Ed Hernandez, California State Senate, Four people who know the way to perma- “My career’s given me two things; a living and Jan Perry reinforced the value of these SD 22 nent, high-paying jobs mapped out career a passion,” said Chavez. “I can provide for my programs, especially for low-income and first- Miguel Santiago, California State As- pathways at a biotech jobs workshop Saturday, daughter. She’s the fuel to my fire. Now, the sky’s generation students. sembly, 53rd District October 1. The workshop was part of a bilingual the limit. When you strive to make a difference Felipe Hernandez, a first generation college student at USC, talks to high school students and their parents community event for East Los Angeles families for yourself, you’ll make a difference for others.” “A person can go in and get certified in an area Hilda Solis, Chair, Los Angeles County about his path to studying civil engineering. Board of Supervisors, First District called “Preparing for the Biotech Decade,” and Chavez is on the leading edge of a national of emphasis. It can be more affordable and completed in a shorter period of time for a person Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles explored opportunities in biotechnology for boom in biotechnology investment, one that people of all backgrounds and education levels. USC hopes to bring to East Los Angeles, as the who’s trying to work toward a two-year or four- José Huizar, Los Angeles City Council What are the keys to become part of Expect to Work Hard university has advocated for a biotechnology year degree by doing it in phases, and adding to Member, 14th District, City of For panelist and college student Felipe the biotechnology evolution? “When I think of biotechnology, I think about park adjacent to its Health Sciences Campus. their earning capability as they move along their Los Angeles Hernandez, it’s become part of his routine to Panelists representing USC, East Los Angeles improving the quality of life for others,” said “We want to see people hired from Roosevelt academic career. You have to work and study at Martha Escutia, Vice President of study until 3 a.m., and still be required to be College (ELAC), and Theodore Roosevelt High Willy Zuniga, President of El Sereno based High and East Los Angeles College,” Perry said. the same time, with no downside to that.” Government Relations, University of in class the next morning at 8 a.m. As a USC School addressed curious middle and high Grifols Biologicals, a major sponsor of the event. “People who are committed and want to stay, Southern California civil engineering student, and Norman Topping school students, and their parents, with informa- Zuniga graduated from Wilson High School in so people can benefit from growth and not be More than 5,000 people graduate yearly from Scholar, the hunger to learn and work towards a Geoffrey L. Baum, President of the tion about rewarding careers related to biotech, El Sereno, and earned a business degree at disenfranchised or kicked out.” Los Angeles universities with degrees in science, brighter future helps him overcome obstacles. Board of Governors, California medical discovery and technology, and the California State University, Los Angeles. engineering and technology — more than San “When I was twelve years old, I started helping Community Colleges academic careers that begin with strong founda- Martin Santillan, 25, stood up during the Diego and San Francisco combined. Zuniga my parents sell cut fruit on the street to make Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor, Los tions in math and science. “It’s exciting to be in “I got married when I was 18. I had my first question and answer session and told Zuniga, “I hopes to see this STEM pipeline flowing directly ends meet. One day we only sold $28 worth, and Angeles Community Colleges the lab working on experiments that could help daughter when I was 20. I quit school because I want to work for you at Grifols.” into East LA. $4 of that was in food stamps so we had very little Mónica García, Board of Education bring change to the world,” said Valerie Beltran, a had to feed my daughter,” Zuniga said. “I found profit,” shared Hernandez. “The memory of that Representative, Los Angeles middle school student enrolled in USC Neighbor- Grifols. We’re making amazing medicines, we’re Santillan, a student at California State Univer- “The great dream of the biotech corridor is to day motivates me to work and study harder.” Unified School District, District 2 hood Academic Initiative program. As Valerie and saving lives, and we want to expose individ- sity, Los Angeles, said, “I want to work in the bring these companies to the heart of East Los Maria E. Torres Flores, Francisco the other 200 parents and students at the “Full uals to all the massive opportunities and the biotech field. Grifols is a great company, right Angeles, with the USC Health Center,” Zuniga Bravo Medical Magnet High School STEM Ahead” workshop learned, taking the right Parental Involvement is Vital different types of roles that it takes to make here across the street from us. I appreciate that said. “Eventually, we’ll have a three or four mile Ahmed A. Enany, President & CEO, courses is just the beginning. From leveraging technology to regularly commu- good quality products for our patients. We they came here and gave us this information. corridor of high-tech companies, hotels, restau- SoCalBio.org nicate with teachers, to easing any barriers to hire people who are working on certificates at It’ll help me get my foot in the door in this field.” rants, everything that our community desires Ron Miller, Executive Secretary, The Find a Mentor learning, the parent’s role in the educational community colleges, and we hire Ph.Ds.” and deserves.” Los Angeles/Orange Counties Build- First generation college students often feel journey is vital, especially as students advance in Santillan and others like him may get into the ing and Construction Trades Council isolated and unequipped for college, largely their coursework. About 150 people listened to the panel that biotech field in unconventional ways, including David I. Meyer, President and CEO, because their parents aren’t able to provide first- included Zuniga, Theda Douglas of USC what Perry called “stackable degrees.” “Parents need to be in partnership with the school LA BioMed hand advice. As a result, many of these students government partnerships and programs, Los feel like they don’t belong and are reluctant to and support what is being done in the classroom. Angeles Economic and Workforce Development An example of this type of incremental career- seek help from faculty and staff. By working together, parents can supplement the General Manager Jan Perry, and moderator building path is USC’s Concurrent Enrollment efforts of the school,” said Raul Mata, college and Maritza Dubie-Uribe of LA County Community Dental Assistant Certificate program. “Many times, we make the mistake of looking career advisor at Theodore Roosevelt High School. and Senior Services. for mentors that look like us. Mentors come in “Parents should also seek out the academic and “After they finish the first 15 weeks of the many colors and sizes. Never think they have to emotional support resources that schools offer to Also on the panel was Andrew Chavez, a Grifols program, our students can receive two certifi- look like you, to help you,” said Armando M. ensure their children are accessing the help they employee and graduate of Los Angeles Trade cates,” said Theda Douglas, who heads the For more information, Rivera, dean of STEM and professor of chemistry, need to succeed.” Technical College. program. “One allows them to do dental x-rays or to become involved in East Los Angeles College. “As long as they take a and one is in infection control. So they’re the Los Angeles Biotech genuine interest in you, they can help.” eligible to go to work, but they can continue Park please contact [email protected] taking classes.”

2 biotech.usc.edu biotech.usc.edu 3

biotech_media_clips_r3_FNL.indd 2-3 10/14/16 10:53 AM