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Everto “Veto” Ruiz, Professor of Chicano Studies at California State University Northridge and Social Activist, delivered an inspirational message and performed the song "A Ti" which means "To You."
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Six Scholarship recipients were chosen by Piru resident volunteers Sara Martinez and Carrie Celaya (above).
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On May 26th, the Piru Neighborhood Council held its 8th Annual Graduation and Scholarship Dinner. Seniors from Fillmore High School and Sierra High School were in attendance with their families for a lovely evening on the beautiful grounds of the Newhall Mansion, which hosted the event through their generous donation to the Piru Graduating Class of 2021. Adam Brooks, Events Manager at The Newhall Mansion, was giving of his time Manny Mendoza, the PNC’s Member-at-Large and his team of volunteers organized a beautiful evening: Maria Christopher from Rancho Camulos was at the sign in table, Carmen Hernandez and Lorena Cardenas assisted in seating the graduates and their families, and Juanita Mendoza helped to make sure the event was running smoothly.

The gorgeous flowers were donated by Marlene De La Cruz of Marlene's Flowers, a local Piru Business, and Sandra Pirello who cut the flowers herself from her property Raymond Ranch, and were arranged the night prior by volunteers Carmen Hernandez, Maria Christopher, Lorena Cardenas, and Juanita Ramirez-Mendoza. Carrie Celaya, a new member and
volunteer to the Piru community, addressed the guests, and served as a co-Master of Ceremonies.

A delicious dinner was donated by the Newhall Mansion and presented by Newhall Mansion Chef Giancarlo Negron; Dinner was served by Oscar Mendez (PNC President), volunteers Carmen Hernandez, past PNC Treasurer Lorena Cardenas, and volunteer Danny Ramirez. Drinks for the evening were donated by Sanchez Liquor in Piru. Ken Wiseman, the PNC Vice President and Chief Workforce Development Officer at AMS Fulfillment, was the first guest speaker and delivered a powerful and motivational message to the graduates, sharing personal stories of challenges and triumphs along his life path.

Coffee was donated by Starbucks in Fillmore, and the cake was generously donated by the Ramirez and Mendoza Families, and was provided by Super A Foods in Fillmore. Irene Ruiz, past PNC President picked up the cake and coffee for the event, while volunteers Roy Ruiz Jr. and Danny Ramirez helped with the setup of the tables and chairs.

Balloons were possible through generous donations and provided by Lupita Cisneros of Sweet Dlights, a local business in Piru.

Betty Lou Wiseman of AMS Fulfillment arranged for countless products and prizes donated by their clients. Each student received a backpack, water bottle, and Piru 2021 ball cap, and were also invited to each pick an additional item ranging from tablets, restaurant gift cards, designer handbags, shoes, clothing, cookware, bedding sets, computer bags, and an afternoon boat cruise. Volunteers Juanita Ramirez-Mendoza and PNC VP Ken Wiseman kept the gift giving flowing.

Piru Resident Viridiana Quintana, Community Engagement and Economic Development Coordinator for the Mulvaney Center for Community Awareness and Social Action, gave a heartfelt and inspiring speech to the students. She offered herself as a resource and encouraged each graduate to remember to become active in community involvement and shared how special graduating high school was in her life.

Everto “Veto” Ruiz, Professor of Chicano Studies at California State University Northridge and Social Activist, delivered an inspirational message calling out his ancestors who had roots in Piru and noted how much Piru meant to him. He also performed the song, "A Ti", which means "To You", and is a song he wrote, giving thanks to all the family members, friends, and community members who help young adults reach their dreams.

PNC President Oscar Mendez , finished the evening by additionally thanking the PNC Executive Board and all the volunteers and committee members for their hard work.

Six Scholarships were awarded at the close of the event. Recipients were chosen by Piru resident volunteers Sara Martinez and Carrie Celaya, both are educators and remarkably each chose the same recipients so there was no need for deliberation. Carrie praised the students for their hard work, and the forward momentum they have to further their education. Natasha Medina - Sierra High School, Emma Ortiz - Filmore High School, Ricardo Cruz - Fillmore
High School, and Omar Hernandez - Fillmore High School, Conner Appel - Fillmore High School, and Paulina Fernandez - Fillmore High School.

This wonderful event was made possible by many generous donors and sponsors including The Newhall Mansion, Ken and Betty-Lou Wiseman, Piru Pizza, Jimmy and Lucy Sanchez, Anthony and Vicki Henderson Jimenez, The Ramirez Family, Jody and Judy Daley - Lovett, Sweet Dlights Balloons, Designsbyme_ch, “Father Stu” Film Production, Super A Foods, Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery,El Pescador Mexican Restaurant, Piru Petroleum Club, Dagne Dover, Our Place, Olive and June, AMS Fulfillment, San Salvador Mission, James P Finch, Cliff Nielsen & Lisa Crockatt, The Mendoza Family, Martha Pinon, Marlene’s Flowers, Sandra Pirello, Lorena S. Elias, Vons, Sanchez Market, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Piru Youth Sports, Piru/Filmore Citrus Association, Soludos, Craig Electronics, Magic Mountain.

Volunteers who helped in so many ways include, Roy and Irene Ruiz, Sarah Martinez, Danny Ramirez, Patti Mendez, Anthony Solis, Lorena Cardenas, Carrie Celaya, Juanita Ramirez-Mendoza, Maria Christopher, and Carmen Hernandez.

VENTURA, CA — Ventura County Community College District colleges, including Ventura College, begin their fall semester this month. To assist students with the registration process for fall 2021, the college will host a Set Sail Saturday registration event on Saturday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Ventura College is committed to student success and making sure our students start on the right course towards their completion success. Visit on August 7, so we can help you register for your fall classes and begin your successful journey at Ventura College,” said Jesus Vega, dean of student services.

Representatives from Student Services, Admissions and Records, Counseling, and Financial Aid will be available to answer questions at the event. In addition, the campus is hosting a Career Education Programs Open House to provide information and campus tours for in-demand career programs such as Automotive Technology, Child Development, Diesel Mechanics, Manufacturing, and Social Media Marketing.

The event is free and open to the public; free parking is available in the college’s West Lot. Current students with a valid college ID can ride the bus for free (Go to goventura.org for information). Attendees can follow the signs for check-in in the Main Quad.

All students should bring a photo ID, and those applying for financial aid should bring the following items:

• 2019 Student/Parent tax information
• 2019 Student/Parent W2s
• Other 2019 income information for Student/Parents
• Social Security numbers (or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - DACA number) for
Student/Parents, if you have one
• Alien registration number (A#), if you have one
• Driver’s license, if you have one

For more information, visit the Financial Aid Website

For questions about the event, visit www.venturacollege.edu/setsailsaturday.

(CAMARILLO, Calif.) May 21, 2021–Not even a pandemic could stop this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges from pursuing—and achieving—their educational goals. In recognition of what these resilient students have accomplished, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,370 students in the class of 2021 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

Festive Drive-Thru Graduations were held on May 20 at each college’s campus and Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula.

“We are always proud of our graduates and all that they accomplish, but this year’s graduates hold a special honor for their persistence in completing their education when most of their classes were remote,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “As these students become VCCCD alumni, they are well-prepared for their next steps of a career or transferring to a four-year college or university.”

“The board of trustees recognizes the successes of the class of 2021 graduates,” said Chair Joshua Chancer. “Despite the pandemic, students worked on their academics and important causes, such as diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and the community.

As part of the celebration activities, graduating students are being highlighted in a virtual yearbook on Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges’ graduation webpages. Like traditional bound yearbooks, the online version includes photos of participating graduates along with their information and photos of campus life. The 2020 virtual yearbooks took gold in the statewide 2021 Pro Awards by the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO).

The community is invited to visit each college’s webpage to watch graduation speeches by District and college leadership and student leaders. The Ventura College Chorus also performs the “Star-Spangled Banner” via video.

Inspired by the graduates’ achievements, the college presidents offered these heartfelt words:

“Congratulations to Moorpark College graduates who have been resilient in the face of a global pandemic and reckoning with social justice; they have also committed to academic and career success,” said Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu. “We are proud that the class of 2021 has earned 3,209 degrees and 1,535 certificates. They will transfer to top research universities as well as obtain careers in high-demand, high-wage industries. Moorpark College degrees and certificates offer graduates pathways to economic prosperity. Some will earn the promotion that motivated them to return to college. They are the future of our county, region, state and nation.”

“This past year has been devastating for higher education. Yet, in the face of a global pandemic, a concomitant economic abyss that shuttered thousands of businesses, a toxic political environment which spawned an unimaginable insurrection at the nation’s Capitol, and a wave of racist violence that brought our dream of unity and fellowship to its knees, a uniquely resilient cohort of students persisted with their education, most of which was online, and earned the right to graduate this month. These graduates are the very promise of America, and their grit keeps us hopeful that all of the calamities of the past year—and the many other challenges our nation faces—are not insurmountable,” said Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez.

“At Ventura College, our students and their families recognize that graduation is an important milestone in their lives and careers,” said Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans. “Ventura College celebrated its 95th year of providing high-quality, affordable instruction and services to help our students succeed. I personally want to commend and recognize our students for navigating rigorous coursework to accomplish their academic goals. As our graduates chart their future education or career voyages, I hope they apply what they learned at VC to their future endeavors and fondly remember our college.”

About Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 31,000 students annually. The District's three colleges--Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura--offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit vcccd.edu.

The Ventura College Art Department received a $50,000 endowment from Carnegie Art Cornerstones. The donation was coordinated by the Ventura College Foundation. The money will be used to establish a fund to provide support to the college's visual arts gallery/exhibition program and to help foster the education and artistic growth of up and coming student artists.

"Providing a gallery exhibition experience for our students gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their talent and to build their artistic resume," says Jesse Groves, Ventura College's gallery director and curator. "Right now, there are minimal platforms for students to show their work. These exhibits also serve as a way to bring culture to the community."

Student artists at Ventura College work in a variety of visual art forms including ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting and digital media. The endowment agreement allows the college the flexibility to decide how the exhibits will be organized and how students will be selected to participate. "We might have group shows, solo exhibits or both," says Groves. "The endowment will enable the school to include more students and their work."

Ventura College typically holds six to eight exhibits a year in the college's main gallery space. "Young artists have the heart and energy but lack funds to express themselves artistically. A portion of the donation will go towards art supplies so students have what they need to create," says Groves. "Funds will also be used to prepare the exhibits themselves. A lot goes into transforming student art to the gallery wall."

"Carnegie Art Cornerstones is delighted that the Ventura College endowment will benefit students directly as well as the community," says Amy Cherot, who is a board member for both the Ventura College Foundation and Carnegie Art Cornerstones.

"We're grateful for the Carnegie Art Cornerstones' generous donation," says Kim Hoffmans, Ventura College president. "Art plays an important role in our culture and society. The endowment will help the next generation of local artists find their voice."

In-person exhibits have had to be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The endowment funds will be used once in-person gallery exhibits resume.

Ventura College Foundation
Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates financially independent from Ventura College. It transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.

Carnegie Art Cornerstones
Carnegie Art Cornerstones received its 501(c)3 designation in 2002. Its mission is to promote creativity, learning and growth in the careers of artists, and to inspire passion and appreciation for arts and culture in Oxnard and Southern California. It invests in emerging artists primarily through college scholarships. With this support, students can create and share their work to inspire an appreciation for the arts without a financial burden. With financial resources, the board believes that artists can execute their vision and will be able to share their art with others. www.carnegieartcornerstones.com

Moorpark College Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation to help fund Raider Central, the college’s student essential needs center.

According to a pre-COVID-19 study, 38% of Moorpark Students were food insecure in the previous 30 days, 49% experienced housing insecurity in the last year, and 16% identified as having been homeless.

Despite its academic reputation, its beautiful campus, and commitment to social justice, Moorpark College Students face financial challenges that affect their ability to succeed, Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College Interim President, said.

“We are at a pivotal point as a society and as a business community. The state of homelessness and food insecurity is at shocking proportions on college campuses throughout the country. We can step aside and do nothing, or we can lean in,” Sokenu said.

The center, which opened on Sept. 4, provides meals, social and emotional support, and emergency financial assistance to students and their families. The center also provides a place for students to connect with other community resources for food, housing, or financial support.

Since its opening in September, Raider Central has been hosting weekly food distributions and operating virtually by responding to student requests for resources and community referrals via email.

“The $50,000 grant to Raider Central is so vital to support our most needy students. The additional funding will purchase more food, hygiene products and assist our homeless students with housing stipends. We are very grateful for the grant. This is a great example of community building that directly helps our students,” Johnny Conley, Director of Student Equity at Moorpark College, said.

The Ventura County Community Foundation grant also will provide funding for the expansion of Raider Central’s physical space to provide a centralized space with shelving for clothing food and hygiene products. It will help with the purchase of refrigerators for perishable food items, operational start-up costs, and an emergency fund.

“The work being done by Moorpark College Foundation and its leadership team is absolutely vital.Hungry students cannot focus on their futures, and Raider Central is critical to student success and achievement. Especially during this challenging time, where homelessness and food insecurity is so common, we need to do all we can to help,” Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation, said.

About Moorpark College
The Moorpark College Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation that accepts and solicits gifts, donations, trusts, and bequests for college-related use. It provides tax-deductible advantages to the donor. It also provides a method for the college to interact with businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies in the broader Southern California community and provides hundreds of students with the financial assistance, recognition, and encouragement needed to realize their academic goals. This spring alone, more than $160,000 was awarded to 245 students. To learn more, visit MoorparkCollege.edu or follow @MoorparkCollege on social media.

To help students overcome the challenge of paying for college, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops via Zoom. A workshop will be held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, and students can drop in anytime during the session (details below). Bilingual financial aid staff will assist students in completing applications for the 2021-2022 school-year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The workshops are free and open to the community; people may attend a workshop on either date.

Advanced registration is preferred. For more information, visit vcccd.edu/cash4college

Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus
Saturday, February 6
Saturday, February 20
9 a.m. to noon
Zoom link: http://bit.ly/C4Cspring21
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android

Please contact your college’s financial aid office with any questions.
Moorpark College Financial Aid Office Phone:
(805) 378-1462
Email: mcfa@vcccd.edu

Oxnard College Financial Aid Office Phone:
(805) 678-5828
Email: ocfinaid@vcccd.edu

Ventura College Financial Aid Office Phone:
(805) 289-6369
Email: vcfinancialaid@vcccd.edu

Ventura College East Campus Financial Aid Office Phone:
(805) 289-6574
Email: wendolyne_lopez1@vcccd.edu

About Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 31,000 students annually. The District's three colleges--Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura--offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, visit www.vcccd.edu.

The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) recently recognized 14 graduating high school seniors and college students for their academic achievements and pursuits with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarships.

The RFLF was created in 2011 and honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo EDC’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities.

“This scholarship opened up the doors for me to do what I love,” said Alexa Gruener, student recipient of the RFLF Scholarship. “As a freshman in college, this scholarship has helped me pay my tuition for both semesters, allowing me to take on fewer work hours and thus seek out research and internship opportunities. Currently, I am volunteering at Westminster Free Clinic and working for the Boston University Medical School's MANOS project, which does research on chronic kidney diseases in field workers from Central America.”

The RFLF Scholarship awarded a total of $23,500 to its recipients, with $10,000 provided by Edison International (Southern California Edison), $10,000 provided by MUFG Union Bank, and $3,000 from individual donations. The Edison International funds are divided among students with STEM majors, while Union Bank and individual donations are divided among students of any major.

“This award has helped me financially to continue my undergrad education at UCSB,” said RFLF Scholarship recipient Denise Castro. “My goal is to become an international teacher and contribute to educational reform so that every student has a chance to receive a quality education and a mentor who believes in their potential to succeed. I am immensely grateful for the financial support because now I am one step closer to achieving my career goals.”

“I am continuously in awe of each of our scholarship recipients’ passion, commitment, and determination for learning and higher education, said Margarita H. de Escontrias, Chief Executive Officer at Cabrillo EDC. “With Cabrillo EDC’s community-building mission, we are always delighted to help make an impact and support the goals of our youth, and we look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish. “

Applications for 2021 recipients are now open for Ventura County low-income student residents, with Cabrillo EDC residents given priority. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3oLj9Gc

To learn more or to donate to the RFLF Scholarship fund, please visit https://bit.ly/35E52Lq

Ventura College’s new degree program in advanced manufacturing is training the future manufacturing workers of Ventura County. Prompted by student interest, employer demand and Ventura County’s strength as a manufacturing sector, Ventura College’s new manufacturing training program will offer the latest information and technology in both lecture and laboratory settings.

Ventura College’s advanced manufacturing degree program offers an associate degree, certificates of achievement, pre-apprenticeships and a Journeyman Machinist program.

It’s a good time for students to get jobs in manufacturing, as the country looks to bring jobs back to the U.S. While learning on the job may have been sufficient in the past, local employers value the streamlined hiring and training process of having entry-level employees who can jump right in. This is particularly important in Ventura County, where manufacturing has been identified by the Economic Development Collaborative as one of six key industries.

“One of the reasons this program is so advantageous is because it trains our local residents to work in an industry where there are high paying jobs in Ventura County,” said John Clark, instructor in the manufacturing technology program. “Our graduates will be able to live here, work here and support their families.”

The advanced manufacturing program aims to prepare students to be career-ready by training them on full-size, industry-worthy CNC machines, which mirror the machines used in the workplace. Students already in the industry can take classes to expand or update their skills for career advancement. Students may also choose to pursue the AS in Advanced Manufacturing to launch their career in industry or transfer to a university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in management, engineering, industrial technology, agricultural engineering or mechanical engineering.

The advanced manufacturing program offers a pre-apprenticeship option to give students real-world experience while providing employers an opportunity to find skilled workers. The goal of the pre-apprenticeship program is to take a student with no knowledge of manufacturing and train them to be capable CNC machine operators in just one semester.

After taking two classes, MT V02 and MT V05, students are eligible to participate in VC’s apprenticeship program and earn approximately $18 an hour. In contrast, the state’s minimum wage is $13-$14 per hour, depending on company size.

For two and a half years, the student will work full-time in local industry to receive on-the-job training while taking at least one class per semester at Ventura College. In just three years, a student will earn a Journeyman Machinist Card from the U.S. Department of Labor, which can transfer anywhere in the U.S. Following program completion, the student may earn $25-$30 per hour.

Ventura College plans to offer two certificates of achievement in manufacturing technology, including CNC Machine Operation and CNC Machinist. The two stackable certificates are pending state approval. The first can be completed in one semester.

To learn more, visit: https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/academic/manufacturing-techno...

About Ventura College
Ventura College, the first institution of higher education in Ventura County, has provided quality education to the community since 1925. A designated Hispanic Serving Institution, the college enrolls over 13,000 students each semester at two campuses. VC offers over 70 disciplines of study in STEM fields, business, the arts, education, social/behavioral sciences, liberal arts and the health sciences. Named one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, it is the largest provider of workforce participants in the county in manufacturing, automotive technology and nursing. To learn more, visit VenturaCollege.edu.

The November 10, 2020 Ventura County Community College District Board Meeting agenda has been released and is available as follows:

Agenda: BoardDocs: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/vcccd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BUET9E76436C
Meeting date: Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Meeting time: Closed Session 5:00 p.m.
Open Session 6:00 p.m.
Location: Ventura County Community College District
District Administrative Center
761 East Daily Drive, Thomas Lakin Boardroom
Camarillo, CA

Please note: The Board Meeting will be livestreamed. Please follow this link to view:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXd5o60QwjR0JtRZpvYTWig

Public comments should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 9, 2020 to the Clerk of the Board at boardoftrusteesclerk@vcccd.edu. In the subject line, please indicate the Agenda Item Number or note "General Comments" if you are not speaking about a specific item. Your comments will be read by the Board of Trustees Chair for the record. Every effort will be made to read your comments, no more than 250 words, into the record; however, some comments may not be read due to time limitations.

You may provide public comments in person, via Zoom. Please email Clerk of the Board at boardoftrusteesclerk@vcccd.edu for meeting instructions.

Pursuant to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need any special accommodation or assistance to attend or participate in the meeting, please direct your written request, as far in advance of the meeting as possible, to the Office of Chancellor, VCCCD, 761 East Daily Drive, Suite 200, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Beatriz Zizumbo

Written By Lauren Rosenthal

Beatriz Zizumbo has come a long way from her days as a sewing machine operator in Santa Paula. Just 18 years old at the time, she was a new mom who didn’t speak English and had recently relocated from Michoacán, Mexico.

Today, Zizumbo is an academic counselor at Ventura College East Campus (VCEC), where she helps students find their career paths and provides them with tools and resources for academic success.

“My counseling position provides me the opportunity to know the students at a different level. I learn about their families, their dreams and their challenges, and they allow me to be part of their lives to guide them and provide resources to help them accomplish their goals. I see my job as an opportunity to help others achieve a dream job just the way I was helped,” said Zizumbo, who is a first-generation college student.

The path to where Zizumbo is today started with the idea that while she didn’t know what career she wanted, she was certain her future did not lie in sewing.

After two years at the sewing factory, she was ready for her next challenge: higher education. She enrolled at Ventura College East Campus and graduated in 2001 with an associate degree in accounting.

But Zizumbo wasn’t done. It turns out that she loved school. She continued on to California State University, Channel Islands, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with minors in Chicano studies and business.

After 19 years of pursuing her academic goals, she received her master’s degree in counseling and guidance from California Lutheran University. Though it wasn’t easy juggling the demands of school, work and her family, her persistence and determination to reach her fullest potential paid off.

“After every degree I felt that was the end of the road for me, but there were always people along the way who supported, encouraged and challenged me to continue my education. That is the reason I feel passionate about my job, because I want others to have that support and encouragement to continue their education,” said Zizumbo, who has worked for the Ventura County Community College District for almost 23 years, starting as a student worker.

While she could’ve pursued any career path she wanted, Zizumbo chose a career where she could give back to the community that once encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

Zizumbo is living out her dream, she said. After years of hard work and dedication, she has a job that satisfies her desire to give back and that allows her to focus on her family.

Aside from her work at VCEC, her main hobby is to “watch my boys and husband play soccer and to live a simple life.”

If you would like more information about the academic counseling at VCEC, visit venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/counseling or call (805) 525-7136 or (805) 289-6448.

Lauren Rosenthal, a Moorpark College student and student worker with the Ventura County Community College District.

Oxnard College has established a new Cybersecurity Program that provides graduates with a certificate approved by the California Community Colleges’ State Chancellor’s Office. Starting with the spring 2021 semester, the program will train students to help protect computer networks from internal and external attacks and properly respond to security breaches that inevitably occur, paving the way to lucrative and in-demand career options. Eligible full-time students can attend the program tuition-free by utilizing the Oxnard College Promise Program.

“Oxnard College is proud to launch our new Cybersecurity Program,” shared Luis Sanchez, president of Oxnard College. “This program will train students for high-paying jobs that are available now. There is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals not only in our region but all over the globe, and this training will help our graduates build secure and comfortable lives for themselves and their families.”

The salary range for a cybersecurity analyst is $57,810 to $158,860 with a median annual wage of $99,730, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² stated that in order to meet the needs of America’s fast-growing businesses, the cybersecurity workforce will need to increase by 62 percent, meaning the job market for this field will continue to expand with workers being in high demand ((ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2019).

The program’s curriculum was developed in partnership with an advisory council of networking and cybersecurity professionals who were intent on providing students with hands-on training and interdisciplinary expertise.

“Now more than ever, organizations and businesses need help protecting their infrastructure and digital assets,” said Alex Lynch, professor of computer networking/IT at Oxnard College. “We at Oxnard College want to equip cybersecurity trainees with the certifications we know are valued in the industry and which will help fill the increasing need companies have to protect their networks and data. This program is streamlined to help students train for cybersecurity careers in a reasonably short timeframe while learning the essential skills of the cybersecurity industry.”

The new certificate program consists of a foundation-level course that covers essential computer networking/IT skills, such as learning Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+, followed by courses mapped to specific cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA PenTest+. In these courses, students will learn how to guard computer networking systems against internal and external threats while gaining hands-on experience configuring firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems and virtual private networks (VPNs). In the program’s PenTest+ course, students will learn how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities so they can be patched before a hacker has the opportunity to cause a security breach. This specific skillset is called “white hat” or “ethical hacking,” and it prepares students for a job as a cybersecurity penetration tester.

For more information regarding cybersecurity careers and salaries, visit:

1. https://www.comptia.org/blog/your-next-move-security-analyst

2. https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html

3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-...

Open registration for the spring semester at Oxnard College starts Nov. 19, and classes begin Jan. 11, 2021. For information regarding Oxnard College’s new Cybersecurity Program and courses offered, visit the program’s website or contact Professor Alex Lynch at alynch@vcccd.edu or (805) 678-5061.

About Oxnard College
Oxnard College is one of three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District and annually serves more than 7,000 students. Founded in 1975, Oxnard College is fully accredited and has been ranked the 4th Best Community College in California. It is also a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Oxnard College’s signature programs include marine biology; culinary arts, restaurant management and hospitality management; auto technology and fire technology, among many other undergraduate study and career technical education programs. The Dream Resource Center is a valuable student and community resource. Oxnard College’s dental hygiene program has a 100% pass rate on national and board exams. To learn more, visit oxnardcollege.edu and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.