Equity Lecture Series is Back: Dr. Juan Sebastián Ferrada

The ACES Equity Lecture Series launches again this Fall with Dr. Juan Sebastián Ferrada! 

His talk "On LatinX Time" will be held on two days: 

• Wednesday, September 5, 2018
• 5:30 p.m. - Dinner
• 6-7 p.m. - Keynote Speech
• Thursday, September 6, 2018
• 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. - Participant Sign In
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Keynote Speaker
• 12:30 - 1 p.m. - Lunch/Break
• 1-2 p.m. - Workshop in 6-101/102

Dr. Juan Sebastián Ferrada, faculty member of the  Chicana and Chicano Studies Department at UCSB, will explore the complexity of the Latinx experience in the United States.

He will be joining us to share his insights... “On LatinX Time.” 

Please join us as we start our EQUITY LECTURE SERIES off by highlighting “IDENTITY & EXPRESSION!”

Hope to see you all there!

Meet Professor Michael Smith, New Faculty Member in the Business Department

Meet Professor Michael Smith, New Faculty Member in the Business Department

Professor Michael Smith will be teaching BUS 201: Business Law this Fall 2018 semester.

Mr. Smith is the founder and CEO of E&I Advisors a boutique management consulting firm focused on delivering operating and go-to-market strategy for small and medium sized technology companies that are struggling to meet their revenue goals.

Prior to the founding of E&I Advisors, Michael was a Director of Strategy and Business Planning at American Express based in New York. In this role, Michael worked in the Global Corporate Payments business unit focusing on innovation and target growth development. Michael also lived and worked in Seoul, South Korea as a Global Strategist for the Samsung organization.  While at Samsung, Michael advised c-suite members of the company on market entry, competition, and mergers & acquisitions. Michael also spent several years on Wall St as an investor and business developer.

Michael holds an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He also holds a BA in Political Economy from Yale University. Michael lives in Redwood City where he serves as a Planning Commissioner and the Palm Park Neighborhood Co-chair.

Why did you choose to work at Cañada College?

I moved to Redwood City two years ago, and I’ve grown to love and respect the city and the people in it; it’s become my new home. When the opportunity to serve Redwood City and the Bay Are by teaching my unique subject matter appeared, I jumped at the chance.

What are you enjoying most about Cañada College so far?

Cañada is a place that seeks to empower it students. The resources, staff and faculty are fully dedicated to the success of their students. That is a unique value that many other institutions often shrug off.

Who is your hero?

James Baldwin

What do you think is the biggest challenge to student success?

This is a really complex question, and if I’m honest I would say there is no magic bullet. But, I believe that with grit students can rise above any circumstance. Grit is the a combination of resilience, conscientiousness, long-term orientation, and courage. Grit has served me well in my life.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

“This is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan.

What is your favorite quote?

“Good is the enemy of great.” – James C Collins

Ritu Malhotra, Professor (Medical Assisting Department)

Ritu Malhotra, Professor (Medical Assisting Department)

Dr. Ritu Malhotra completed her Medical School and achieved her MD degree from India in 2001. She was running a successful medical practice in India for four years before immigrating to the Unites States. She has been an adult educator for the past 13 years now. Her background includes clinical practice, nursing supervision and hospital management, program implementation and development. She is interested in studying the impact of migration and acculturation on the health of immigrant populations. Regarding her teaching philosophy, Dr Malhotra believes in, “Hands-on, guided practice and repetition is key to effective learning in the medical field. Everyone can learn with the right guidance and given the right opportunity. The students are the best part of my job.”

Why did you choose to work at Cañada College?

Being a dedicated adult educator, counselor and student/patient advocate. I felt the need to reach out and contribute to the community. They say, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for one day, teach him how to fish and you feed him for a life time.”  I wanted to bring in my experiences and skill to the adult learners at Cañada College so that I could help them and assist them in achieving their career paths and goals.

What so you enjoy about Cañada College?

The students and their eagerness to learn.

Who is your hero?

My father. He is my inspiration.

What do you think is the biggest challenge to student success?

Time management and balancing adult responsibilities with student life.

What is your favorite song to sing at karaoke?

“I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly.

Student Success Story – Elise McClure

Student Success Story – Elise McClure

Elise McClure was a San Francisco resident who attended Cañada College between 2012 - 2014. She was working towards her Associate’s degree in Business Administration. While she was a full-time student at Cañada College, she was also working full-time as a manager at a restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission District, and had a part time job on top of that.  In 2015 she relocated to Melbourne, Florida, with her partner Ryan Verzaal (who also attended Cañada College) and they opened up Backwater. Their restaurant has become the area’s premiere brunch restaurant, and they are currently exploring opening up a second location. Elise McClure has worked very hard and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time since she was a student at Cañada College.

You became a small business owner and opened Backwater after attending Cañada College, tell us about your restaurant.

After spending quite some time in California we became homesick for our southern roots. I love comfort food like pulled pork, cornbread and fried green tomatoes. It only seemed fitting that we would serve our favorite foods that we missed for so long. Backwater, like its namesake, is meant to be a place where one can relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Where you can sit back and sip on some sweet tea. We offer eight tables with built in griddles where you and the family can get creative with DIY pancakes. We couldn’t forget our love for the vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in San Francisco, so we made sure to offer the majority of the menu with a vegan option.

What were some unexpected challenges you’ve encountered while being a small business owner?

We have been lucky so far to be supported by such a wonderful community. We even had city hall checking in on us during our build out. Asking if we had any questions or needed any help with our permits. There are some days when I miss being able to pass the buck to a supervisor but it is nice knowing that if you need something done all you have to do is do it.

What classes in the Business and Accounting Department did you take while you were a student at Cañada College?

I took the core requirements for an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. All of my classes were either online or hybrid, actually. Having that kind of flexibility made a world of difference. I was able to keep my full time job and live in the city. I even picked up two part time jobs. The hybrid classes were great for the subjects I needed a little extra help with.

You lived in San Francisco while attending Cañada College, why did you take classes at Cañada College rather than somewhere else in the Bay Area?

I was luckily enough to have met a former Cañada College student who guided me to the school. They could not say enough about how great their experience was. The drive is easy and beautiful. It was nice to get out of the city and focus.

What advice would you give students considering taking classes at Cañada College in the Business and Accounting Department?

To go for it! I have attended a few other community colleges when I lived in Florida the first time around, and nothing compares to the experience I had at Cañada College. The teachers were so supportive, and always there for you when you needed them. The counselors made life a breeze, and their availability was something I had never encountered at other schools. Cañada College wants you to succeed, they want you to graduate, and be the best student possible.  They do not shy away from doing whatever it takes to provide what is needed for their students.