Laney College's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department hosted an inspiring "Women Entrepreneurs in Technical Sectors" Panel Discussion, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and success of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The event, facilitated by Yarina Cortel from the City of Oakland's Economic Development department, brought together a diverse panel of accomplished women who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.

At the beginning of the event, Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson spoke, emphasizing the district's commitment to fostering environments where women can thrive in technical fields. She stated, "Within Peralta, we see a wealth of brilliance and remarkable progress happening at the colleges and across the district. I'm eager to play a role in enhancing a multitude of outstanding programs and services, all guided by a commitment to equity and social justice." 

The panelists included:

• Mayra Aguilar: Owner of Lemonless Beauty Artistry, well known Bay Area makeup artist, who graduated from Laney College. 
• Kimberley Gonzalez: The visionary behind Nahua Pizza, showcasing entrepreneurial spirit in the culinary arts. 
• Shlomit Heller: Owner of The Beauty Network, an aesthetician and cosmetologist, emphasizing the science and wellness aspects of skincare. 
• Melissa Ramos: Owner/Operator of M90 Guides Machining, highlighting the opportunities for women in manufacturing.
• Linda Renteria: From Casa Sanchez, a third-generation manufacturer and distributor of fresh foods, sharing insights on business operations and community impact.

The panel discussion highlighted several key themes:

• Resourcefulness and Mentorship: Many panelists emphasized the importance of seeking out mentors, utilizing available resources (such as the SBA, SCORE, and city-sponsored programs), and building strong relationships with bankers and community members.
• Community and Networking: The power of community support, both personal and professional, was a recurring theme. Panelists stressed the value of networking, attending industry events, and forming supportive relationships with fellow entrepreneurs.
• Continuous Learning: The importance of lifelong learning and adapting to industry changes was underscored. Panelists encouraged attendees to seek out educational opportunities, stay informed about emerging trends, and never stop developing their skills.
• Overcoming Challenges: The panelists openly discussed the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of resilience, perseverance, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Importance of soft skills: Communication was highlighted as a key skill, as well as resourcefulness.

Linda Renteria shared, "As a business owner, you have a lot of control... how you serve the community, how you serve your employees." She also highlighted the importance of helping other small business owners, and mentioned the association of manufacturers for the Bay area.

Shlomit Heller added, "Knowledge is power... and community is power." She emphasized the importance of continuous education and supporting small businesses.

Melissa Ramos shared her journey into machining, highlighting that a college degree is not always required for success in technical fields, and the importance of using social media as a networking tool.

Mayra Aguilar shared her personal why, which was to set a good example for her children.

The event was the 4th Annual International Women’s Day panel discussion focusing on Women In fields taught under the CTE departments and put on by Raya Zion, Employment Program Manager, and the Employment Services Center. The event was a resounding success, inspiring attendees to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and highlighting the valuable resources and support available at Laney College and within the Peralta Community College District. The discussion also gave valuable information about resources such as SBA loans, and SCORE mentors. And thanks to the generosity of Raya Zion, attendees were able to enjoy sandwiches and fruit following the panel!

The Peralta Community College District is proud to support events like this, which empower and uplift women in technical sectors, and contribute to the economic development of our communities.