TALLER SAN JOSE 24 - 2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Over the past two years, Taller Tech placed 119 graduates into employment and: $11.10 is the average wage; 44% of employed graduates receive full health benefits; 14 graduates went on to apprenticeship or community college; 80% of those placed into employment in 2009 remain employed 12 months later In October 2008 Taller San Jose launched Hope Builders, Inc. in an effort to provide employment for graduates and to generate a source of revenue for our agency's nonprofit programs. Hope Builders has recently completed building three single-family homes for low- income residents of Santa Ana's Logan neighborhood and is now working on facility -renovation projects for Santa Ana -based Phoenix House. Taller San Jose works very closely with industry partners to refine its curriculum, serve as mentors to students and place students into employment. Each of the three training programs is guided by an Honorary Board of industry specific experts from local companies such as Toshiba, Capital Source Bank, First Bank, Hensel Phelps, Clark Construction, Tait & Associates, MemorialCare Medical Foundation, St. Joseph Hospital and McCarthy Construction. Key Taller San Jose staff includes the following: Executive Director, Sbawna Smith, .13 (in-kind) Shawna has worked at Taller San Jose for twelve years assisting in the development of numerous projects including the construction training program. She received her B.A. from Santa Clara University and spent a year working with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Orange County. In 2005, Shawna was recognized as a Marano Fellow by the Aspen Institute and attended their Sector Skills Academy which provides emerging leaders with a unique opportunity for peer learning, skills development and professional growth. Director of Workforce Development, Juana T. Perez, .15 Juana assists with the oversight for all workforce training programs and works closely with Program Managers to maintain the quality and consistency in each training program and ensure alignment with the mission. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Riverside and her MA in Public Policy & Administration with an Urban Affairs emphasis from the University of California Long Beach. Program Intake Coordinator, Blanca Castillo, .45 Blanca collects program applications, schedules drug screenings and coordinates TABE testing for every applicant. She graduated from Taller San Jose's Office Careers Academy with Microsoft Word and Excel certification in August 2008. She is currently enrolled in Santa Ana College and is pursuing her Associates Degree. Director of Finance, Nancy Loughrey, .15 A Certified Public Accountant for more than 24 years, Nancy has had extensive experience with small businesses, especially concentrating on nonprofits and computer software companies. She holds a B.S and an M.B.A. in Finance. Alumni Services Manager, David Saldana, .20 12 Exhibit A