The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas is ecstatic to have had Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, tour our campus and meet incumbents and trainees who are advancing their skills in hospitality through our programming, and honor CALV with a Bright Spot Award in Hispanic Education Recognition.
Upon her arrival, Ms. Ceja met with our CEO Chris Fava; Vice President of Sales & Culinary Operations, Patrick Simon; Vice President of Finance & Accounting, Jaime Monardes; Executive Director of Student Services & Outreach, Ana Puljic; and Quick Marketing Representative and Photographer, Robin Corral.
“It is very meaningful for Executive Director Ceja to visit our facility and meet those individuals training to keep the hospitality industry running,” said Fava. “It’s beneficial to have supportive employers who understand the value in agencies who offer educational and training programs, enhancing the skills of those seeking quality employment or opportunity for advancement.”
CALV students Caesar Julio Garcia, Maria Yokaris Nash, Jacqueline Sandoval Mendez, and Marco Antonio Chavez had the opportunity to meet with Executive Director Ceja—discussing the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas’ programming and West Side Bistro during a roundtable discussion. The students participating in the discussion were Marco Antonio Chavez, Caesar Julio Garcia, Maria Yokaris Nash and Jacqueline Sandoval Mendez.
Following her tour, Executive Director Ceja presented CALV with a Bright Spot Award. Bright Spots are programs, models, organizations or initiatives that are helping close the achievement gap as recognized by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. The Culinary Academy strives to ensure success for Hispanic students by offering a Vocational English for Speakers of Other Languages class for students who need assistance with reading, writing and speaking English.
CALV is honored to be recognized for its impact on its diverse student population. CALV hopes to continue providing its 33 partners with qualified and trained graduates.
We greatly thank Executive Director Ceja for coming to our campus and offering CALV an unforgettable experience.
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