On Wednesday, October 7, the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) hosted its ninth annual Women in Industry event, an inspiring evening dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders and encouraging students to explore diverse career opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students, staff, families, and community members gathered at the PYLUSD Performing Arts Center to hear from a distinguished panel of seven female professionals representing a variety of industries and career pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Michael Young, Director of Secondary Education, welcomed attendees and recognized honored guests, including members of the district’s Executive Cabinet, district administrators, and school site leaders. He also highlighted PYLUSD’s 15 academy pathways, which provide students with opportunities to explore career interests and develop skills for future success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The evening was moderated by comedian and actress Jessica McKenna, an accomplished performer who studied theatre at Northwestern University and improvisational comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade. McKenna has appeared in numerous television and film productions, including Frasier, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Space Force, Modern Family, and After Midnight. She has also lent her voice to several animated series, including Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, American Dad!, Big City Greens, and Apple TV+’s Goldie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten students representing various Career Technical Education (CTE) programs throughout the district participated as student moderators. They included Katelyn Park from Parkview School; Vanessa Ortega Cortes from El Camino Real High School; Isabella Dominici and Jean-Hayley Cameron from El Dorado High School; Michelle Martinez Luna and Aditi Patel from Esperanza High School; Presley Hunter and Sydney Rock from Valencia High School; and Ava Sloan and Brooklyn Forge from Yorba Linda High School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accomplished panel featured:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the interactive question-and-answer session, students posed thoughtful questions about career exploration, entrepreneurship, professional growth, and the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Questions included, “When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?” “What gave you the confidence to start your own business, and what have you learned about turning creativity into a career?” and “What is one skill you use in your career today that you didn’t realize would be so important when you were in school?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each panelist shared personal experiences, career insights, and valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, adaptability, confidence, and embracing new opportunities. Their perspectives provided students with meaningful insight into the many pathways available to them as they prepare for their futures. The session concluded with enthusiastic applause and appreciation from the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To close the evening, Young returned to the stage to express his gratitude to the panelists, student moderators, and everyone who contributed to the event’s success. He also recognized Mark Switzer and the talented students of El Dorado High School’s Digital Media Arts Academy for coordinating the event’s livestream and helping extend its reach to the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The annual Women in Industry event reflects PYLUSD’s continued commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, exposing students to diverse career opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can watch the full event on the district\u2019s YouTube channel at the link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n