Pillars Conference 2023

14TH ANNUAL

August 10-13, 2023

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW minimize your excuses

2023 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Design by:

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

Index Pillars Conference Message

1

Pillars Conference Committee & Facilitators

2-3

Pillars Conference Speakers

4-14

Conference Day 1 Schedule

15-16

Conference Day 2 Schedule

17-18

Conference Day 3 Schedule

19-20

Conference Day 4 Schedule

21-22

Pillars Awards

23-28

Pillars Conference History

29-30

Professional Enhancement Program

31-38

The Pillars Hotel

39-40

Partners & Sponsors

41

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

MESSAGE MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW Welcome to the 2023 Annual Pillars Conference This academic year, our theme is “Maximize the Power of Now.” Through it, we explore practical approaches to alternating between bold "maximalist" strategies that make the most of the present moment and measured “minimalist” efforts that reduce some common justifications for mismanaging the present. In other words, we examine how to make the most of the present, the only moment which holds true power, while maximizing our opportunities and minimizing our excuses.

In preparation for the conference, our Broward College student leaders have read Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Harvard Business Review's "Managing Time," and Mario Cartaya’s "Journey Back into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints." In Journey Back into the Vault, Cartaya searches for “the now faded footprints [he] once left behind..., while aiming to breach “the subconscious vault [he] once built to store [his] difficult memories...” Each book on the reading list captured the importance of "Maximizing the Power of Now" while engaging every moment with dogged perseverance.

As you go through our conference booklet, you will find images of seasonal changing leaves. These images beautifully capture the importance of making the most of our journeys and the symbolism of “Turning over a new leaf.” And by embracing the totality of our experiences, as Mario Cartaya wrote, “…evolve into better versions of ourselves.” We hope that this 14th Pillars Conference achieves this objective. In doing so, we hope to help you “Maximize the Power of Now!" Lulrick Balzora, PhD Dean of Social Behavioral Sciences & Human Services Broward College

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW 1

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Dr. Lulrick Balzora

Phillipa Vassell

Ingrid jones

Anthony Stewart

Chair

Logistics

Methodologies

Alumni Relations

Michelle Richardson

Harold Bilbao

Giselle Forero

Claudette Goico Sernius

Activities Coordination

Technical Support

Marketing

Design

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FACILITATORS,

PRESENTERS & MENTORS FACILITATORS

PRESENTERS

MENTORS

Lulrick Balzora

Steve Goo

David Verlen

Ingrid Jones

Mario Padrino

Reginald Andre

Joshua Kimber

Laura E. Padrino

Nimra Khan

Michelle Richardson

Mario E. Padrino

Nancy Botero

Rahjanni Iusi

Eduardo (Eddie) Padrino

Mario E. Padrino

Jonathan Balzora

Reginald Andre

Laura Padrino

Kisha King

Tania Andre

Laura Rambarose

Sheelah Franck

Kristosser Ramirez

Najiva Timothee

Brittany Valera

Kaela Villa

Bonny Flory

Ashley Binns

Ojdre Sutherland

Nairobys Mora

Simone Samawat

Jennifer Parker

Kassandra Notte

Ricthelle Napoleon

Katya Kross

Sibert Ernest

Janice Toh

Valentina Seminario

Joshua Kimber

Penelope Small

Kandeice Gibson

Moises Ponce de Leon

Keny Felix Robert Diaz Reshma Thomas Scott Miller Victoria Brower Rossy Balarie

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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

steve Goo

Mario Padrino

Mario E. Padrino

Vice President (Retired) Boeing Aerospace

CEO (Retired) Padrino's Cuban Restaurants

President & CEO Padrino's Cuban Restaurants

Laura E. PADRINO

eduardo A. Padrino

Director of Sales & Marketing Padrino's Cuban Restaurants

Director of Operations Padrino's Cuban Restaurants

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MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

The sessions with Steve Goo will focus on why yesterday is in the past. Tomorrow is in the uncertain future. Now is all you really have. Now is the foundation of your future, while exploring new frontiers. What you do right now will determine the path of your future and maybe even the next generation’s future frontiers.

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Steve Goo

Vice President (Retired) Boeing

Steve Goo retired from The Boeing Company as a Vice President after more than 38 years with the Company. Goo began his Boeing career in Seattle in 1977. He progressed through engineering, business development, functional management, program management, and general management positions on a broad range of space and defense programs. He served in leadership roles at several Boeing locations, including the Puget Sound area, WA.; Huntsville, Al; Houston, Tx.; Seal Beach and El Segundo, Ca.; Brisbane, Australia.; and Oklahoma City, OK. Steve is currently serving as a trustee at Mid America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK. and as a director at Sufilatec in Huntsville, AL. He has previously served as a director at Los Angeles-based Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting at-risk, formerly gang-involved youths to become contributing community members.

Goo earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington and completed the executive program at Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Jennie, have been married for 46 years. They have two children and four grandchildren. They enjoy travel, spending time with family, serving others, and working on building projects.

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MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

Mario Padrino will explore how to "Maximize the Power of Now" and "Savor Each Moment" by examining the distant and recent past. He will reflect on the experiences of his father (Diosdado Padrino pictured in the lower left) and mother in their journey from Cuba to the U.S. They arrived with nothing (at an age in which many retire) and pioneered a path of success for present and future generations.

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Mario Padrino Sr CEO (Retired), Padrino's

Mario Padrino Sr. is a seasoned restaurateur and visionary leader with over four decades of hospitality expertise. Mario moved to the United States at an early age after being born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and began his career in the restaurant sector in 1976, when his parents founded the first Padrino's establishment in South Florida. To commemorate their heritage and hard work, he followed in their footsteps and became CEO in 1984, overseeing the restaurant's finances, operations, expansion, and culture.

He expanded the brand's footprint in 1992 by opening Padrino's Plantation, the first facility under his guidance as a second-generation owner. Today Padrino has Five locations with about 160 staff members and is now run by the third generation of the family. Mario continues to contribute to the collection.

Mario engages in community outreach through the culture of his restaurant, displaying his faith through the service, care, and excellence he provides to his customers and staff.

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MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

Laura Padrino will share about how the family business survived during the difficulties of the past decade and provide opportunities for conversations about how individuals, families, and organizations can "Survive Each Moment" and make a difference through being authentically “Present” while creating bridges between past and new worlds.

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Laura E. Padrino

Director of Sales & Marketing, Padrino's

Laura E. Padrino has a background in hospitality and over 2 decades of experience in sales and marketing.

Laura is currently responsible for Padrino’s sales, marketing, social media, public relations and more on a corporate level. After graduating from Florida International University with a degree in Hospitality Management, she served as the VIP Relations Manager at Conrad Miami for three years. In 2012, Laura joined the Padrino’s team to help enhance catering at the restaurants. Just five years later, she was responsible for designing Padrino’s Fort Lauderdale, the first location created by the third generation Padrinos.

Since then, with the help of her two brothers, she has opened 3 Padrino’s restaurants. With each opening, Laura’s role has evolved as she now maintains brand consistency throughout all locations, including the company’s website, employee training, plating, menu development, presentation and more.

Laura is responsible for securing contracts to help expand the business in catering, private dining for large groups, as well as in building and maintaining partnerships/ relationships with other organizations, including charities such as 4KIDS and Sheridan House Family Ministries. During COVID-19, she established a partnership with the Broward Department of Elder Affairs in April of 2020 to create and serve meals for the elderly, The program continues to make a difference today, having delivered hundreds of thousands of meals. It is one of Laura’s proudest milestones. She was recently honored as a Rising Star under 40 at the Prestigious Women’s Gala presented by South Florida Business and Wealth.

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MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

Mario E. Padrino will provide a generational lens for “Maximizing the Power of Now.” He will help us explore the concept of "Risking the Moment" and how they have built on the foundations that previous generations of leaders have left for future generations.

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Mario E. Padrino President & CEO, Padrino's

Mario E. Padrino with over a decade of experience working in administration and business management at Padrino’s, Mario E. Padrino has spent his career serving various roles at the brand’s collection of restaurants. Mario graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and then completed his MBA degree in business management from Nova Southeastern University.

Upon graduation, he worked full-time in a business administration role at the Padrino’s Restaurants corporate office.

He now serves as president & CEO and oversees financial and administrative decisions for the restaurants, while setting goals for the team and communicating with the restaurants’ managers. Mario’s proudest accomplishment to date is growing the company alongside his family and staff that he has known since he was a child.

Mario E. and mom Nayade (Cookie) Padrino

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MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

Eduardo Padrino will join the family in discussion panels in which they will share about the untapped resources contained in the present. The restaurant industry has a failure rate of 60% in the first year and 80% do not make it past four years. The Padrinos will discuss how to use the lessons from their industry and apply them in other contexts.

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Eduardo (Eddie) Padrino Director of Operations, Padrino's

Eduardo (Eddie) Padrino is a seasoned leader with over a decade of management experience, Eduardo Padrino leads the operations at third-generation owned and operated Padrino’s. After graduating Samford University with his bachelor’s degree, his career began in an account management role before leading operations at all locations. Prior to his college experience, Eduardo had always worked at Padrino’s during his summer vacations and helped through various roles such as front of house and back of house activities.

Eduardo’s goal is to constantly improve the restaurant’s processes from kitchen to bar and every in between. In his current role as director of operations, he strives to implement ideas effectively and efficiently to ensure consistency as well as progress are always at the forefront.

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14TH ANNUAL

August 10-13, 2023

It’s never too late to keep evolving into a better version of yourself.

-Mario Cartaya

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

- VIRTUAL -

DAY 1

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW August 10, 2023

T H U R S D A Y

TIME

SESSION

6:30 pm

Welcome & Introduction Defining Power Dr. Lulrick Balzora

6:40 pm

Student Perspectives Oral History: The Past Defines The Present Kaela Villa & Kristosser Ramirez

7:00 pm

Defining the Power of Now Exploring New Frontiers Steve Goo, Boeing

7:45 pm

Perspectives on New Frontiers Moderator: Kisha King Perspective #1 Steve Goo Perspective #2 Joshua Kimber Perspective #3 Jonathan Balzora

8:30 pm

Conclusion & Daily Wrap-up

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14TH ANNUAL

August 10-13, 2023

We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.

-Rick Warren

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

- VIRTUAL -

DAY 2

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW August 11, 2023

F R I D A Y

SESSIONS 6:30 pm

Welcome & Introduction Defining The Present Dr. Lulrick Balzora

6:40 pm

Student Perspective Social Values: The Value of Investing in The Present: Nairobys Mora (Panama), Kristosser Ramirez, Kaela Villa, & Ashley Binns

7:00 pm

Maximizing the Power of Now Exploring New Frontiers Steve Goo, Boeing

7:45 pm

Perspectives on the Path to the Future Moderator: Kisha King Perspective #1 Steve Goo Perspective #2 Ingrid Jones Perspective #3 Jonathan Balzora

8:30 pm

Conclusion & Daily Wrap-up

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14TH ANNUAL

August 10-13, 2023

Human freedom allows for contrary alternatives to remain potential (possible) perpetually in the present.

-Lulrick Balzora

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

DAY 3

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

S A T U R D A Y

August 12, 2023

MORNING SESSION 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Morning Conversations

Breakfast

Generational Resilience: Mario Sr, Laura, Mario Jr, & Eddie Padrino

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Practical Applications

Live Streamed

Employment Solutions

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Afternoon Presentation

Lunch

Savoring the Present: Mario Sr, Laura, Mario Jr, & Eddie Padrino

EVENING SESSION 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Dinner

6:30 pm

Welcome & Introduction

Live Streamed

Ingrid Jones

Opening Remarks Gregory Adam Haile, JD, President, Broward College

6:40 pm - 7:00 pm

Student Perspective PSG: Make A Difference Right Now Jennifer Parker, Ricthelle Napoleon, Sibert Ernest, & Valentina Seminario (Bolivia)

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Evening Conversations

Surviving the Moment Moderator: Rahjanni Iusi The Padrino's family with Reginald & Tania Andre

8:30 pm

Conclusion & Daily Wrap-Up MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW 20

14TH ANNUAL

August 10-13, 2023

Maximizing now doesn’t mean do everything, but it certainly means to do something and do it well.

-Laura E. Padrino

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

DAY 4

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

S U N D A Y

August 13, 2023

MORNING SESSION 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Morning Conversations

Breakfast

Risking the Moment Mario Sr, Laura, Mario Jr, & Eddie Padrino

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Practical Applications

Live Streamed

Civic Spaces: Make A Difference Right Now Penelope Small & Moises Ponce de Leon

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Afternoon Presentation

Lunch

Making the MOST of The Present Mario Sr, Laura, Mario Jr, & Eddie Padrino

EVENING SESSION 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Evening Conversations

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Pillars Awards - in-person & Virtual

Live Streamed

Mario Cartaya

Hosts: Lulrick Balzora & Ingrid Jones

Professional Enhancement Program PEP Certificates Micro-credential Badges Soft Skills Certificates

Awards Student Pillar of the Community Alumni Pillar of the Community Faculty Pillar of the Community Service Pillar of the Community Pillar of the Community

7:00 pm- 9:00 pm

Dinner Limited reservations

9:00 pm

Daily Wrap-Up MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW 22

AWARDS STUDENT | ALUMNI | FACULTY | COMMUNITY

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

SBSHS COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD The SBSHS scholarship honors students for outstanding service to their community in the amount of $1,000 and as members of the Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) for the 2022-2023 academic year. This year's honorees are: Penelope Small, Lynn Pierre-Etienne, and Edvania Filipe.

STUDENT PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Ricthelle Napoleon Broward College Student

Ricthelle is an international student from Haiti who studied public relations and psychology at Broward College. She is altruistic, determined, optimistic, dynamic, and thoughtful. She is an ambitious young woman with a clear vision for the future and the drive to reach her goals.

She actively served as an officer in several Broward College clubs and the Mu Mu Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society. Most notably she is a lead intern in the Professional Enhancement Program, as well as an officer of the PSG: End the Demand to Human Trafficking Club.

Jennifer Parker Broward College Student

Jennifer was born, raised, and attended school in South Florida.

She originally studied at Broward College and became a state board certified dental assistant, working for 10 years in dental/oral surgery practice. She recently returned to Broward College to study psychology to pursue a career in the mental health field, with a special interest in child/adolescent behavior on a graduate level.

She is currently the senior lead intern in the Professional Enhancement Program and is very active as the vice-president of the PSG: End the Demand to Human Trafficking Club. Jennifer is a resilient and tenacious leader who helped in creating awareness and empowering K-12 and college students in preventing human exploitation.

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ALUMNUS PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Reginald Andre Broward College Alumnus

Reginald Andre is President of ARK Solvers, a cybersecurity and IT company. He is a mentor in the Professional Enhancement Program, a participant of the local chambers, Business Network International (BNI), volunteers as a Treasurer at W.H. Turner Tech High School Booster Program and provides business advice via SCORE Miami.

Andre earned an AS Degree in Business Administration and an AS Degree in Network Service Technology at Broward College. He was recently featured as a 40 under 40 honoree awards, and as The Fastest Growing IT Company in South Florida for 3 years in a row! Andre recently joined the Broward College Foundation Board of Directors and co-runs The Mavuno Project with his wife which helps raise awareness on human trafficking.

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FACULTY PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Bonnie Flory

Broward College Sociology Professor

Bonnie Flory earned a Master of Arts in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. She is an Assistant Professor at Broward College. She is also a mentor in the Professional Enhancement Program. Professor Flory has won Adjunct Professor of the Year in 2014 and 2017, Club Advisor of the Year in 2017, and a Classroom Research Award in 2015.

Throughout her time at Broward College, she has spearheaded a classroom service learning project, which was featured in the Sun Sentinel. She currently serves as the advisor for the Sociology Club at Central Campus and as a program advisor for the Professional Enhancement Program (PEP). Through her joyful disposition and unswerving dedication to serving our students, she has made an impact in the Broward College community and the community at large.

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PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Mario Padrino

CEO (Retired), Padrinos Restaurant

Mario is more than a restaurateur. He is a community leader, mentor, and advocate for positive change. Each time Broward College has called upon Mario, he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service through financial support, encouragement, and motivation of others. Students and alumni still refer to the inspirational talk that he delivered years ago to the interns of the SBSHS Professional Enhancement Program.

Mario is very active in the community. He practices outreach through the culture of his restaurant, demonstrating his faith and integrity through the service, care and excellence delivered to his customers and staff. During the Pandemic, Padrinos supported the community by partnering with the Department of Elder Affairs to distribute meals to food insecure seniors. Over 3 years later, they’ve delivered over 1.5 million meals

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PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Mario Cartaya

Architect (Retired) , Cartaya and Associates Architects

Mario Cartaya has served South Florida for nearly 45 years. He and his firm Cartaya and Associates, Architects, PA, have shaped the look and architectural landscape of South Florida. His visionary work can be seen throughout Broward County, from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and several municipal centers to hospitals, healthcare facilities, public libraries and performing arts centers.

Mario Cartaya has served as chairman of Broward College’s Board of Trustees, as a member of former Senator Bob Graham’s Air Force and Naval Academy Selection Committees, and as a member of the Broward County Cultural Arts Council. He served as an adjunct professor at FAU’s School of Architecture. He has dedicated his life to serving others and pursuing excellence in his career while improving the local and global community. Today, Mario is retired and the author of his first book, Journey Back into the Vault: In Search of My Faded Cuban Childhood Footprints. Most recently, Mario took time to inspire Broward College students in the SBSHS Professional Enhancement Program in their 2023 spring seminars, sharing much needed wisdom from his life and his book.

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HISTORY

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

2010 Maximize through "LEADERSHIP" Maximize through 2011 "SERVICE"

2012 Maximize through "MINIMIZING EXCUSES" Maximize through "DISCIPLINE OF FOCUS" 2013

2014 Maximize through "REVIEWING YOUR VISION" Maximize through 2015 "TRUTH TELLING"

2016 Maximize through "THE ART OF SIMPLICITY" Maximize through 2017 "THE ART OF NEGOTIATION"

2018 Maximize by "LEADING CHANGE" Maximize by 2019 "MASTERING SOFT SKILLS"

2020 Maximize through "PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT" Maximize through 2021 "TEAMWORK & DIVERSITY"

2022 Maximize through "CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION" Maximize the 2023 "THE POWER OF NOW"

2024 Maximize through "MANAGING RISK" Maximize through 2025 "PURPOSEFUL LIVING"

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Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

MAXIMIZE THE POWER OF NOW

The SBSHS Professional Enhancement Program (PEP), is a unique internship which pairs Broward College students with Broward College leaders and community professionals to gain experience and knowledge in their intended fields of study and/or careers. Internship providers who participate in the program share their time and talent to give interns meaningful, career-related experiences.

This program is designed for students to take on the roles and responsibilities of a valued member of any organization through our PIES (Projects, Internships, Experiences, and Service). In turn, their attendance, punctuality, dress, and work ethic reflect their academic and professional aspirations, as well as a healthy commitment to their parents, teachers, school, and peers.

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The Professional Enhancement Program exists to enhance and complement the academic and professional success of students, as well as provide opportunities for growth in strategic leadership.

PEP also provides mentorship opportunities, to assist students with their internship(s), work-based learning experience(s), and corporate partnerships for job placements.

Anyone is welcome to become a mentor for our students. And Organizations in the community are encouraged to sponsor students.

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THE POWER OF BOOKS This academic year, our theme is “Maximize the Power of Now!” In other words, make the most of the present, which is the only moment which holds true power.

To maximize the power of now, we sought to make the most of our time, investing our energy and prioritizing the areas in which we have influence. In that regard, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was used to help in building and sustaining good habits.

HBR's Managing Time, provided advice we could quickly read and apply while seeking to balance all our responsibilities. We sought to develop essential organizational skills, while working on initiatives such as the Oral History Project, the End the Demand Project, which served to create awareness of and to prevent the demand for human trafficking, the Civic Spaces Projects, and the Social Values Analysis Project.

Journey Back into the Vault helped us reflect on how the past influences the present. One student stated, "I am not very close to my immediate family and did not expect Mr. Cartaya to inspire me to connect with them. I am going to take the journey back to my vault.... Hopefully, we can repair some of the damages of the past." That is one of many such sentiments.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

by Stephen R. Covey

Managing Time

by Harvard Business Review

Journey Back into the Vault

by Mario Cartaya

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PROJECTS SOCIAL VALUES PROJECT

ORAL HISTORY

SVP

The Principles of Social Value provide the basic building blocks for anyone who wants to make decisions that take this wider definition of value into account, in order to increase equality, improve wellbeing and increase environmental sustainability. They are generally accepted social accounting principles and are important for accountability and maximizing social value.

Oral History is for students who enjoy engaging with community members, the research process and conducting interviews will be assigned to the Oral History Lab. The Lab helps the Oral History director plan and coordinate special interviews, mini-conferences, and promote experiential learning certificates.

PSG: END THE DEMAND

CIVIC SPACES PROJECT

CSP

PEP interns seek to expand Human Trafficking (HT) awareness in target populations. They pair students with mentors from the community to meet weekly. They host seminars where theyl work to support each other and share ideas on how they can spread awareness of Human Trafficking. By expanding awareness, the hope is to save at least one victim from Human Trafficking.

PEP interns work on creating challenging spaces for open dialogue.

The program is an interactive, facilitated process that opens lines of communication and fosters mutual understanding to help address practical issues that students face in their communities.

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INTERNSHIPS SIMULATION CENTER

PSYCHOLOGY LAB

The Simulation Center (HSSC), is a educational facility that models a hospital setting. It is designed to provide students with a safe learning environment where they transfer theory into hands-on practice. The HSSC provides PEP students the opportunity to practice in realistic simulations.

Psychology Lab is for those interested in research will be assigned to the Psychology Lab. The lab assists with planning research and engaging in forums in which students engage in semi-structured focus groups about important issues.

GIS LAB

BMI LAB

Geographic Information systems (GIS) Works as a catalyst for creative thought and problem solving skills and facilitate spatial reasoning. Students who love working with technology will be assigned to the GIS Lab to find solutions to real world challenges that benefit their community.

The Brain Machine Interface Lab allows students who are assigned to it to explore the ethical implications and current and future applications of BMI. Students will engage in research that relate to translating neuronal information into computer commands.

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EXPERIENCES WEEKLY WORKSHOPS

PILLARS CONFERENCE

Professional Enhancement Program Weekly seminars weekly opportunities for engaging in forums that focus on teamwork and leadership, along with current issues and events. PEP mentors and leaders in the community often lead the discussions.

The four day conference is the final PEP event of the year. It is a collaborative effort that provides experiences for leaders to maximize their opportunities to strengthen their sense of global purpose, personal well-being and individual resilience.

INTERNATIONAL

FLORIDA READY TO WORK

Broward College has several International Centers around the world.

Students take courses taught in English typically by local faculty in the host country. This means PEP interns are able collaborate with their peers and enjoy learning from different perspectives from students in different countries.

The Florida Soft Skills solution features highly interactive digital training focused on in-demand employability and leadership skills including conveying professionalism, communicating effectively, teamwork and collaboration, and thinking critically and solving problems. PEP interns take pre-tests, career contextualized direct instruction, and post-tests to measure learning gains.

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SERVICE

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Michael Landry is an outstanding pillar of the community. Since its beginning in 2009, he has housed the Pillars Conference at his award-winning boutique luxury Pillars Hotel. The Pillars Hotel is ideally situated right on the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers a casually elegant and charming experience in the prime of the most renowned Florida beach and yachting town. Guests are treated to an exceptional level of individual service and luxury reminiscent of the finest European boutique inns.

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Michael Landry

Landry Trebbi Investments, CEO

Mr. Michael G. Landry is a respected business leader and education advocate in Broward County. He holds a degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Born in Canada, he graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. His first job out of college was as a teacher and basketball coach at St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa.

Three years later, he worked for a firm specializing in physicians’ investments, and then he worked with John Templeton. His many organizational affiliations include membership in the Association for Investment Management and Research, and founding member of the International Society of Financial Analysts, for which he also served as director.

The investment business involved a lot of travel, which led to his interest in small boutique hotels, such as the award-winning hotel, The Pillars at New River Sound, which merited the Jerry Johnston Award as the highest-rated hotel in Broward County’s Superior Small Lodging Program. For the past 14 years, since the Pillars Conference was founded, he has generously offered his beautiful resort as the official site of the conference.

Mr. Landry was awarded the Pillars of the Community Award in 2018. He has served on the boards of the Community Foundation of Broward, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Workshop, Jack and Jill. And he is an honorary member of the Broward College Foundation Board of Directors because of his exemplary service. At Broward College, he has assisted students just like you with the establishment the George and Jean Trebbi Endowed Scholarship, named in honor of his wife’s parents, as well as the Michael Landry American Dream Scholarship.

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THANKS TO OUR

SPONSORS:

PRE-REGISTER

FOR 2024

ssg@broward.edu 954-201-6513