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June 8, 2022
The Voice of the West Valley for 37 years
Local designer showcases dress at Tonys
BY LAURA LATZKO
West Valley View Contributing Writer
M
ia Torres has designed clothes for former Miss Arizona USA Yesenia Vidales, actor Paolo Cesar Ramirez and Quinceañeras Magazine cover model Joyce Medina. Now, Torres, of Avondale’s Melissa Torres Designs, is hitting the Great White Way. Colleen Jennings-Roggensack — the executive director of ASU Gammage and the lone Arizona Tony Awards voter — will wear a Torres gown at the Tony Awards red carpet on Sunday, June 12. Each year, Jennings-Roggensack choos-
es local designers to feature at the awards ceremony and other red-carpet events. Previously, she donned dresses from Galina Mihaleva, Esteban Osuna and Loren Aragon. She also wore Aragon’s dress at a Metropolitan Opera opening of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” “I am committed to Arizona designers because a lot of people think if it’s not in New York or LA, it’s not happening,” Jennings-Roggensack said. “We have some very talented young designers here.”
Torres...continued on page 7
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, left, wears a design inspired by Lady Diana, created by Mia Torres. (Tim Trumble/Contributor)
Sen. Kelly tours EMCC @ West-MEC
BY JORDAN ROGERS
FEATURES...... 23 Nurse honored with Stevie Award
OPINION................10 BUSINESS.............. 18 SPORTS...................20 CALENDAR.............22 FEATURES...............23 OBITUARIES............25 YOUTH...................28 CLASSIFIEDS...........30 NORTH
West Valley View Staff Writer
T
o get a better understanding of the Maricopa County Community College District’s Semiconductor Technician Quick Start job training program, Sen. Mark Kelly visited Estrella Mountain Community College @ West-MEC campus on May 31. The program teaches students the necessary skills to fill high-paying jobs in the semiconductor field without a four-year degree. “Workforce development is part of our plan and our dedication as we move forward and other degree
programs,” said Susan Bitter Smith, Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board member. “Our training program is a great opportunity to place people in jobs in Arizona, which has two of the three largest semiconductor firms.” While on campus, Kelly toured the manufacturing laboratories. “It’s always great to be to see this stuff hands-on; what young people are learning when they decide not four-year university, that’s not for everybody,” Kelly said. “We also need a workforce that is highly skilled and highly trained to be able to work in
Kelly...continued on page 3
Sen. Mark Kelly tours the Flow Loop Lab at EMCC @ WestMEC with Energy Institute faculty member Timothy Wilson. (Cassandra Tomei/Contributor)
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