Educator–Industry Matchmaking: Connecting Classrooms & Careers
At the heart of this initiative is a regional directory that makes it easy for educators to identify and connect with professionals across key industries. This tool will spark new collaborations, give students authentic real-world insights, and help build meaningful ties between schools, careers, and community.
By fostering these connections, we:
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Enrich classroom learning with authentic industry expertise
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Create interactive career exploration opportunities
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Strengthen awareness of essential employability skills
Thad Iremonger
Columbia Gorge Regional Manager
Curtis Homes LLC
Transforming the building experience for our customers. Our passion is people process and product.
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Architecture & Construction
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Guest Speaker, Host Job Shadow, Host a School Group, Host an Intern, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Project-Based Collaboration
Donna Forte
Assistant Office Manager Pacific Cmo
FAA
Oversee Aviation Safety Inspectors who provide safety and regulatory oversight of 121 air carriers
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Government & Public Administration
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Host Job Shadow, Project-Based Collaboration
Kelsey Alsheimer
Owner/ Marketing & Business Development Consultant
Kraken Creative
Kraken Creative provides organizational growth by helping clients identify, coordinate and pursue strategic opportunities, build and maintain relationships, develop marketing resources, and meet their goals. Our clients include small and disadvantaged consulting firms in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Job description:
High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Architecture & Construction, Engineering, Marketing, Sales & Service, Science & Research
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Host an Intern, Project-Based Collaboration, Virtual Guest Speaker
Janie Griffin
Dean of Nursing And Health Occupations
Please contact kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us for a STEM Hub introduction.
Columbia Gorge CC
Oversee Nursing, EMT and Medical Assisting Programs at CGCC
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training, Health Science
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Host a School Group
Gillian Nelson
Nursing Faculty
CGCC - Nursing Dept
Teach Fundamentals of Nursing (first year nursing students)
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training, Health Science
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Virtual Guest Speaker
Questions?
Contact Kate Wurster: kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us