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:
-
Enrich classroom learning with authentic industry expertise
-
Create interactive career exploration opportunities
-
Strengthen awareness of essential employability skills
Rosa Grabos
Manager Of Technical Program Managers
Amazon Web Services
We help the sales engineers learn about the product that they are selling. This helps them have more informed conversations with their customers.
Job description:
High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Information Technology
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Project-Based Collaboration, Virtual Guest Speaker
Ryan Brusco
Professional Development Navigator
Child Care Partners / Columbia Gorge Community College
As a Professional Development Navigator, I support early care and education professionals by providing tailored academic advising, technical assistance, and career planning. I help individuals identify appropriate training and coursework, develop educational plans aligned with their goals, and stay engaged through ongoing support. I also guide students through scholarship opportunities, evaluate progress toward degrees or certificates, and adapt advising strategies to meet the needs of diverse and at-risk populations.
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Virtual Guest Speaker
Kalie Brunton
Instructor
Columbia Gorge Community College
Instruct in semiconductor electronics, PLCs, and instrumentation/industrial automation.
Job description:
High School (9-12)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Co-Teach a Lesson, Conduct Mock Interviews or Skills Assessment, Host a School Group, Participate in CTE Advisory Committee, Project-Based Collaboration, Virtual Guest Speaker
Lorri Epstein
Science & Education Director
Columbia Riverkeeper
We educate and inspire people to learn about, monitor, and care for the Columbia River—and create opportunities for people to take action toward protecting clean water, salmon, and other species. We create opportunities for community and environmental connection through experiential hands-on engagement, offering solutions and avenues for change.
We provide engaging bilingual (Spanish and English) environmental education programming along the Columbia River to youth and young adults from Columbia River Gorge schools. We monitor water quality and share results with river users, and we increase access to careers in environmental science and education by creating opportunities for skilled learning and career development through paid internships.
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science & Research
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Co-Teach a Lesson, Host a School Group, Host an Intern, Virtual Guest Speaker
Cara McNulty
Owner
Kiddie City
Multi-site child care facility owner
Job description:
Elementary (K-5), High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8)
Preferred audience:
Education & Training
Career areas:
Engagement preference:
Career Fair Participation, Host Job Shadow, Host an Intern
Questions?
Contact Kate Wurster: kwurster@cgesd.k12.or.us