State of the College
Thank You for Attending!
Thank you for joining us for the sixth annual State of the College and learning about how El Camino College’s vision for the next ten years is integral to shaping the workforce of the future.
Contact us to explore ways we can work together including hiring, internships or apprenticeships.
El Camino College’s Comprehensive Integrated Plan is the culmination of months of
thoughtful and thorough work by a broad swath of college representatives including
students, staff and classified professionals. This work is the roadmap for where our
college will be going during the next ten years, and how we will continue to be a
college that evolves alongside the communities we serve.
Speaker Bios
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Brenda Thames, Ph.D. Superintendent/President Dr. Brenda Thames began her tenure as the seventh superintendent/president of El Camino College on July 1, 2021. With over 24 years of experience in instruction, student services, and administration in California Community Colleges, Dr. Thames is a proven leader dedicated to student success. She works collaboratively with El Camino faculty and staff to advance educational opportunities and economic mobility for the students we serve. Dr. Thames most recently served as president of West Hills College Coalinga, and has served in a broad spectrum of positions including adjunct faculty, tenured faculty, faculty coordinator, department chair, program director, dean, vice president of student services, and vice president of instruction. She earned a doctorate in education from Oregon State University, master’s degrees in both social work and in public administration from USC, and holds a bachelor’s degree with a double major in sociology and social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley. |
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Maria F. Salazar Rivera Mechanical Technician 2 A graduate of El Camino College, Ms. Salazar is a current student of Cal Poly Pomona working to obtain her bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering. While at El Camino, Ms. Salazar participated in the 8-week pre-apprenticeship program at Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach and was ultimately hired by the company as a result. As a technician, Ms. Salazar works on electrical and mechanical assemblies, antennae, and creates structures for space craft, among other projects. Ms. Salazar earned numerous associate degrees while attending El Camino including
Pre-engineering, Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Automotive Repair and Collision,
Physics, and General Education with an emphasis on Arts and Humanities. As a first-generation
immigrant, Ms. Salazar arrived at age ten from El Salvador with limited English skills
and the drive and motivation to research ways to advance her educational goals. A
graduate of Leuzinger High School, Ms. Salazar began attending El Camino as a senior
while participating in the Upward Bound Math and Science Program. |
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Peter Haro
Mechanical Technician
Precision Assembly
Northrop Grumman
A current student of El Camino College, Mr. Haro was a participant in the Northrop Grumman 8-week pre-apprenticeship program. As a result of the experience, Mr. Haro was subsequently hired by Northrop Grumman at their Redondo Beach location. He currently serves as a Mechanical Technician where he works in a variety of manufacturing areas including, but not limited to, satellites, antennae development, and microchips.
A graduate of Inglewood High School, Mr. Haro entered the workforce in a machine tool shop located in Torrance. Wanting to expand his knowledge of the field, he decided to attend El Camino just prior to COVID. While the machine tool shop where he was employed was unable to remain open due to the pandemic, Mr. Haro was able to continue his studies online, and participate in the in-person apprenticeship opportunity. He continues to work toward his degree while employed.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to explore ways we can work together including hiring, internships or apprenticeships, please contact us at marcomm@elcamino.edu or 310-660-3406.