Welcome Generation Orange: A West-MEC podcast.
Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) is a public career technical education in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The podcast takes a deep-dive into Career and Technical Education (CTE) through program spotlights, student interview, career exploration and so much more.
Generation Orange Ep. 16 | Dr. Scott Spurgeon's Vision
It's not often West-MEC gets a new superintendent. In fact, Dr. Scott Spurgeon is just the second one West-MEC has ever had. Tune in to hear about his goals and the vision he sees for West-MEC in the coming years.
4 Aug 2022
Generation Orange Ep. 15 | Energy & Engineering Technology
Energy and Engineering Technology seems like a broad topic; what exactly does the program entail? Nuclear energy specialist and former West-MEC instructor Paul Melissa joins the show to provide insight on the program, what students learn and how this program helps lead to careers within the energy and engineering fields.
17 Jun 2022
Generation Orange Ep. 14 | NC3's long-standing partnership with West-MEC
NC3 does more than offer valuable certifications. In this episode learn about the nonprofit's educational impact across the nation from NC3's Spencer Murray. West-MEC's Frank Quinn also joins the podcast to talk about the enduring relationship with the credential organization.
9 May 2022
Generation Orange Ep. 13 | Governing Board Member Juan Ramirez
The Governing Board plays an unassuming but vital role in the smooth functioning of West-MEC as a school district. Board member Juan Ramirez joins Chris to talk about how growth in the Valley is tied to CTE and his vision for the district.
14 Apr 2022
Generation Orange Ep. 11 | Career Literacy, Credentials and CTE
Director of Career Services, Jessica Putton, stops by to talk about why career literacy is important, how students can level up through industry credentials and shares some valuable insights for job-seekers.
3 Mar 2022
Generation Orange Ep. 12 | Green buildings and Sustainability
The future is green but how do we get there? Sustainability thought leader and DLR Group’s Applied Research Leader Prem Sundharam talks with Chris about the NEX building on the Southwest campus. Discovery the cool features of this facility as Prem explains how this building produces more energy than it consumes — a first in AZ education facilities.
This episode is a special one; it is a deep dive into the Automotive Technology industry with insights from UPS spokesperson, Mr. Phillip Aiello and NEC Auto Tech instructor, Mr. Randy Golding. Learn about the industry and the amazing avenues for students and the impressive industry partnerships that prepare learners for future careers.
22 Nov 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 9 | Professional Development Specialist Patrick Clawson
Join in as we talk to Patrick, the PD Specialist at West-MEC. Learn about how leadership can start young, what CTSOs are and how they are integral in preparing students for future careers.
3 Nov 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 8 | Lead Central Programs Recruiter Maya Milhon
Join us as we talk to Maya Milhon, the lead central program recruiter at West-MEC. Learn about CTE's relevance to today's students and the various programs and opportunities West-MEC has to offer. In the episode, Maya also shares some insightful tips on public speaking, stemming from years of experience interacting with diverse audiences.
18 Sept 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 7 | Governing Board Member Dr. Peter Pingerelli
In this episode, Director of Communications, Chris Cook sits down with one of West-MEC's board members, Dr. Peter Pingerelli to talk about the CTED, its exponential growth and what the future looks like. Join in to learn more about the governing board, the members' responsibilities and their impact on the West-MEC community.
31 Aug 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 6 | Julia Anderson of Project SEARCH
How do we help individuals with disabilities thrive? Julia Anderson, the Project SEARCH coordinator with decades of experience in special education, answers this question. Join us as we learn more about societal stereotypes, success stories and how employment plays a major role in empowering this community.
6 Aug 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 5 | Director of Exceptional Student Services Shelly Thome
We sit down with Shelly, the ESS director at West-MEC and talk about how her team supports students with disabilities and how communities can support students around them. She also gives advice to those who'd like to pursue a similar career path.
2 Jul 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 4 | SkillsUSA leader Noe Garcia
In ep. 4 of Generation Orange, Eric talks to Skills USA Arizona leader, Noe Garcia. They talk about the benefits of a CTE education, Noe's experience at West-MEC, the opportunities that SkillsUSA provides and more.
15 Jun 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 3 | Governing Board Chairman Frank Straka
West-MEC returns for Episode 3 of Generation Orange! This episode features an interview with Frank Straka, a member of the West-MEC Governing Board. Frank explains some of the board's duties and discusses what it means to be part of the leadership team of a public school district providing career and technical education.
15 Jun 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 2 | WESTMARC
West-MEC returns for Episode 2 of Generation Orange! This episode features interviews with WESTMARC President/CEO Sintra Hoffman and Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Director Kimberly Jordan speaking about their organization and its recent projects.
15 Jun 2021
Generation Orange Ep. 1 | Greg Donovan
Welcome to Episode 1 of Generation Orange: A West-MEC podcast. In this introductory episode, Communications Specialist Eric Newman speaks with West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan about his career and vision for the district.
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