Cyber Talent Summit Empowers Students Through Real-World Careers

Students, industry professionals, and elected officials gathered at Moreno Valley College on Saturday, April 5, for the IT & Cyber Talent and Workforce Readiness Summit—an all-day event designed to prepare the next generation for high-demand careers in information technology and cybersecurity.

The summit featured hands-on workshops, mental clarity sessions, career panels, and mock interviews to help students build confidence and sharpen the skills needed to thrive in today’s tech-driven workforce.

Special guest speakers included California State Senator Sabrina Cervantes (District 31), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (District 60), Moreno Valley Mayor Ulises Cabrera, and Douglas Kawa, Deputy Regional Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Division of Industrial Relations. Perris Mayor Michael Vargas also addressed attendees via a pre-recorded video message.

One of the summit’s most talked-about moments came during the keynote presentation by Adrian Francoz, CEO of Zeta Sky and Francoz Consulting. Francoz discussed the state of cybersecurity & industry trends, how to break into the field as an entry-level IT/cyber candidate, and what employers look for in apprentices and new hires. His keynote resonated with many students and was praised for its practicality and inspiration.

During the summit, Rosalinda Rivas, apprenticeship director and event host, was honored with awards from Senator Cervantes and Mayor Cabrera for her dedication to student success and workforce development. She also received a special proclamation from Assemblymember Corey Jackson, recognizing her leadership in apprenticeship and her efforts to build inclusive career pipelines across the region.

“These leaders aren’t just names on a program—they’re champions for students and advocates for expanding workforce access,” said Rivas. “Their presence sent a powerful message: our community believes in investing in its future.”

Throughout the day, students participated in a series of immersive sessions, including:

• Strengths-based career readiness workshops led by CareerWise Consulting
• An HR Panel Discussion featuring senior hiring managers from Louis Vuitton, Tomorrow’s Talent Inc., and the City of Moreno Valley
• A mental wellness session incorporating sound healing and stress-reduction techniques to improve cognitive focus
• A professional make-up and image session highlighting the power of first impressions

The summit concluded with a rotation of mock interviews at 15 different tables, where students received real-time feedback from HR, cybersecurity, and employment professionals. The interactive setup offered valuable insight into hiring practices and helped participants refine their interview skills on the spot.

“Events like these don’t just prepare students for jobs—they prepare them for life,” said Interim President, FeRita Carter, Ph.D. “By building confidence and clarity, we’re helping launch careers and open doors.”

The summit was the result of collaborative efforts between Moreno Valley College, local elected officials, HR professionals, and workforce leaders—all united in their mission to align educational pathways with industry needs in the Inland Empire and across California.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities and upcoming workforce readiness programs at Moreno Valley College's Apprenticeship program webpage.