Moreno Valley College Hosts Leadership Workforce Summit to Empower Future Leaders
Moreno Valley College brought together students, educators, and industry leaders for a two-day MESA & Apprenticeship Leadership Workforce Summit on Aug. 13-14, designed to equip future leaders with the tools and confidence needed for career success.
Hosted in collaboration between the college’s Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program and its Information Technology/Cybersecurity Apprenticeship program, the summit carried the theme “Empowering Future Leaders for Industry Success.”
MVC scholars and apprentices from diverse backgrounds participated in interactive workshops and panels focused on emotional intelligence, artificial intelligence, career readiness, stress management, and mindfulness. The event also featured a sound bath therapy session designed to promote mental clarity and resilience.
Day one featured a panel of human resources professionals from leading companies, including Amazon, Louis Vuitton, and Tomorrow’s Talent, who shared strategies on interviewing, networking, and career longevity. Day two focused on personal development with CliftonStrengths workshops and targeted breakout sessions, providing attendees with hands-on training in resume building, mock interviews with HR directors throughout the Inland Empire, and supplemental instruction techniques.
“Events like this create a bridge between education and industry,” said Rosalinda Rivas, apprenticeship director at Moreno Valley College. “When students engage directly with professionals, they not only strengthen their skills but also build the confidence to see themselves thriving in high-demand careers. That kind of development is exactly what apprenticeship is about.”
For Erin Cosgrove, STEM program coordinator, the summit was particularly meaningful. A former Moreno Valley College student herself, Cosgrove said the event reflected the college’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
“As someone who once sat in these very classrooms, it’s powerful to now help lead programs that prepare students for the workforce,” Cosgrove said. “This summit showed our students that no matter where you start, with the right support and opportunities, you can grow into a leader.”
College President Rudy Besikof opened the summit with remarks, telling students they were “engaging in something that is the future...while experiencing backwards thinking.” He explained that while students could clearly see the long-term goals ahead of them, the summit was about taking the intentional steps needed to reach those goals — bridging vision with action.
Organizers said the event success has paved the way for future collaborations that continue to bring together education and workforce leaders to empower students.