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SoCal Trades Tour and The Gentleman’s Society Forge Strategic Partnership to Showcase Career Pathways for San Gabriel Valley Students

Cherish H. • October 14, 2024

(Left to right) Rhonesia Perry - The Gentleman’s Society, Board Advisor, Crystal Anthony - The Gentleman’s Society, Committee Chair, Vanessa Tilford - SoCal Trades, President and Damien Halliburton - The Gentleman’s Society, President and CEO

In an exciting new collaboration, the SoCal Trades Tour and The Gentleman’s Society have joined forces to bring career pathways and college opportunities to students across the San Gabriel Valley. This strategic partnership recently culminated in a five-day tour, reaching six high schools and impacting over 6,000 students, making a substantial impact on the future workforce.


During the October 11th event hosted at South Hills High School, nearly 50 exhibitors engaged with students, providing hands-on insights into various career options. Among the exhibitors were key government agencies such as the FBI, Marine Corps, and Army recruiters, alongside local businesses within 15 miles of the school. The proximity of job opportunities allows students easy access. This powerhouse partnership between the Gentleman’s Society and SoCal Trades Tour will assist students in both their personal and professional development.


Damien Halliburton, President and CEO of The Gentleman’s Society, highlighted the importance of this initiative for boys of color, who are often overlooked in traditional career outreach efforts. “This was an optimal opportunity for our organization to connect with young men who need guidance and support as they navigate both life and career decisions,” Halliburton said. His organization is dedicated to offering mentorship and professional development to help students build a solid foundation for future success.


The tour drew attention from educational administrators, including a representative from Jurupa Valley Unified School District and Moreno Valley, who visited the event to observe its impact and explore opportunities for their districts.


Vanessa Tilford, owner of SoCal Trades Tour, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s success and its potential for expansion. “We have the capacity for more exhibitors, and we are the first to leverage technology to connect students and businesses, making it easy to follow up and track each student’s progress,” Tilford explained. This innovative approach aims to help students maintain meaningful connections with employers and open doors for future opportunities.


Together, SoCal Trades Tour and The Gentleman’s Society are eager to expand their reach across Southern California to continue fostering opportunities for students. For more information about becoming an exhibitor and how to schedule your school site; email info@gotgs.org. Feel free to visit www.socaltradestours.org and www.gotgs.org for more information.


This event not only highlights the commitment to creating pathways for students but also reinforces the vital role that strategic partnerships play in shaping the future workforce throughout the SoCal region.

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