Meet our newest Member Spotlight! Each month, we feature one of our Chamber Members. To apply for your spotlight, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
What is the purpose of your organization?
The mission of the PUSD Foundation is to provide funding, resources, support, and opportunities for District activities and programs in order to expand and enrich the educational experiences of our students.
What demographic do you primarily serve?
Students K-12 and adult students.
What made you decide to work with this organization?
I thought that there was a need to better connect between our business community the Poway Unified School District. In my role as the Partners in Education Manager for PUSD, I support several departments across the district by providing business connections and community resources in order to support students, teachers and staff.
What is the most interesting part of your business?
In addition to raising funds for STEAM-related activities and programs for students, my primary role is to engage with the business community to create meaningful partnerships that will enhance student learning and prepare students for their career. I have been able to recruit Chamber members to serve as advisors for our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and the exchange between the advisors and educators has been inspiring, and rewarding.
What opportunities does your organization have for businesses and the community to get involved, and what is your area of greatest need?
We rely on our business partners to lend their knowledge and expertise in the education of our students. Our business and industry partners understand that they play a vital role in preparing today’s students for the workforce of tomorrow.
- Provide a company tour
- Mentor a Student
- Provide a paid or unpaid internship
- Hire a student work experience
- Participate in practice or informational interviews
- Serve as an advisor for one of the CTE pathways
Please share a recent success story of how you were able to connect with a Chamber member business to fill a need, a goal, help your constituents, etc.:
Denise Mary-Callander Stein from Addy’s Bistro contacted our office to inquire about hiring PUSD students for her restaurant in the Poway Business Park. A connection was made between Denise and Laura Estremera, a Career/Life Skills Technician for the PUSD Adult Transition Program at Abraxas High School. Several Abraxas Adult Transition students have experience working at restaurants in a variety of capacities. Denise has hired a few of our students. In addition, on a weekly basis, two other students volunteered at the restaurant to perform light duties such as folding napkins and labeling jelly jars. This is a win-win for Addy’s and our students in the Adult Transition Program. Working at the restaurant allows students to gain valuable work experience, helps to prepare them for a career, and instills in them a sense of responsibility and confidence.
Tell us something most people don't know about your organization?
People may not know that our office is located on the corner of Twin Peaks and Midland Road. At this location we house Career Technical Education, Community Education, the Poway Adult School, Alternative Education also known as New Directions and the Poway Unified School District Foundation.
What keeps you inspired?
Although we have a few annual events, every day is different. I am inspired by being the "go-to" person within the organization. I enjoy helping others and serving as a connector for our students and teachers and most of the time our business leaders are very happy to help.
When and why did you get involved with the Poway Chamber of Commerce?
Previously, I was the CEO/President of the Chamber. I was new to the area and had been the CEO of three other chambers of commerce, so taking the position as CEO of the Chamber allowed me to utilize my past Chamber experience and implement programs to serve and promote the business community.
What would you tell someone who is considering joining the Poway Chamber?
The Poway Chamber is composed of wonderful and caring businesspeople. In a short time, you will reap the benefits of membership.
How can interested parties find out more about your organization, upcoming events, and needs and opportunities you have?
You can learn all you need to know about the Poway Unified School District Foundation by visiting our website at www.pusdfoundation.com and signing up for our newsletter, the Partnership Report.
About The Member Spotlight
Members who fill out the form below will be put into a drawing to become our next member spotlight! Spotlighted members will be put into the Chamber Report eNewsletter, as well as featured on the homepage of our website!
Non-Profits: Fill out this Non-Profit Member Spotlight form which has been tailored to non-profit organizations!