ORLANDO, Fla. – In honor of Women’s History Month, Florida Technical College will spotlight women in our community to celebrate their contributions to empowering and inspiring others, while making a difference every day. Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout the month of March, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8. Follow our blog all month to see the members of our community that make an impact every day!
Christian Angel Almond | Executive Director | Pembroke Pines & South Miami Campus
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate how far women’s rights and accomplishments have come throughout the years.
Q: How long have you worked in the education field? (If you are a student, please type N/A)
12 Years
Q: Are there any influential women in your life?
So So Many! My mother(s) Royal, Peggy and Vicki! My best friend Amanda! And my Zumba & FTC family! I am also blessed to know and work with so many strong, independent and inspirational women!
Q: What does education mean to you?
Education is one of the few equalizers . Back when I first went to college, I did not have much guidance in what to study or career paths in general. My first job in higher education was in Admissions and I found it so rewarding to get to connect and help guide people in a way that I did not have. I have seem people from so many backgrounds and circumstances be able to attend college and change their situation. Being a part of that in any way is very rewarding!
Q: Do you have any advice for women looking to start their careers?
Don’t let anyone tell you what you are capable of. You are the one who determines that!
Q: What three achievements in your life mean the most to you?
I am blessed to have had a part in changing lives through education for more than a decade. I am very proud to have been named FTC Executive Director of the Year, two years in a row. And lastly, my first job in education was in a leadership training program with final career goal of becoming a Campus President. I am lucky enough to have been one of just two people to achieve that end goal.
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Angela Shelton | Executive Director | DeLand Campus
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society.
Q: How long have you worked in the education field? (If you are a student, please type N/A)
14 years
Q: Are there any influential women in your life?
Many, however, the most influential woman in my life was my grandmother. Her name was Ida Earl Reynolds and she was a southern firecracker. She was an RN, raised 5 children and still managed to make my grandfather’s favorite meringue pie from scratch. She promoted self reliance and education above all things. I can certainly say I am who I am today because of her exemplary life.
Q: What does education mean to you?
Education has played an important role in my life and I’ve made it my career. It’s more than memorizing facts and taking exams. It’s developing abilities, knowledge and understanding of the world. It helps you become a self-actualized person.
Q: Do you have any advice for women looking to start their careers?
Be open to opportunities. Be okay being new at something. Be okay being the first, but not the last.
Q: What three achievements in your life mean the most to you?
Having the true honor to work with adult learners who are breaking cycles and accomplishing their goals has been the most rewarding and important thing I’ve ever done.
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Erika Rodriguez | Regional Director of Career Services | South Florida Campuses
Q: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
To me, Women’s History Month represents knowing that there are like-minded women who are accomplished professionals in their respective fields while also being moms. Never lose sight of your goals, even though you may lose sleep.
Q: How long have you worked in the education field?
I have worked 12 Years
Q: Are there any influential women in your life?
My mother is an influential person in my life because she is a selfless person who always lends a helping hand.
Q: What does education mean to you?
Education means building the foundation of what you aspire to be, because often times we know what we want, but need guidance and direction to achieve it.
Q: Do you have any advice for women looking to start their careers?
Mistakes are going to happen along the way, so take a breath, regroup, and learn from them.
Q: What three achievements in your life mean the most to you?
(1) Being a mother (2) Being a leader (3) Completing the Spartan Trifecta
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About Florida Technical College (FTC)
Founded in 1982 to provide private, post-secondary education in specialized fields, Florida Technical College is an academic unit of NUC University (NUC), which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (267- 284-5000) www.msche.org. The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). FTC offers diploma, associate and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of professions, including Healthcare, Construction Trades, Hospitality, Beauty, Information Technology and Business. FTC campuses are located in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, Cutler Bay and Tampa. Program availability varies by campus. The Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts Diploma programs at the Kissimmee campus are programmatically accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation’s Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). ACFEF Accrediting Commission is located at 180 Center Place Way St. Augustine, Florida 32095. Tel: (800) 624-9458. Fax: (904) 825-4758, E-mail: acf@acfchefs.net.
