The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, together with the San Diego Architectural Foundation and as part of Open House San Diego, hosted “Design Your Future: Careers that Change Communities” virtually on March 5, 2021. 

The panel featured a diverse group of architecture, engineering and construction professionals who talked about their work and their career paths including: 

• BNBuilders Construction Executive Carmen D. Vann
• Rick Engineering Company Principal Edgar Camerino
• Sadfie Rabines Architects Associate Principal Alfonso Barragan
• Woodbury University Architecture Student Kayleigh Cornejo

Moderated by Eric Henson, policy advisor for City Councilmember Monica Montgomery Steppe’s office, this panel was an opportunity for middle and high school students to hear from and ask questions of professionals working on projects throughout San Diego and in neighborhoods like Southeastern San Diego and Barrio Logan. It is Jacobs Center and San Diego Architectural Foundation’s hope that conversations like these will provide new pathways and access points for young people to explore careers that provide professional growth opportunities and the power to positively shape communities physically, socially, and economically. 

To watch the panel click here. 

Internship/Mentorship Opportunities:

City of San Diego: This is a 10-week remote mentorship opportunity for youth ages 16 to 24. The interns will be collaborating with staff in the deployment of 5G wireless infrastructure in addition to other related utility projects. The deadline to apply is May 1. 

San Diego Mesa Alliance: Kindergarten through college students will receive assistance to help them succeed in math and science studies. Participants will be given access to scholarships, tutoring, academic advising and STEM accelerator programs. Applications open May 10 and close June 6.

The San Diego American Planning Association: The Young Planners Group provides aspiring city planners with an awareness of scholarships, career and internship opportunities, in addition to networking and social opportunities relative to planning in San Diego. Contact sdapaypg@gmail.com if you want to be a part of this opportunity.