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2012
Keynote Speakers
Dena M. Smith & César R. Nufio
 César Nufio is currently a research associate in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department and Natural History Museum Adjoint Curator of Entomology, University of Colorado.
He received his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz in 1994 and his PhD from the University of Arizona, Tucson. For several years he led tropical biology field courses for graduate students in Costa Rica. While trained as a behavioral ecologist, currently, César’s research program involves the use of museum collections, a resurvey program, and an experimental approach to understand the effects of climate change on grasshopper communities, species and populations in the Rocky Mountains.
While at UCSC, César was an active member of the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) and the Academic Excellence Program (ACE). César believes that mentorship, guidance, family and “ganas” are important for pursuing advanced degrees in all fields.
 Dena Smith received her undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz in 1994 and then received her PhD in Geosciences with a minor in Entomology from the University of Arizona in 2000. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and is the Curator of Invertebrate Paleontology at the University of Colorado’s Natural History Museum. Dena’s research program is focused on using the fossil record to address broad topics in the preservation of fossil insects, insects and climate change, and insect diversification. In her position as a faculty-curator, she is able to do research, conduct fieldwork, work with really great students (in the classroom and in the lab), take care of amazing fossils, and work to develop exhibits and educational programs. While at UCSC, Dena was involved in the development of the Student of Color in the Sciences student organization and was active in SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science. She participated in the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) and the Academic Excellence Program (ACE). One of Dena's most important goals is to continue to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students and junior faculty in the sciences.
Dena and Cesar’s partnership started many years ago on the UCSC campus as they both sought the important support for students of color in the sciences. Their alliances with one another have been personal, political and professional. |
Thomas E. Linton
 Tom Linton feels fortunate to serve as director of planning and economic development for his own tribe, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. He currently oversees economic ventures for the Morongo tribe’s 34,000-acre reservation and has managed the design and construction of such projects as the $250 million Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, a 750,000 gpd wastewater treatment plant and a $26 million administrative complex.
Linton credits his father and paternal grandfather, both members of the Morongo tribe, for teaching him the importance of his heritage. Because of this deep respect, he sought a position working for a tribal government early on. He graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a degree in Native American Studies. Following graduation, he soon began working for the Morongo tribe and was promoted to director of planning in 1997.
During his tenure, Linton was a driver of the development and opening of Morongo’s Shell Gas Station. He served as a liaison between the Morongo tribal council and local, state and federal governments and utility companies. He was also instrumental in creating the Tribal Government Gaming Revenue Analysis that examined the distribution of tribal gaming revenues, which was presented to the United States Congress. In 1997, Linton was chosen by the U.S. Department of Education to sit on a grant review panel in Washington, D.C.
Linton, determined to obtain an MBA, took some time away from his professional career with the tribe to pursue his studies. He graduated from California Baptist University in Riverside, California, with his masters of business administration.
In 1999 the Morongo tribe invited Linton to serve in his current position as director of planning and construction services. On behalf of the tribe, he managed the $17 million expansion of the current Casino Morongo. He negotiated with the Perrier Group of America on a contract to open a water bottling facility on the Morongo reservation and oversaw the construction of the initial 380,000 square foot facility and is managing two large expansions of the plant today. Linton also was responsible for managing the selection of and contract negotiations with the architects, contractors and construction managers involved with the tribe’s resort project, the wastewater treatment plant project, the administrative complex and various other infrastructure projects on the reservation. He maintains ongoing communication with local, state and federal organizations regarding the Morongo tribe’s planning and development projects.
Linton currently resides on the Morongo reservation in California. In addition to his work with the Morongo tribe, he serves on the Western Desert Municipal Advisory Council and is involved with the Morongo Cattlemen’s Association. He enjoys horseback riding, team roping, fishing, hunting and, most importantly, being with his children in his leisure time. |
25th Annual Multicultural Career Conference
Bridge • Connect • Act
Topical Sessions 2012
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Passion: Turning your Passion into a Career
Choose a career you're passionate about, something that fits your values and that you enjoy. In today's constantly changing job market, alumni will share how they focused their interest and their passion into a rewarding career.
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Career Path: Graduate School and/or Other Paths to Your Career
Is all your energy focused on surviving school and simply graduating? What next? Receive advice from alumni on your next steps toward your career pursuits whether transitioning back home or pursuing graduate/ professional degrees. Alumni will share how they balance family expectations and responsibilities in their career path.
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Balance: Balancing Work and Life
Alumni will discuss the balance of working toward career goals while nurturing their soul through self-care. Learn what new graduates can expect after college, as they strive to find work, survive in the "real world" and grow in their personal and professional lives.
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Bridge: Transition from Student to Professional
Panelists will offer practical tips on beginning the transition from student to professional. Topics will include setting and meeting professional goals, identifying mentors, developing a professional persona, producing quality work, effectively managing time, becoming involved in the organization and the community, and capitalizing on professional opportunities.
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Connect: Networking Skills to Last You a Lifetime
Whether business is booming or times are lean, networking leads to increased employment and business development opportunities. Find out how alumni have used their networking skills in their professional careers. Topics will include identifying and reaching out to contacts, making the most of social business engagements, and becoming memorable. (Topics may also include networking sites, such as LinkedIn).
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Act: Making the Most of Your Skills and Opportunities
Learn how to make the most of your skills and opportunities. Panelists will provide tips and recommendations about what makes a resume stand out, key questions to ask in an interview, how to sell your previous academic and career experiences, and make the most of your connections and opportunities.
- Safe Space to Engage in Honest Dialogues
- Network and develop career strategies
- Meet alumni from diverse backgrounds to discuss
careers, internships, and graduate school experience
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Sponsored by:
The Career Center, Asian/Pacific Islander Resource
Center, Chicano Latino Resource Center, African American Resource
& Cultural Center, American Indian Resource Center, Latino Business
Student Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Society
of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Information
System Management Association, Student Affairs, UCSC
Alumni Association, Educational Opportunity Programs,
Baskin School of Engineering, Stevenson Events
Center
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