CLC wins gold at SkillsUSA nationals

Four College of Lake County (CLC) students proved to be some of the brightest future workers by winning gold at the 2023 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta.

At an event known as the “Largest Gathering of America’s Future Skilled Workforce,” Tori Elizondo, Jose Gallo, Genevieve Garcia and Dalia Gnaladja took first place in the Business/Entrepreneurship team competition over the state winners from around the country.

For the competition, the group created a business plan, including elements like marketing and finances, and pitched it to a panel of judges. Their winning business plan was for a business that sells self-sustainability.

SkillsUSA gives students the chance to show off the skills they’ve learned and meet people in the industries they plan to work in after college.

“It was exciting to travel and network with new people,” Gallo said. “SkillsUSA showed me how important it is to take opportunities to put myself out there.”

Lindsey Clements, Dhruvika Kyada and Vance Truelson also competed as a team in Crime Scene Investigation. Karina Badillo of Automotive Collision Repair and Alex Levit of Early Childhood Education competed individually at the national level.

“Recognizing our students at the National Leadership and Skills conference was so exciting and rewarding,” said Business and Social Sciences Career Program Manager Martha Arias. “This opportunity gave our students a chance to engage, collaborate, support each other while showcasing their talents and really practicing the skills they have learned here at CLC.”