JAG Nevada November 2024 Newsletter

Regional Initiation & Installation Ceremonies 

JAG celebrates 10 years with events in Reno, Las Vegas

More than 1,500 students, families, friends, staff and partners gathered in Reno and Las Vegas Nov. 13 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of JAG Nevada at two events held simultaneously at Truckee Meadows Community College and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The ceremonies served as an initiation for the students to formally join the JAG program and install Career Association officers as student leaders. 

Edwin Serratos, a member of JAG’s first class and a 2014 graduate from Galena High School served as the keynote speaker at TMCC in Reno. Edwin shared the pivotal role JAG played in shaping his success in the trades, attributing his entrepreneurial skills and personal growth to the support and confidence provided by his Specialist Mr. Gorman.

Skylar Dodd-Bailor, a 2023 graduate from Damonte Ranch High School, delivered the JAG Participant Testimonial. Skylar spoke passionately about her journey as a three-year JAG participant, during which she advanced through leadership roles and developed lasting friendships through JAG’s local, state and national opportunities. She credited JAG with boosting her confidence and now balances full-time work in sales as she studies business at TMCC. She thanked her Specialist Jenniffer Prokop.

At UNLV, keynote speaker Tedd Florendo, Chief Meteorologist for KLAS 8 News Now, recounted his inspiring story of pursuing a career in meteorology despite familial expectations to enter medicine. He shared his experiences as one of the first Asian Americans in his field and encouraged attendees to forge their own paths.

Tatiana Wilder, a 2024 graduate of Desert Pines High School and now at UNLV, described how her move to Nevada and participation in JAG helped her find a sense of belonging, with her Specialist providing essential support. 

Special thanks to our sponsors, MGM Resorts International, UNLV and TMCC, and our community partners Nevadaworks, Tesla, the Nevada Army National Guard, Kinross Gold Corporation, Clark County, EmployNV, and Opportunity Village. 

JAG Nevada Board of Directors recognized for giving award 

We have exciting news! JAG Nevada has earned the 100% Giving Board Award 2024 from the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada. As first-time recipients we are honored to join the list of organizations who have achieved this award. 

We would like to thank the Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates Board of Directors for their time, talent, and financial contributions to advance our mission to empower Nevada’s young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life. We are making a difference in our community! Congratulations and thank you to our Board of Directors and CFNN. 

JAG alum celebrates distance traveled in life, career  

Jason Pinto Maldonado is a JAG Nevada alum and 2015 Galena High School graduate who works for the Recruitment and Access Center at Truckee Meadows Community College. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up as one of three boys with a single mom, Jason didn’t think he was college bound due to a low GPA and few financial resources. When Amber Burrows, a representative from TMCC, now Associate Director of Workforce Development, spoke at his school, he learned he could attend the Summer Bridge program to help prepare for college. Now, Jason and Amber are colleagues. 

As a JAG student, Jason imagined a better future after attending the Career Development Conference, Legislative Day, meeting Governor Brian Sandoval, and receiving support from Specialist Janet McGrath. After completing his AA degree, Jason transferred to University of Nevada, Reno. He joined a fraternity where he further developed his leadership skills, found a scholarship to study abroad in Turin, Italy, traveled Europe, and graduated with a degree in marketing in 2017. 

When TMCC hired him for the recruiting position, he helped pilot the Men of Color mentorship program with Miguel Martinez, a TMCC Equity and Inclusion Coordinator and Reno Councilmember from Ward 3. Regarding his work in recruiting, Jason says, “If I can turn that switch on for just one student in classroom, it is worth it; reaching one student at a time.”

Jason, who will receive his MBA this winter, has traveled the world – including trips to Singapore, Japan, Tulum, and Puerto Rico. He intends to remain in academia, continues to travel, and will serve as a voice for those who aren’t heard.

He visits JAG programs across Northern Nevada and brings his work full-circle, inspiring students to reach for their dreams. As words of advice, he offers, “People want to see you succeed. Reach out. Don’t suffer in silence. The sky really is the limit. Shoot for the stars, even if you land on the moon!”

Senior Vice President of Enterprise Bank joins Board of Directors

Please welcome JC Cudiamat, Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager to the Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates Board of Directors. 

JC’s experience includes work at both global and regional banks in the areas of commercial lending, treasury management, card products, and small business. Of late, JC received Enterprise’s President Circle Award which is presented to top producers who not only contribute to the bank’s growth but also displays sales leadership.

Her leadership experience was also called upon by the NV Treasurer’s Office when she served as one of the panelists for “The CEO of My Life: Women in Leadership” at the 2023 Women + Money Summit and again in 2024, as Moderator for “Her Wealth Blueprint: Creating a Financial Roadmap” panel.

We are pleased to share her 25 years in banking leadership and nonprofit experience with our organization and look forward to her stewardship for JAG Nevada and commitment to our mission. 

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