Meet Our New Adjunct Faculty Members!

We Keep on Growing!

The Business Department at Cañada College keeps on growing, and so we have had to hire on some new faculty to keep up. Learn more about some of the new faces you'll be seeing around campus and online!

Janet Laurin- Business Adjunct Professor
I am entering my 15^th year of teaching at the community college level. Teaching at this level was my dream while attending community college after high school. Now, as an instructor I truly enjoy the teaching experience--both online and face-to-face.
My education includes a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. My background includes 28 years of experience in financial and administrative management. I have worked in a wide range of environments, including entertainment (Disney), manufacturing (aerospace), non-profit (AARP), and education (student services). I have also co-owned a small business since 1980.

Teaching is my passion. I have been with the Los Angeles Community College District since 2002. I have also taught at the university level and provided professional development for middle and upper management.

This fall, I will have the privilege of teaching online at Cañada College. As an instructor, I am enthusiastic, approachable, and responsive. I will bring ingenuity to the classroom and

·         Share my passion for business

·         Respect students’ individuality

·         Value participants’ skills, talents, and perspectives

·         Develop lessons that are interesting and relevant

·         Provide an organized learning platform with clear guideline

 

Brandon Napoli - Business Adjunct Professor

Career:

A son of a community college teacher, I grew up on campus and later attended Cuesta College.  Both experiences planted a dream to teach after gaining over a decade of experience.  In 2006, I started my career in poverty alleviation through supporting underserved entrepreneurs.  That year, Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in microfinance - providing small loans to people in poverty to start and grow their business.  Inspired, I pursued microfinance and learned how access to capital helped entrepreneurs build dignity and create jobs.   After receiving my MBA from SDSU, I joined the Peace Corps in Guatemala.   I assisted the small business development efforts in ecotourism, focusing on providing an alternative income to the subsistence farming.  After returning to the States, I supported entrepreneurs at higher levels.  First, as the Director of Microlending at Valley Economic Development Center – growing the micro lending portfolio to top 5 in the US and testifying to congress on the state of micro lending.  Afterwards, I became the Director of National Microlending Initiatives managing an investment fund for microlenders across the US.  At the end of 2016, I responded to a passion to intersect faith and entrepreneurship and relocated to Palo Alto to start a faith-based coworking space.  

Life:

Passions outside of work include the outdoors, sports, and travel.  I was a three sports athlete in high school (football, wrestling, and tennis) and two in college (track and field and rugby).  I also dabbled in Jiu-Jitsu for several years.  My favorite outdoor activity is bicycle touring - riding days/weeks while camping.  Currently I am getting geared up for a month long trip through Ireland and Italy.  

Brian Bennett- Business Department Adjunct Professor

Brian has 25+ years of management and consulting experience spanning industries including high-tech, medical device, financial services, and public accounting industries. He participated in an IPO and is listed as a co-inventor on three issued patents. Also, Brian competed in the Olympic Games and has worked internationally. In general, his classes are very interactive since the field of business is constantly changing and he will draw upon real life business current events, companies, products, and services to enhance your learning experience. Fun facts - Causes Brian cares about include: inclusiveness, economic empowerment, education, environment, and health. He is an avid hiker and boogie-boarder.  

“There is no education like adversity.” (Benjamin Disraeli)

Oduro Takyi - Business Department Adjunct Professor

Degrees: MBA, Business Administration, Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York; LLB (Honors) University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Teaching Experience: Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Los Altos, CA (2000 – Present) Cañada College (2017 – Present) University of Phoenix, San Jose, CA (2000 – 2004)

Career Highlights: As a result of teaching prospective entrepreneurs in the Silicon Valley how to write business plans to start their businesses at De Anza College, I decided to start my own management consulting business, The Boardroom Planning Group in San Jose, CA. As the Principal Consultant, I have provided consultation to clients on business planning, financial management, the development of feasibility studies, and product expertise. Clients have included insurance carriers, county and city risk managers, and the State of California Department of Industrial Relations. I have also been a Learning Consultant at the Kaiser Permanente Regional Offices in the Information Technology Division, Walnut Creek, CA where I trained management and their staff and maintained curriculum for a software development initiative.

Passions: (1) Avid reader of numerous John Grisham legal thrillers; (2) Aficionado of CNBC’s ‘The Shark Tank.’ (3) Professional basketball, football and soccer enthusiast.

Favorite Quote: “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” – Alexander Pope.

Job Announcement: Part-Time Bookkeeping/Admin Assistant

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Part-time Admin Asst/Support

Are you looking to become a valued member of a technically oriented team. If so, read on. 

Our client, a small, growing company in Santa Clara CA, has an opportunity for a strong admin to provide support to the CEO and other members of the staff on a part-time basis. The key responsibilities, duties, and skills required are summarized below:

Key responsibilities include: 

Office Manager/Admin. Assistant duties:

• Track progress on company-wide goals

• Ensure that deadlines are met

• Plan and organize company events

• Arrange team-building activities

• Handle inquiries from the phone and website

• Setup booths at local events such as career fairs and conferences

• Organize and replenish inventory of products, marketing materials, and lab goods

• Maintain office and kitchen supplies  

• Coordinate logistics including packing, labeling, and shipping

• Ensure orders and returns are processed in a timely manner

• Generate budgets and financial forecasts

• Invoice for products and services

• Ensuring on-time receipt accounts receivable (AR)

• Prepare reports and presentations

• Procure materials requested by department leads

• Track time and resources consumed on customer and internal projects

• Generate monthly reports on hours worked on customer and internal projects

• Prepare and run payroll

• Perform additional tasks as required by CEO, VPs, and staff;

• Five years of work experience in at least clerical, secretarial, and/or administrative position

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent accounting and bookkeeping skills with two or more years of experience with QuickBooks

• Computer literate with office tools (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe) and have experience with collaborative tools (Google Docs, shared calendars, version control)

• Excellent proofreading skills; proven ability to provide clarity and feedback to authors

• Highly proficient with spreadsheets (Excel and/or Google sheets)

• Ability to generate reports for financial forecasting and track project budgets

• Programming skillsare considered a real plus (Python, Ruby, Java, C)

• Excellent personal skills with employees and customersincluding the natural ability to interact with technical staff gaining their confidence; a dependable team member

• Website skills are a plus including monitoring and updating

• Proactive with a strong desire to solve problems

• Excellent time management and organizational abilities

• Meet your own deadlines as well as help others meet theirs

• Have a passion for details with the ability to explain them

• Confident, smart, trustworthy

Accounting/bookkeeping duties:

 Required skills include:

Send resume and wage requirements to: jobs@infrastructuregroup.com

Student Success Story: Janet Bryant

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Janet Bryant

Cañada College student, Janet Bryant

Janet Bryant is originally from the South and relocated to the Bay Area in 2003.  Janet started taking classes at Cañada College in the Fall of 2015 after nearly 20 years of working in the administrative field.  She continues to work full-time on top of being a full-time student and has a lot on her plate, but that hasn't stopped her from pursuing her personal and professional growth here at Cañada College.  She is currently working towards getting her Associate's degree in Accounting, with the long term goal of transferring to a four-year school. We sat down with Janet to ask her some questions about her experience at Cañada College thus far, and here is what she had to say.

What were some of the factors in your decision to go school and get a degree?

My dream has always been to go to college and earn a degree.  I had attended The University of Southern Mississippi in 2001 before relocating to California, but the large school was not a good fit for me at the time. With my son’s high school graduation in 2015, I realized the timing was right for me to fulfill my dream of earning a degree. And because continually learning is important to me, I wanted to open new doors that getting a degree makes possible.  I knew then it was time to enroll in college to better prepare for my future.

Were you considering going to another community college in the area before deciding to go to Cañada College? What made you decide on Cañada College?

I took a campus tour before enrolling, and all of my questions were answered before I even got to ask them on the tour. I took that as a good sign. My choices were Cañada College and the College of San Mateo, which are both part of the San Mateo Community College District, but Cañada was more easily accessible.  Cañada College’s location, flexibility of classes, and the courses and degrees offered made Cañada College an easy choice for me.

Do you like the campus here at Cañada College?

I love Cañada College's campus.  The professors and staff are helpful, friendly, and professional. The classes are relevant, challenging, and perfectly-sized, and the resources at Cañada are phenomenal (A2B, Learning Center, College for Working Adults, Math Jam).   To top it off, Cañada College has one of the best views in the Bay Area. I often come here on weekends to run on the trails around campus just to take in the scenery on my free time.

You’re working towards an Associate's degree in accounting at Cañada College, what made you decide on accounting?

I have close to twenty years work experience in the business field.  During that time I really enjoyed working with numbers, and to continue in accounting, I knew having a formal education would provide the professional advantage I wanted.

Have you enjoyed the classes you’ve taken in the business and accounting department here at Cañada College? Have you taken any online classes?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes I have taken in the business and accounting department here at Cañada College, and have already learned a great deal that I use every day.  As a mom and full-time professional, it is essential that classes are offered at times other than during usual working hours.  Thankfully, Cañada offers many evening and online courses, so I can stay on track for completing my Associate's degree and meeting transfer requirements while still working full-time.  So far I have taken one online business class (BUS 100).  It has been such a positive experience, and although I will miss being on campus as often, I have registered to take additional online classes over the summer and fall 2016 semesters.

What is something that has surprised you about Cañada College?

I was surprised at how quickly I felt like I belonged.  After returning to school from such a long hiatus, I didn’t know what to expect.  Would I feel lost?  What if I don’t understand the material?  My worries were erased on my first day.  My professors have been outstanding, and I cannot say enough positive things about the resources available to students.  Going to college either as student just of out of high school, or as someone returning to school after some time can be overwhelming, but the atmosphere at Cañada makes the transition easy.

What advice would you give to someone considering going to Cañada College?

I would say that you're not going to be disappointed. There is something for everyone here, be it just taking one class, or taking on a full schedule, Cañada College offers something for everyone. There is always someone here willing to help you.  Ask questions, make connections, and get involved!

Interview conducted in May of 2016

Jonathan Wax

jonathanwax@my.smccd.edu

What you missed at our Free Info. Session [video]

Did you miss our free information sessions we put on with A2B? Don't worry, we got you covered!

The business department at Cañada College hosted two free information sessions with our A2B Program (Associates 2 Bachelors) during the first week of the Fall 2016 semester. We hosted the first event at The Redwood City Public Library, and the second was on campus.

We had some of our professors on hand to answer questions and to explain the programs we offer through the business department at Cañada College. People from the community came out to learn about our business and accounting programs, and we got several people to apply to Cañada College on the spot (you can do there here).

We will be hosting more free information sessions before the Spring 2017 semester starts, but if you're curious to see what you missed, you can check out the playlist below:

Job opportunity for students!

San Mateo County Community College District

Student Assistant:  $14.50 per hour, 10 – 20 hours per week 

Part-Time Student Employee – Business and Marketing Skills

The successful candidate will have knowledge of and experience of accounting and marketing. In addition, we are looking for a student with excellent interpersonal communication skills, good writing ability and a good working knowledge of Excel.

The student assistant will work with two programs.  The international student program and the homestay referral program.  The international student program needs assistance with processing business expense reports and editing marketing materials.  The homestay referral program needs assistance with processing host family and student applications to the program. 

The position is located at the District Office, which is across the street from the College of San Mateo campus. Applicants must be able to present examples of their marketing skills and website design and layout work at time of interview—either actual “for hire” examples or schoolwork is acceptable. References from teachers or employers in the field of website design are required.

Submit a resume with a cover letter addressing how you meet the specific job qualifications.  Work samples will be requested if you are selected for an interview.

E-mail the required documents to:

Diane Arguijo

Director of International Education

San Mateo County Community College District

3401 CSM Drive

San Mateo, CA  94402

arguijod@smccd.edu

Application deadline: Until filled

Free Information Session at Redwood City Public Library on Wednesday, August 10th

FREE INFORMATION SESSION about Cañada College's Business and Accounting programs! Tuition as low as $46/unit for day, evening, or online classes.

Programs include bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, marketing, and small business. Earn a certificate, 2-year degree, or transfer to a 4-year university.

Silicon Valley is booming right now, but who knows when it will bust again? 

A degree in business or accounting can provide a number of advantages in your career, such as increasing your job security, securing that promotion, and opening doors to other careers. This event is an excellent opportunity to meet with the college's faculty, connect with student services, and get exited about your future!

Topics that we will go over include:

1. Why you should go to College and invest in your education.

2. Why you should choose Cañada College.

3. How you can get started. (student services, financial aid information, etc.)

Cañada College is nestled in the Redwood City bluffs with gorgeous views of the Bay Area and Woodside Hills. Here you get access to world-class instructors and staff in an environment tailored to helping students from all walks of life succeed. It's not too late to start, the Fall 2016 semester is starting soon and there is still room in several classes.

Prizes and giveaways. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited! Join us today.


Register early on eventbrite here: canadacollegebusiness.eventbrite.com

Classes for the Fall 2016 semester!

Fall 2016 is around the corner!

Here are some of our classes being offered next semester at Cañada College by the business and accounting department. Register today on Websmart before the semester starts!

Bookkeeping and accounting job posting by Redbrick Associates

Looking for a job in bookkeeping or accounting? Check out this job posting from Redbrick Associates. 

Thanks to the Cañada College Career Center for sending this out:

We are looking to hire two full time equivalents. Redbrick Associates, a growing consulting firm that supports venture capital funds and startup companies, is looking to fill an entry level position that will initially focus on bookkeeping and accounting utilizing a variety of software applications. Experience with Excel is essential.Beyond the initial responsibilities, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow into any of the areas of operation that we engage with our clients. Ideally we would like full time applicants, however we can also work with part time based on their level of long term interest; and also part time leading to full time. We also have flexibility to work around the college schedule. It is a paid position (rate and hours are flexible depending on the candidate). The applicant should be over 18 years old with a driver’s license. An accounting knowledge is needed but no other specific office skills (other than excel). Quickbooks is a big plus but not essential. The candidate will not be interacting with clients, but rather the partners of Redbrick, and we will be providing training across a broad set of business skills (focused on finance, of which accounting is a subset and the initial area where the person will be working). Initially the accounting will be focused on record keeping and reconciliations. Responsibilities will expand to meet the interests of the application.

We are in the fortunate position of having a broad set of clients – ranging from venture funds with hundreds of millions that we track, to companies involved in digital health through space travel. We deal with private companies, public companies, foreign companies. Again, we provide the training and would love to find a great fit with someone that would like to expand their resume.

Send your questions and resume to: kate@redbrickassociates.com

6/22/16 Jonathan Wax

Student Success Story: Elise McClure

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Elise McClure

Backwater owners, and former Cañada College
 students, Ryan Verzaal and Elise McClure.
Photo Credit: http://spacecoastliving.com/

Elise McClure was a San Francisco resident who attended Cañada College between 2012-2014. She was working towards her Associate's degree in Business Administration. While she was a full-time student at Cañada College, she was also working full-time as a manager at a restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district, and had a part time job on top of that.  In 2015 she relocated to Melbourne, Florida, with her partner Ryan Verzaal (who also attended Cañada College) and they opened up Backwater. Their restaurant has become the area's premiere brunch restaurant. Elise McClure has worked very hard and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time since her time at Cañada College. We caught up with Elise and asked her about her time at Cañada College, and this is her story.

You became a small business owner and opened Backwater after attending Cañada College, tell us about your restaurant.

After spending quite some time in California we became homesick for our southern roots. I love comfort food like pulled pork, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes. It only seemed fitting that we would serve our favorite foods that we missed for so long. Backwater, like its namesake, is meant to be a place where one can relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Where you can sit back and sip on some sweet tea. We offer eight tables with built in griddles where you and the family can get creative with DIY pancakes. We couldn't forgot our love for the vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants in San Francisco, so we made sure to offer the majority of the menu with a vegan option. 

Your restaurant is very unique, and offers such a special experience for customers, especially with your DIY pancake table griddles. Where did you get the idea for your business?

On our second date we made pancakes. So we thought it would be fun to provide that same ice breaker for others, and who are we kidding, pancakes are amazing! We always say people love to cook, but they want someone else to clean up after them. 

Backwater is in Melbourne, Florida which is where Elise relocated to in 2015.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

What has been the most rewarding thing about being your own boss and having your own small business?

The feeling! I don't really know how to put it in words, but on a daily basis I find myself over a hot griddle table cleaning away, and I just have this moment of peace when I realize that I'm cleaning this table because I have a two page waitlist! It is just so surreal. I usually have to hold back getting teary eyed when I think about how lucky we are. I just can't even believe that this many people want to eat at our restaurant! I just say in my head "We're doing it!!" Overall it is just nuts how much popularity and success we have gained in such a short period of time. We already have regulars!!! It's rewarding to know we did it on our own!

What were some unexpected challenges you've encountered while being a small business owner?

We have been lucky so far to be supported by such a wonderful community. We even had city hall checking in on us during our build out. Asking if we had any questions or needed any help with our permits. There are some days when I miss being able to pass the buck to a supervisor but it is nice knowing that if you need something done all you have to do is do it.

What classes in the Business and Accounting Department did you take while you were a student at Cañada College?

I took the core requirements for an Associate's degree in Business Administration. 

Any Interior shot of Backwater. Elise and Ryan designed and decorated the restaurant themselves.

Photo credit: http://www.backwaterflorida.com/  

Were any of your classes online? Did that make it easier for you to take classes while working full time?

All of my classes were either online or hybrid, actually. Having that kind of flexibility made a world of difference. I was able to keep my full time job and live in the city. I even picked up two part time jobs. The hybrid classes were great for the subjects I needed a little extra help with.

You lived in San Francisco while attending Cañada College, why did you take classes at Cañada College rather than somewhere else in the Bay Area? 

I was luckily enough to have met a former Cañada College student who guided me to the school. They could not say enough about how great their experience was. The drive is easy and beautiful. It was nice to get out of the city and focus.

What advice would you give students considering taking classes at Cañada College in the Business and Accounting Department?

To go for it! I have attended a few other community colleges when I lived in Florida the first time around, and nothing compares to the experience I had at Cañada College. The teachers were so supportive, and always there for you when you needed them. The counselors made life a breeze, and their availability was something I had never encountered at other schools. Cañada College wants you to succeed, they want you to graduate, and be the best student possible.  They do not shy away from doing whatever it takes to provide what is needed for their students.

Interview conducted in May 2016
Jonathan Wax

jonathanwax@my.smccd.edu