EvCC hosts Students of Color Career Conference March 27
Press Release
Date: Feb. 7, 2025
Contact: Flor Reyes, Program Specialist in Equity and Social Justice: 425-388-9997, freyes@everettcc.edu
Volunteers and career panel participants needed
EVERETT, Wash. – About 1,000 middle and high school students from Snohomish County will learn about college and career options at Everett Community College’s 20th annual Students of Color Career Conference March 27.
Volunteers and participants for career panels are still needed. To sign up, visit EverettCC.edu/SOCCC.
The goal of the conference is to inspire students of color to expand their education and career goals. Panel discussions, cultural sharing and a keynote address provide students with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of career options.
New for the 2025 conference, the event prioritizes students in EvCC’s service area with the goal that students will gain insights into EvCC’s programs and see clear pathways to career options that align with their ambitions.
The conference’s focus is students of color, but all middle and high school students from Snohomish County are welcome to participate; students register through their schools. Other middle and high schools from across western Washington are welcome to join the waitlist by emailing soccc@everettcc.edu.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Ayva Thomas, executive director of racial and educational justice for the Northshore School District. She has collaborated with the Zinn Education Project, Rethinking Schools, the City of Bothell, the City of Kenmore, and the Seattle Mariners On BASE youth mentorship program. She serves on the Black Education Matters Student Activist Award Advisory Board. Dr. Thomas earned her college degrees and professional certifications at the University of Washington.
First held in 2003, the conference was the idea of former EvCC accounting instructor Bill Reed in response to changing Snohomish County demographics, education trends and the economic impact of earning a college degree. He was joined by local business owner Carlos Veliz to organize the first conference. Both continue to be involved with the conference.
“When we started this conference over 20 years ago, our goal was to inspire students of color by connecting them with professionals who looked like them and had navigated similar challenges,” Reed said. “Over the years, we’ve seen the powerful impact of representation and mentorship in shaping students’ aspirations. It’s about showing them that their dreams are not only valid but achievable.”
The 2020 U.S. Census showed that Snohomish County is becoming more diverse, with the number of residents of color increasing 82% between 2010 and 2020, while the number of white residents declined 2%.
The conference went on hiatus from 2020 to 2022, making this the 20th year.
For more information or to donate to support the event, visit EverettCC.edu/SOCCC.