LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Saturday, Nov. 15, 78 girls attended the Girls in Careers Workshop at Lower Lake High School, with the focus on career exploration.

Mendocino College along with the Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department funded the event, allowing girls in grades seventh through 12 to explore nontraditional female careers.

Keynote speaker Quanisha Smith welcomed the girls in the morning and encouraged them to do more than dream big, but rather to be open to possibilities and search out a path to individual happiness.

After Smith’s motivating words, the girls spent the rest of the day rotating through hands-on sessions with teachers and industry professionals.

Sessions included “CSI Lake County” taught by Lower Lake High instructor Robynn Giese and Clearlake Police School Resource Office Bobi Thompson and “Chemistry is Beautiful” with Clear Lake High School instructor Oscar Dominguez and owner of Her Purdy Cosmetics Laboratory Leah Palmer.

Upper Lake High instructor Erica Boomer and SPCA vet tech Savannah Mello along with a couple of animals led the “A is for Animals” unit and Jacob and Connor Gill from Cheating Daylight were the star attractions in the “Girls on the Mic” seminar.

Each student also participated in a presentation by Smith called, “What’s preventing you from living your desired life?”

Girls were able to explore ambitions, fears, obstacles and solutions in order to build a blueprint for their future success.

Lunch was provided free of charge by Robert Cabrero and the culinary department of Yuba College.

At the end of the day, the group gathered back in the gym for parting remarks from Smith and to partake in the drawing for college prize packs, Chromebook, GoPro, Dr Dre Headphones, Nook tablet, iPod and gift card.

The previous night, Lower Lake High hosted Smith for an adult workshop titled “How to Talk so Youth Will Listen.”

Smith engaged the audience with her life story and educational and career accomplishments in addition to educating participants in effective communication with youth through activities and and asking the right questions.

The 40 participants were not only treated to a great workshop, but received a fabulous meal catered by the Lower Lake High culinary department all without charge.  Parent participant Deana Clausen was the recipient of the night's drawing prize of a Kindle Fire.

Smith is an international inspirational speaker, youth achievement mentor, and leadership development trainer.

She draws on more than 15 years of youth development, teaching, personal experience, community organizing and social justice philosophies to deliver purpose-driven success strategies and transformational keynotes for youth, mid-level professionals, college students and women. For more information regarding Smith visit her Web site www.quanishasmith.com .

The Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department is continually searching for ideas and funding regarding career exploration and college readiness for middle and high school students.

In addition to the Girls in Careers Workshop, they have hosted the “My Future, My Way Workshop” and the Summer Career Technical Education Camps.

Please share your ideas by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 707-994-9001.

For details regarding future events and scholarship opportunities follow the Career and College Readiness Department Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LCOEcareerandcollege .