Sergio Contreras, Jr.
United for Student Success, Orange County United Way
Career Roadmap
Sergio's work combines: Government, Politics, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Westminster
Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice
California State University-Long Beach
Graduate Degree
Public Policy & Administration
California State University-Long Beach
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Legislators:
Bachelor's Degree: Criminal Justice
Graduate Degree: Public Policy & Administration
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
As a first generation college grad, education changed my life. I had a passion for helping others, I majored in Criminal Justice because I wanted to help improve my community and keep it safe.
2.
In college, I interned at Orange County Juvenile Hall, it was then I realized I wanted to do more to help ALL students stay track to graduate high school on-time, college & career ready.
3.
I ran for Westminster School Board because I saw it as the best way I could help uplift my community through strong schools that increased learning opportunities for our most underserved students..
4.
I ran for elected office THREE times before I was elected to serve in public office. I didn't give up on my dream and became the FIRST elected Latino to serve on the Westminster school board.
5.
After seven years on the Board I was appointed President, increased access to technology and learning opportunities for our first gen students and families.
6.
My desire to help my community kept growing. I wanted to do more. I ran for Westminster City Council and became FIRST elected Latino to serve on the city council.
7.
I was also elected to serve on the Midway City Sanitary District to protect and improve the health and safety of our community.
8.
Today, I am Executive Director of United for Student Success at the OC United Way where I work to build equity to increase Orange County graduation rate for socio-economically disadvantaged students..
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You shouldn't run for public office. It will be too hard and it is not worth it. You won't win.
How I responded:
Believe in your dreams and don't give up. Commit to your goals and you will achieve them. Every "No" is an opportunity. Run with it. Share your vision and ask for help. You are not alone.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I am come from a working family. My father was a night custodian at Disneyland for 44-years. My mother was a factory worker. I worked full-time through college to help pay for my educational expenses.
My neighborhood growing up was not the best. But I stayed focused on my work and made it out.
I used my experience as a new American to better learn what the American experience is like and how I could assist other citizens in obtaining a better quality life.
I am the first and only member of my family to graduate from college. It was a struggle but I committed and pushed through.