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At the Santa Fe Community College Foundation (SFCCF), we believe that every student deserves the chance to pursue an education that leads toward a meaningful career. That belief is reflected in the programs being built right here at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), where passionate educators are opening doors for the next generation of tradespeople in northern New Mexico.
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Building Pathways to Careers in the Trades
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Geneva “Cookie” Look, Academic Director of School of Trades, Advanced Technologies and Sustainability
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Cookie has spent her career in the trades. She knows what it takes to succeed in the field, and she knows what it feels like to find work that truly matters. Now, as the Academic Director of School of Trades, Advanced Technologies and Sustainability, she has turned that experience into something bigger. She is building a pathway for the next generation of tradespeople in northern New Mexico, one student at a time.
“We make sure that our students are well prepared for the workplace so that they can begin their journey into a career of something they enjoy,” she says.
Trades are essential and always in need of professionals, and SFCC is proud to offer many pathways into that world with the training needed to be successful. The department is thriving and continually expanding to meet the needs of students and the demand in the community.
“We work very closely with the trades community in northern New Mexico and the city of Santa Fe,” she explains. “We sit with the businesses and talk with the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce and we ask, where do businesses lack?”
When she finds a need for people with certain skills, she brings it back to the college in the form of a program. Over the years this has grown to include an electrical certificate program, a small business skills class, and most recently an architectural drawing program.
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Cookie has made it her mission to build a department where students feel encouraged and empowered to reach their potential. She believes that when students are surrounded by people who truly believe in them, they thrive. More than anything, she wants every student to know they have someone in their corner cheering them on.
“Now it’s my turn to turn around and help the next generation. Let’s celebrate their life. Let’s get them started. Let’s give them a round of applause for completing their education and getting ready to launch their career.”
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Learn More About the Trades
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Watch Estevan’s Video About the Welding Program
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From Sparks to Success: Estevan Ortega Lights the Path for SFCC Welding Students
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Read Brandon’s Story in HVAC and Plumbing to Graduation
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Cookie’s story is a reminder of why this work matters. Programs like these change lives, and there is an opportunity for our community to be part of that. If you would like to invest in the next generation of tradespeople at SFCC, please consider making a gift to the SFCC Foundation today.
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Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez1@sfcc.edu
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