2024 CLA Career Forum
Learn more about a broad range of exciting career paths in liberal arts from CLA alumni and Career Services. The annual CLA Career Forum will be held 2:10 – 3 p.m. Friday, April 12, in Building 6, Room 214. Current and prospective students/supporters are invited to hear from CLA Career Advisor Evie Kriegbaum and our alumni panelists. Bring your questions!
Panelists
LISA DIAZ, Journalism, '14
Lisa Diaz is the director of digital insights at Lionsgate. As a part of Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group, Lisa and her team transform data derived from analyzing social media conversation, user engagement and online trends into actionable insights that inform marketing campaigns and strategy for the studio's upcoming films and iconic franchises, such as The Hunger Games. Prior to joining Lionsgate, Diaz spent three and a half years at Ralph Lauren's headquarters in New York City. She credits Cal Poly’s dedication to Learn by Doing, and programs like Mustang News, to not only paving the way for her career, but also laying a strong foundation for her ability to self-teach, problem solve and innovate.
NESTOR VELOZ-PASSALACQUA, Comparative Ethnic Studies, '11, Master of Public Policy, '16
Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua has over 14 years of experience in contract management, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion and project development and evaluation. He currently works as diversity, equity and inclusion manager for the City of San Luis Obispo. His research interests include social justice, intersectional policy and their applications and practices in government settings and communities. Originally from Peru, Veloz-Passalacqua moved to California in 2004 and graduated from Cuesta College with two associate degrees, and then from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Ethnic Studies in 2011. He earned his master's degree in public policy from Cal Poly in 2016 and his second master's degree in legal studies from the University of Arizona in 2022.
OLIVIA OOMS, Psychology, '23
Olivia Ooms works in public relations in the unscripted entertainment department at NBCUniversal, working on shows such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent, The Real Housewives, Top Chef, Vanderpump Rules and more. In her role, she works on premiere party events, red carpets, cover interviews for talent and much more. Ooms began at NBC as an intern while studying at Cal Poly before being hired full time. While Ooms describes her time at NBC as a “dream come true,” she plans to leave the corporate world behind to attend graduate school in the fall. Ooms will be pursuing a master’s degree in clinical counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University, inspired by her experience in PSY 323: The Helping Relationship with Lecturer Kendra Williams. Ooms graduated Cal Poly with honors in December 2023.
ZOE MCLAUGHLIN, Art and Design, '23
Zoe McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design with a concentration in graphic design. At Cal Poly, she explored the diversity of creative classes such as typography, figure drawing and art history. Upon graduation, Zoe moved to Buena Vista, Florida for the Disney College Program, working at Saratoga Springs Resort in Disney World. After her term ended, she moved back to California and now works as a graphic design intern for Disney Consumer Products.