Sophia Rodas, dedicated Leuzinger High School student, was selected for the Culinary Careers Academy through a strong partnership between SBWIB and the Centinela Valley Union High School District. The program offered her Paid Work Experience, enabling her to explore a culinary career while learning workforce principles and teamwork skills for competitions.

Between both the Youth@Work and WIOA Youth programs, achieving over 320 hours of work experience, Sophia significantly enhanced her professional growth and confidence, aided by supportive SBWIB staff. Currently working at Tilly’s at the Fox Hills Mall and interning at her former high school while pursuing sociology at Cal State LA, she continues to thrive with the guidance of SBWIB staff, striving to reach her full potential.