STCC staffers named to BusinessWest’s prestigious 40 Under Forty list
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College is proud to announce two of the college staff joined BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2021.
BusinessWest is honoring Kiyota Garcia, assistant dean of Student Initiatives, and Vonetta Lightfoot, operations manager for the Office of Multicultural Affairs. They were two of 40 professionals (under the age of 40) who joined the Class of 2021. According to BusinessWest, judges sifted through 200 unique nominations.
Kiyota Garcia, left, and Vonetta Lightfoot (BusinessWest photos)
“But it was also an inspiring task, as these nominations testified to the continued vibrancy and dedication of the region’s young professionals, even during a year that has been unusual at the best of times and, for many industries, crushing during the worst,” according to a BusinessWest announcement.
The program honors young professionals in Western Massachusetts not only for their career achievements but for their service to the community.
Dr. Garcia has been working at STCC since 2010 but took summer classes at the college when she was working toward a bachelor’s degree.
“I’m trying to come up with new, fun, and interesting ways to keep students engaged, keep them retained, and get them really focused,” Garcia told BusinessWest. “We know how to get the students in — now, how can they be successful? We’re don’t just want to retain them — we want to see completion as well.”
In her role, Lightfoot brings a diverse range of speakers and performers to the college, from jazz musicians and actors to journalists and acclaimed authors. BusinessWest cited her recent work in organizing the “Heart of a Man” series, which explores issues that affect men of color. Lightfoot started thinking about creating the series in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests that followed.
The community will celebrate the class of 2021 on Sept. 23 at the annual 40 Under Forty Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.