Steven JackobsExecutive DirectorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Steve Jackobs celebrates 20 years of helping to create new career education opportunities for adults. He has been with Capital IDEA for the last 10 years and was with Texas Interfaith Education Fund for 10 years before that. Thanks Steve!

“My son, Jeremiah, values the importance of education after seeing what I had to do in order to accomplish my educational dreams. He understand that with a good education he will be able to do anything in life. He want to have a successful career in order to help people in need.” –Eloina Serna, Capital IDEA Graduate, RN, 2006

Dazzie McKelvyDeputy Executive DirectorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! “In the next ten years I hope to see Capital IDEA as the national model for working with adults, ultimately solving the workforce development challenges faced by employers. I want to see every adult that is willing to work hard, no matter what their circumstances, have the opportunity to change their lives and the lives of their families.” - Dazzie Thanks Dazzie!

“I hope to see my daughter and son get master’s degrees or doctorates, but I know both will get a bachelor’s degree at the very least! They both know that college is a priority. "First college, then marriage, then children,” is what I’ve taught them.”–Anna Swan, Capital IDEA Participant, Registered Nurse (graduating December 2009)

Cheryl NewcombDevelopment DirectorCelebrating 3 Years with Capital IDEA! “I am proud to lead a fantastic team, and of our work in raising funds to support Capital IDEA’s participants. Most of all, I am humbled by the commitment of our participants and their families; the success and accomplishments of our graduates; and the dedication of our program staff in making our mission come alive.”- CherylThanks Cheryl!

“My daughter, Emily, was so proud of me when I graduated from ACC. She told the whole classroom about it. They made a congratulation card for me and each student signed, including the teacher. After that, my daughter told me that she wants to be a teacher, because she thinks education is very important and she wants to make a difference and a good first impression in the lives of children.”–Gabriela Cardenas-Ellis, Capital IDEA Graduate, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2008

Eva Rios-LleverinoProgram DirectorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! “Working for Capital IDEA is so rewarding that I don’t see it as a job. I love what we do, and that we have an impact not only on participants but on families!” Eva joined the Capital IDEA team in December 1998 as a Career Counselor for Healthcare, Financial Services and College Prep. Currently Eva manages the Counseling and Intake Teams that are responsible for the success of participants. Thanks Eva!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate John Ramirez with daughter Sara and wife Rosie at Capital IDEA’s Celebration of Achievement. John graduated from the ACC Power Utility program in December 2007, and is currently employed with Pedernales Electric Cooperative.

Abby GonzalesCareer Guidance SpecialistCelebrating 3 Years with Capital IDEA! Abby started November 1st, 2006 as a Career Counselor with Capital IDEA. From there she transitioned to Program Lead, and is now part of the Intake Team. For the last two and a half years she has also managed several projects including child care, and the ACC Sponsorship List. She has recently taken over a third project: Employment Verification.Thanks Abby!

Kim expects both of her twin girls to get a four year degree. “Amy wants to be an scientist and a gymnast. Megan wants to be a veterinarian. They both like to study and want to be like mommy and go to college.” –Kim Otnes, Capital IDEA Graduate, IT Network Administration, 2006

Héctor AguayoCareer Guidance SpecialistCelebrating 8 months with Capital IDEA! Since coming on board, Hector has invested considerable time and energy translating Capital IDEA’s outreach and application material, allowing Capital IDEA to better serve its Spanish-speaking population. As a member of the Intake Team, Hector conducts one-on-one interviews for admission, administers initial testing, and leads orientations in Spanish. Although he began as a seasonal employee, Hector soon proved to be a valuable asset and, as of October 1st, has accepted a full time position.Thanks Héctor!

“My daughter, Mercedes, understands that after she graduates, she must continue college to pursue another degree in whatever she chooses later. My son, Andres, understands that I want him to continue to college. He favors the Longhorns and does very well with sports. Good grades = scholarships!!” –Lucinda Duran, Capital IDEA, LVN, Graduate 2007

Jacque Patterson-HolmesCareer CounselorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Jacque came on board with Capital IDEA as the 1st Applicant Advisor, helping to develop Capital IDEA’s application process. Jacque was then promoted to Placement Coordinator, taking on the responsibility of preparing participants with job readiness skills, and working with employer partners to place graduates into their chosen career fields. For the past 5 years Jacque has been a Career Counselor and is currently case managing health care participants. Thanks Jacque!

“It's good for my daughter, Aolani, to see her Dad graduating from College. It lets her know that if her dad can do it, she can. Aolani wants to be a Nurse, an artist and a swimmer.”–Johnny Wheeler, Capital IDEA Graduate, RN, 2009

James HogueCareer CounselorCelebrating 2 Years with Capital IDEA! James came to Capital IDEA in December of 2007. He is a Career Counselor working with High Tech Careers, On-the-Job Training careers and Fast track careers, including: Power Technology, Electronics, Game Design and Heating and Air Conditioning. “I have enjoyed my time at Capital IDEA, getting to know the participants and my Co-workers.”Thanks James!

“Even though I hadn’t talked to my daughter about college yet, all of a sudden Alexandra started using this sentence, “when I finish college, I will ...”. I think it is more important to show them and be a model, then the message really gets through, more than with just words.” –Genoveva Torres, Capital IDEA Graduate Dental Hygienist, 2009

Janie MendozaCareer Guidance Specialist Celebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Janie started as a Career Counselor in April 1999, working with participants co-enrolled with Austin Academy’s Office Computer Literacy and GED classes. She then took on a caseload of ACC’s Adult Basic Education, GED and College Prep Academy students. Presently, she is a Career Guidance Specialist, presenting at Orientations and conducting one-on-one interviews with applicants. Thanks Janie!

“Since I’ve graduated from college, my oldest daughter, Rileigh, sees the changes in our lifestyle, that I am able to provide more for my girls. My younger daughter, Carleigh, is interested in the medical field now.” –Lori Turner, Capital IDEA Graduate, Occupational Therapy Assistant, 2008

Jen SnavelyDevelopment OfficerCelebrating 6 months with Capital IDEA! Jen joined the Capital IDEA team in April 2009 after moving to Austin from Philadelphia. Her accomplishments include: Planning all 10th anniversary events, bringing Capital IDEA into the world of social media, coordinating a fundraising database and technology conversion, and developing an annual fund strategy for 2010.Thanks Jen!

Capital IDEA graduate Olvido Chavez pictured with her two daughters Ruth and Aracely at her graduation, May 2009, from Austin Community College Registered Nurse Program.

Laly RuizOffice ManagerCelebrating 2.5 Years with Capital IDEA! Laly came aboard the Capital IDEA team as the Office Manager in March of 2007, taking over the duties of two open administrative positions as well as serving as the Spanish Test Administrator for her first 2 years. Laly’s outgoing personality soon lead to her recruitment on the Intake Team. As a member of the Intake Team, Laly works on planning Orientations and assists at all Capital IDEA outreach events, all in addition to her considerable duties as the Office Manager. Thanks Laly!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Irene Villatoro and her family on the day of her pinning ceremony. Irene graduated from Austin Community College in May 2007 from the LVN program.

Liz RomanAlumni CoordinatorCelebrating 3.5 Years with Capital IDEA! Liz started out as a volunteer with Capital IDEA in 2005. In January 2006 she accepted a full time position as the Test Administrator. She now works with the Alumni of Capital IDEA, coordinating graduate speakers, facilitating Alumni-lead projects and keeping up communication with Capital IDEA’s growing body of Alumni.Thanks Liz!

Letitia expects all of her children to get PhDs. Her oldest daughter Tanesia received a full academic scholarship to Dillard University in New Orleans, starting this fall. Seeing her mother graduate from college “helped her to be more determined, be more focused on her studies and not to let outside influences get in the way of her reaching her goal.”Letitia Richards-Patterson, Capital IDEA Graduate, RN, 2007

Maria MoraCareer CounselorCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA! Maria helped Capital IDEA develop its early short term IT training by building partnerships with companies such as: Motorola, Double D, Computers for Learning, and Tivoli. For the last 7 years Maria has pioneered pathways for Registered Nurse students to gain practical experience and minimize time on program waitlists. Through her work with Premier Staffing and St. David’s Patient Care Tech Boot camp, current participants have gained invaluable hospital experience which has translated into better, quicker job placement. Thanks Maria!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Karamfila Stoyanova and her son Nikolay. Karamfila graduated from Austin Community College in May 2007 from the Pharmacy Technician program.

Melissa CastilloHealthcare Program LeadCelebrating 4 Years with Capital IDEA! Melissa Castillo came to Capital IDEA in 2006. She served as a Career Counselor for ESL and X-ray students before being promoted to the Healthcare Program Lead. She is excited that the counseling team members have 99 years of experience at Capital IDEA between them. “I’m looking forward to what the team can do in the next 10 years!” - Melissa Thanks Melissa!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Keisha Mack and her three daughters. Keisha graduated from Austin Community College in May 2007 from the Dental Hygienist program.

Michelle FernandezSenior IT CoordinatorCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA! In keeping Capital IDEA up with 21st Century technology, Michelle has successfully implemented and upgraded all equipment and software to the latest platform, and installed wireless networks in both the Austin and Round Rock locations. Michelle also lead Capital IDEA through a major upgrade to a web-based database, allowing for remote access, and connecting Capital IDEA Counselors at the various ACC campuses. Thanks Michelle!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Statha Gee White (in blue scrubs), her daughters and mother. Statha graduated from Austin Community College in May 2009 from the LVN program.

Nikki JohnsonAccounting Specialist IICelebrating Her 1st Year with Capital IDEA! Nikki started with Capital IDEA in October 2008 as an Accounting Specialist. A year later, her title has been changed to Accounting Specialist II, to reflect her growing set of responsibilities in the Accounting Department. In addition to assisting with annual audits, Nikki also analyzes information on invoices and childcare payments, and answers accounting and financial questions for Counselors, participants and vendors. Thanks Nikki!

Teresa Roach graduated as an LVN in May 2009. She is pictured with her youngest daughter Rebekah. Her oldest daughter Brittany will be enrolling in the nursing program at ACC in the spring. Her son Robert is likewise exploring his options at ACC. “As for me,” Teresa says, “I am going forward with my education and have enrolled in the prereqs for the RN Associate Degree in nursing.”

Patt BrowerDirector of AccountingCelebrating 2 Years with Capital IDEA! “Whether through luck or serendipity, I have been fortunate to share the last 2 years with a great team who looks within themselves to find the strengths necessary to make Capital IDEA grow into the next ten years...and far into the future.” - PattThanks Patt!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Cindy Gomez and her family (from right: Octavio Jr., Madisen, Andre, and husband Octavio) at the Capital IDEA Celebration of Achievements. Cindy received her RN Associates degree from Austin Community College in August 2006.

Ron ModestySenior Employer CoordinatorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Over the last decade Ron has built relationships with the major employers in the Austin area. He has kept up on employment trends and has been instrumental in allowing Capital IDEA to provide sponsorship in Austin’s best, growing, dynamic fields. “I am most proud of the fact that we’ve placed over 700 graduates into living wage careers. I’m excited to be sponsoring students in new careers in IT, video game development and renewable energy.” - RonThanks Ron!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Angelica Perez, her daughter Amanda and her counselor Sonia Okafor on the day of Angelica’s pinning ceremony. Angelica graduated from Austin Community College’s LVN program in May 2009.

Sara HernandezSenior Career CounselorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Sara enrolled in Capital IDEA as a participant ten years ago and was hired on as an Applicant Advisor less than a year later. She was quickly promoted through the position of Career Counselor Assistant to become a full time Senior Career Counselor. She has worked with students at almost every level including GED, ESL, College Prep Academy and college level programs. She is most proud of her work developing Capital IDEA’s capacity to include the Accounting, Dental Hygienist and intensive ESL programs.Thanks Sara!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Debrah Park, holding her son Deven at her graduation as a 911 Call Taker in March 2009. Capital IDEA briefly offered 911 Call Taker as a short term career option in the Fall of 2008.

Sister Ane NguyenCareer CounselorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Sister Ane was one of Capital IDEA’s first career counselors. She helped form early relationships with Austin Energy and Caritas of Austin. In 2005 she helped build the partnership with Temple College, increasing Capital IDEAs enrollment capacity for nursing students. In 2008 the first group of 7 RNs graduated from Temple College, thanks in large part to Sister Ane’s commitment to make the commute and keep up with the students enrolled there.Thanks Sis. Ane!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Cheri Mixon and her daughter Emory at the Children’s Museum event hosted by the Capital IDEA Alumni Association in February 2009. Cheri is currently enrolled at ACC in the Registered Nurse program. She will graduate in December 2010.

Sonia OkaforSenior Career CounselorCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA! A Senior member of the Health Care Counseling Team, Sonia works closely with Licensed Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, Medical Laboratory Techs, Emergency Medical Techs, Radiology Techs and Dental Hygienists. Sonia also coordinates Capital IDEA’s mid-semester ‘All Capital IDEA VIP Assembly.’Thanks Sonia!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Melissa Fernandez with her children Adrian, Aaron and husband Gus, at the Children’s Museum event hosted by the Capital IDEA Alumni Association in February 2009. Melissa is currently enrolled in the IT program, working toward her A+ certification. She will graduate in May 2010.

Suzanne BakerCareer CounselorCelebrating 10 Years with Capital IDEA! Suzanne case managed hi-tech students for her first 9 years at Capital IDEA. An excellent networker, Suzanne helped form some of Capital IDEA’s most important early relationships with WIA, and ACC’s Advising and Billing Departments. In 2003 she started teaching Capital IDEA participants how to organize politically. The group was able to turn out voters and helped get Del Valle added to the ACC taxing district, a tremendous boon for students in that area. She currently case manages students in ESL, and the Solar Power Technician Program.Thanks Suzanne!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Jessica Avelar with her son and daughter at the Capital IDEA Bar-B-Que, hosted by the Alumni Association in May. Jessica started with Capital IDEA in the College Prep Academy and is currently enrolled at ACC in the RN program. She will graduate in December 2010.

Theresa Soto-SalinasProgram LeadCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA! October is Theresa’s 9th anniversary with Capital IDEA! Starting as an Applicant Advisor, Theresa facilitated testing, and developed Capital IDEA’s original outreach material. As a Program Lead, Theresa now supervises a team of counselors that case manage ESL, GED, professional trade, and hi-tech students. Most notably, Theresa has been instrumental in starting up the Teacher Pipeline, Capital IDEA’s first sponsored B.A. program, in partnership with: Austin ISD, Huston-Tillotson, St. Edward’s, Education Austin, and ACC, and Austin Interfaith.Thanks Theresa!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Christopher Nix with Executive Director Steve Jackobs and son Brandon. Chris Nix graduated as a Surgical Technician in 2007. He is shown receiving the Aurora Alworth Award for Achievement and Overcoming Adversity.

Tracy KettaniSenior Placement CoordinatorCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA! Tracy joined the Capital IDEA team in October 2000. Her accomplishments include: Case managing the successful start up of the Capital IDEA ESL program at Sacred Heart, 2 years case managing College Prep and X-Ray students, and 4 years of providing job seeking skills and placement services to Capital IDEA participants and graduates.Thanks Tracy!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Shayna McCombs. Shayna is currently enrolled in the Photovoltaic Technician Program at ACC, one of Capital IDEA’s first participants in that field. She is shown here at the Solar Energy Ceremony, held March 2009 at ACC. Shayna will graduate in August 2010.

Travis JohnstonGrant WriterNew to the Capital IDEA Team! Travis joined Capital IDEA in January 2009. Since then, he has coordinated top-level funding for the Resource Development Department, including corporate and foundation giving. In addition to leading the grant writing and reporting processes, he has also recently taken on managing public contracts. He is especially excited about overseeing outreach to new foundations and seeing Capital IDEA grow even more over the next ten years.Thanks Travis!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Jacqueline Sinkes speaking at the 2008 Putt for Progress Golf Tournament benefiting Capital IDEA. Jacqueline is currently enrolled at ACC in the Registered Nurse program. She will graduate in December 2009.

Mark Melliar-Smith, ChairCEO, Molecular ImprintsCapital IDEA thanks Board Chair Mark Melliar-Smith!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Chris Sanchez (far right), with fellow graduates Chris Nix and Johan Borge, competing at the 2008 Putt for Progress Golf Tournament benefiting Capital IDEA. Chris Sanchez graduated with an Accounting degree from ACC in December 2008. He is currently enrolled at St. Edward’s University.

Paul SkeithLeader, Austin Interfaith and St. David’s Episcopal ChurchManaging Partner, Richards Rodriguez & Skeith LLPCapital IDEA thanks Board Vice-Chair Paul Skeith!

At the podium is Capital IDEA graduate Eloina Serna speaking at the Texas State Capitol press conference announcing the passing of the legislative house bill 1935, entitled the JET Fund. The JET fund provides state funding for agencies and organizations across Texas that provide training to low income adults.

Maria EmersonLeader, Austin Interfaith, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic ChurchCapital IDEA thanks Board Treasurer Maria Emerson!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Jacob Garcia with his two sons Isaiah and Isaac, attending Capital IDEA’s Celebration of Achievements in February 2009. Jacob graduated from Capital IDEA with a degree in Semiconductor Technology in 2002. He has since returned to school to complete his A+ certification. He will graduate again in December 2009.

Martha SmileyAttorney, Winstead PCCapital IDEA thanks Board Secretary Martha Smiley!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Tiffany Bradley speaking at Capital IDEA’s Celebration of Achievement in February 2009. Tiffany graduated from the ACC Registered Nurse program in December 2008, despite struggling with illness and difficult medical treatments. She currently works for Seton Family of Hospitals.

Charles AveryPartner, Avery Ranch Partnership, Ltd.Capital IDEA thanks Board Member Charles Avery!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Heriberto Gonzalez. Heriberto started with Capital IDEA in the College Prep Academy. He graduated with an IT Certification in May 2006. He is currently working as an Operations and Maintenance Specialist with Austin Energy.

Joaquin Gloria, IIILeader, Austin InterfaithPrincipal, Ridgetop Elementary SchoolCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Joaquin Gloria!

“My daughter, Chloe, has seen me work hard to achieve my educational and professional goals, and she is seeing how all of the hard work is finally paying off. She is very proud of her "Nurse Mommy" as she likes to call me! I am happy to serve as a positive role model for my daughter. Through my experience with Capital IDEA and ACC, I truly feel like I am living my dream. Thank you Capital IDEA!”–Carol Martin, Capital IDEA Graduate, Nursing, 2009

Eric HehmenCEO, Austin Asset Management Capital IDEA thanks Board Member Eric Hehman!

Pictured is Capital IDEA participant Sara Salazar de Melenez and her two daughters Giovanna and Fabiana at the Capital IDEA Alumni Bar-B-Que in May. Sara started with Capital IDEA as an ESOL student and is now enrolled in the ACC Registered Nurse program. She will graduate in May 2011.

Adrian L. NeelyPresident, TRIAD Building Maintenance and C&D RecyclingCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Adrian Neely!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Anjanette Patterson. Anjie graduated from ACC from the LVN program in December 2001. Since then she’s been working at Govalle Nursing & Rehabilitation center, where she has been promoted to Assistant Director of Nursing.

MariBen RamseyVice President and General Counsel, Austin Community FoundationCapital IDEA thanks Board Member MeriBen Ramsey!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Janie Becerra. Janie is the first graduate to come out of the Teacher Pipeline Project. She graduated from St. Edward’s University in August 2008, and received an immediate job offer as a full-time bilingual Pre-K teacher at Blanton Elementary School.

Regina RogoffLeader; Austin Interfaith Executive Director, People’s Community ClinicCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Regina Rogoff!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Melisa Ledesma-Nash. Melisa graduated from ACC’s X-Ray Technician program in August 2008. Since then she has been working for St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.

T.A. VasquezLeader, Austin InterfaithParent Support Coordinator, Austin ISDCapital IDEA thanks Board Member T.A. Vasquez!

Pictured is a group of Capital IDEA participants at their weekly VIP meeting with their counselor Maria Mora. Participants meet at ACC Riverside Campus to discuss study strategies, turn in attendance forms, and to keep their counselor up to date on how they are doing in classes. Picture taken Fall 2008.

Thomas WilkenVice President, Human Resources Services Seton Family of HospitalsCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Thomas Wilken!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Johan Borge, with his wife Iliane. Johan graduated with an associates degree in Network Administration from ACC in May 2005. Johan served as an ex-officio member of the Capital IDEA board from 2007 to 2009.

Robert WilliamsLeader, Austin Interfaith and Mount Olive Baptist ChurchCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Robert Williams!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Felicia Reed with her husband and two sons. Felicia graduated from Austin Community College with an Associates Degree in Diagnostic Medical Imaging. She now works at an X-Ray Technician at St. David’s Hospital.

Ofelia ZapataLeader, Austin Interfaith and San Jose Catholic ChurchCapital IDEA thanks Board Member Ofelia Zapata!

Pictured is Kenneth Price of Austin Asset Management, conducting a free financial planning seminar for Capital IDEA graduates. The Capital IDEA – Austin Asset Management collaborative, Path to Progress, encourages graduates to learn to manage their money wisely and plan for future expenses.

Mary CalderonCapital IDEA AlumniCelebrating 9 Years with Capital IDEA!Mary Calderon started working for Asista at the Stonebridge Health Center as an entry level nursing assistant in 1997. She is now the Director of Nursing at Parkbend Health Center. Recently, Mary has reconnected with Capital IDEA. Besides volunteering to help promote the Capital IDEA program among her fellow Asista employees, Mary has also accepted a seat on the Capital IDEA board of directors as the Alumni Representative.Thanks Mary!

Pictured is Capital IDEA graduate Veronica Carlos, her family, and her Counselor Sister Ane at Veronica’s graduation from ACC’s Registered Nurse program in August 2009.