Pepperdine alumna named to head business liaison group.

Adriana Estrada, the former assistant director of career services for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, has been named executive director of the SCV School & Business Alliance.

The Alliance serves as a liaison between local schools and the business community and sponsors a number of programs to help local students prepare for the world of work after graduation.

Adriana Estrada

“Adriana comes with school-to-career experience at the college level,” commented Alliance Chair Paul Priesz. “She is aware of the issues that students face when they leave college and enter the workforce. She also has a background working in non-profits.”

Estrada is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and business, and a master’s degree in school administration. She comes to the Alliance with 12 years of experience in the area of career and workforce development, program management and fundraising. 

While at Loyola Marymount, Estrada served as assistant director of employer relations in the school’s Career Development Services office. She was instrumental in revitalizing the LMU Professional Network, a mentor program for college students entering the world of work. 

As a higher education administrator, Estrada saw first hand the problems facing recent high school and college graduates.

“Many of the students who participate in recruitment events are unprepared for the world of work,” she explained. “They lack presentation, leadership and communication skills.  As a result, employers walk away unimpressed by students who are unable to articulate their strengths and accomplishments. School-to-work collaboratives help close the skills gap and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.”

As the new executive director for the SCV School & Business Alliance, Estrada plans to partner with key stakeholders and supporters of school-to-career programs in the Santa Clarita Valley to ensure that students discover their strengths and pursue careers they enjoy.