By Luis Chacon
As members of the Salesian family, our commitment revolves around the comprehensive growth of children and young people. This duty mirrors the ethos of our founder, Don Bosco, who stayed abreast of technological advancements to better educate the youth. In this spirit, Juan Carlos Montenegro and I participated in the “Education Summit,” an event organized by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and Loyola Marymount University, exploring the convergence of education and the business world.
The day commenced with an invigorating breakfast and motivational words from María Salinas, CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the significance of the educational sector in the city and its role as a global model. This event not only addressed current challenges but also highlighted the connection between the academic and business realms.
The first speaker underscored the crucial role of The Chamber in the workforce, generating contracts for graduating students. Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., President of Loyola Marymount University, shared the institution’s achievements, emphasizing a holistic approach to students, preparing them to be creative and conscientious leaders.
The “Education & Business: A Paradigm Shift” panel brought together leaders such as Raul Anaya, Timothy Law Snyder, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, Charles Hirschhorn, and Juan Sánchez Muñoz. They discussed the integration of business into education, emphasizing the importance of updated and meaningful curricula, the donation of business equipment to schools, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion.
The “Pioneering Pathways: Thriving in a Changing World” panel highlighted the importance of preparing students for the challenges of the future. Tolian Gjika from McKinsey & Company discussed the impact of AI, while others emphasized the need to develop soft skills from early education.
In the “Navigating the Future of Work with AI” panel, experts like Blythe Kladney, Thomas Poon, Taylor Shead, and Anna Farzindar explored the role of Artificial Intelligence in the future workforce. They highlighted that jobs will not be replaced by AI but by people who understand how to use it properly. They also stressed the importance of human intervention to ensure quality outcomes.
Alberto Carvahlo, the superintendent, spoke about the openness of the Los Angeles district to working with AI, balancing its use and moderation. During the “Inspiring the Next Generation: The Building Blocks of Education” panel, he underscored the importance of internship opportunities, the need for teachers with business experience, and exposing students to the real world.
In conclusion, the event underscored the need to build robust bridges between education and the business world. AI emerges as a powerful tool, but its success depends on human intervention and ethics. In this journey toward the future, let us always remember the importance of interpersonal relationships, soft skills, and the human component in education.
