Cynthia Veremis: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Cynthia Veremis
City: Des Plaines
Office sought: Oakton Community College District 535 Trustee
Age: 66
Family: Single
Occupation: Regional Human Resources Director, LSG Sky Chefs
Education: DePaul University, Major - Human Resources
Civic involvement: President Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce, Des Plaines Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, President Brown Street Condominium Association, Volunteer at Des Plaines Community events
Previous elected offices held: Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce Executive Board
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? No
Website: No
Facebook: No
Twitter: NO
Issue questions
Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.
Preparing and inspiring students for entering, or continuing, in the workforce in fields of their passion either as a step into a 4 year college or through a certificate or technical program.
How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?
Oakton is doing a good job and is improving. However, expanding partnerships with the business community would better prepare more students for fulfilling the needs of the workforce of the future, enhancing their opportunities for meeting their personal and professional goals. My 49 years in the business community and 35 years human resources in a multicultural diverse environment has given me the opportunity to change people's lives. I am committed to continue fulfilling this passion, and do more of it, as a Trustee with a great institution such as Oakton Community College.
Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family -- spouse, child or child-in-law -- employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?
NO
Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?
NO
Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?
Focus groups with all stakeholders would help identify needs of our diverse population and the solutions to best to meet those needs, removing barriers that keep individuals from taking advantage of the opportunities that Oakton offers our community. Among those barriers may be transportation, language, childcare, accessibility to programs relevant to students' aspirations, training availability for faculty and staff and mentors to “reach in” to help guide our diverse population through the pathways to success.