What can happen when the skills you develop in college meet the courage to put yourself out there?Stan State alumna Naomi Carrera ’23 joins Beyond the Classroom to talk about her journey from business administration student and campus content creator to co-founder of 922 Social Management, a social media management business serving organizations throughout the Central Valley.Carrera earned her degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and gained hands-on experience creating content while working with Stan State’s Communications and Marketing team. She credits that experience with strengthening her communication, organization and relationship-building skills — all of which became important tools when she started her own business.In the episode, Carrera talks about finding opportunities in an emerging industry, approaching potential clients, building customized proposals, networking in the community and learning to move beyond her comfort zone. She also offers practical advice to students interested in content creation or entrepreneurship: start building a portfolio now, attend events and clubs, create with friends, approach local businesses and use accessible tools such as smartphones and Canva to practice your craft.Most importantly, Carrera reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that building a business requires passion, persistence and a willingness to embrace the ups and downs along the way.In this episode:• Turning campus employment into career experience • Building a portfolio before graduation • Networking when you’re naturally shy • Finding opportunities in emerging industries • Developing relationships with clients • Using social media to support local businesses • Making the leap into entrepreneurship • Finding the right collaborators and support system • Learning by creating, experimenting and doingProduced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

During her Fall Welcome Address held Tuesday, Aug. 18, Stanislaus State President Britt Rios-Ellis shared a message of momentum, shared responsibility and growth: Stan State is ready to turn its vision for the future into action.Describing the University’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, “Cultivating Opportunity: Catalyzing the American Dream,” as both a compass and an invitation, Rios-Ellis said the plan “invites us to imagine what we can accomplish when we lead with courage, partner with intention and remain steadfast and accountable to helping Warriors realize their dreams.”Chapters:0:00 - Greetings on Behalf of Faculty - Ayuba Seidu, Speaker of the Faculty 3:17 - Greetings on Behalf of Staff - Jesus Jimenez, Academic Advisor & First-Year Success Program 6:32 - Greetings on Behalf of Students - Vikash Prakash, President, Associated Students, Inc. 10:25 - President’s Fall Address - Britt Rios-Ellis, President 18:55 - Enrollment Update 22:57 - Budget Update 23:47 - Innovation + Purpose 24:59 - National Recognition + Rankings 26:41 - Seal of Excelencia Finalist + SOER Grants 29:35 - High Impact Practices, Global Experiences 32:55 - Faculty Recognition 34:32 - Investing in the Future 37:51 - Strategic Plan - Cultivating Opportunity: Catalyzing the American Dream 44:25 - Study Story: Kevin Steele 45:32 - Your Idea. Our Future. Share your idea: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/FkzCaerJ7x

At Fall Welcome, President Rios-Ellis shared a bold vision for Stan State grounded in opportunity, partnership and the power of dreams. Our new strategic plan, Cultivating Opportunity, Catalyzing the American Dream, gives us a shared path forward with student success at the center.There's a lot ahead, and each of us has a role in shaping what comes next.Watch President Rios-Ellis' Fall Welcome Address to learn more about where Stan State is headed and how we can move forward together with purpose, courage and compassion — and with cariño.Watch the 2026 President's Fall Welcome Address: https://youtu.be/1XtGlyegHKU

It's wonderful to see our campus filled with great energy! Thank you to our incredible faculty and staff for everything you do to make this great University a place where students’ dreams of bright futures are fulfilled through the power of higher education.

As the president of Stan State, I'm beyond excited to welcome you to the 2026 Fall Semester!You bring your dreams, determination and unique experiences to our Warrior community, and we are here to support you as you make those dreams a reality.I can’t wait to meet you and witness everything you will accomplish, powered by Warrior energy!

¡Bienvenidos, estudiantes!

¡Bienvenidos, profesorado y personal!

Stan State alumnus Samantha Johnson returns to campus for a conversation about career growth, public service and the lessons that happen outside the syllabus.

Purpose. Community. Possibility. Watch the full 2026 Spring Welcome Address: https://youtu.be/uoF0wmcKBmI