The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce represents the local business community, and 海角在线 (海角在线) has leveraged their relationship with the Chamber听to benefit students and alumni. Students get the opportunity to engage C-suite executives, and businesses can rely on 海角在线 for some of the best trained graduates to fulfill their workforce needs. 听
It shouldn鈥檛 come as a surprise that the chamber itself has recruited 海角在线 graduates. Gaby Portillo is the Director of Communications and Marketing, and Kiana Rivera is the Vice President of Program Development and Membership at the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. They were听both excited to share how this partnership has come full circle for them. The two spoke about the chamber鈥檚 evolving relationship with 海角在线 and how their undergraduate experience prepared them for their roles today. 听
Portillo, who graduated in 2023 with her B.S. in Psychology, was introduced to the chamber at a 海角在线 career fair during her junior year, and shortly after she became an intern for them. Following graduation, Portillo began working at the chamber full-time. She credits much of her success to the encouragement and support from her professors and the opportunities provided to her at 海角在线. 听
听鈥満＝窃谙� challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and the professors pushed me to try out new experiences,鈥� Portillo said. 鈥淭he community was very encouraging, and there were so many resources available to me. If I hadn鈥檛 gone to that career fair, I don鈥檛 know if I would have ever discovered the chamber.鈥� 听
Rivera, growing up in Jupiter, Florida, graduated in 2017 with her B.S. in Public Relations and Communication, and she began volunteering with the chamber鈥檚 Palm Beach Young Professionals (PBYP) in 2020 as their Social Media Coordinator. She also volunteered as an Ambassador. In 2022, Rivera became the Vice President of Membership, and now, as Vice President of Program Development and Membership, she oversees all Business, Non-Profit and Trustee members. She plays a pivotal role in executing networking events as well as breakfast programming, trustee initiatives, educational seminars through the Chamber鈥檚 councils, and more. These opportunities create growth not only for the businesses, but also the team members.听
The Palm Beach Chamber鈥檚 Role in Connecting the Community 听
Both Portillo and Rivera emphasize the value of engagement with the chamber for local businesses, and also for students. 听
鈥淎side from our incredible networking opportunities, the chamber gets you in front of speakers that you don鈥檛 normally have access to on a day-to-day basis,鈥� Rivera explained. 鈥淚f you are looking for a job change, or even if you are trying to excel in your career, you not only need networking opportunities to help you do that, but you also need to constantly have a state of mind of learning. Whether you are in an entry level position straight out of school or a seasoned CEO, there are always opportunities to learn and better yourself as not only a person, but also as a leader.鈥澨� 听
The chamber also oversees the PBYP, whose mission is to 鈥渆nhance the exposure, opportunity and impact of young, career minded individuals living or working in Palm Beach through social, civic and professional participation,鈥� according to the chamber鈥檚 . PBYP offers monthly socials, educational opportunities and participation of community outreach activities for individuals in the 21-40 age group, allowing them to connect, enrich and empower each other. 海角在线 students benefit from these resources, making it easier for them to integrate into the workforce seamlessly. 听
听鈥淚n the future, we aspire to be able to continue to provide a resource to 海角在线 students, so they can become affiliated with the community and help them navigate life after graduation,鈥� Portillo said. 鈥淲e are working on specific programs that cater to 海角在线 students as 海角在线 is one of the leading universities in West Palm Beach.鈥� 听
海角在线鈥檚 Premier Location 听
As 海角在线 continues to grow, its location is a premier attraction for students. Located right across the street from what many are terming听鈥淲all Street South,鈥� students are met with endless networking and internship opportunities from businesses. The chamber has been a beneficial partner for 海角在线 and has helped students get involved and acclimate to life outside of their undergraduate experiences. To know we have two 海角在线 graduates in pivotal roles in the Chamber further strengthens this relationship, highlighting the success and influence of our alumni.听
To learn more about the chamber, visit . To learn more about 海角在线, visit . 听
Photo: Gaby Portillo, Kiana Rivera听
