Everette Martinez

LAUSD/DACE - Venice Community Adult School

Nominated in 2023

Everett Martinez has a background that consists of 20 years of Consumer Electronics experience and Sales Force management. He spent most of that time as a Store Manager for Fry’s Electronics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, Everett was let go of his job. He knew that he no longer wanted to stay in retail, he was determined to get out of his comfort zone and pursue new career goals. As luck may be, Everett found the Venice Skills Center. He was surprised to find out that the Venice Skills Center was offering a Netacad course for CISCO Networking. 

Everett always wanted to find a way out of retail, yet always stayed within his comfort zone. He knew that the CISCO program could be his golden ticket out of retail and show his family that it is never too late to go back to school and obtain an education. Essentially, following his dreams. In September of 2021, Everett enrolled in Mr. Robert Yorgason’s networking class. Everett was determined to learn and attend class daily, when other students didn’t. The one-on-one time that Everett spent with Mr. Yorgason is a key factor in his pathway to success.

Mr. Yorgason’s encouragement and support helped pave the way for Everett’s success. So much so, that Mr. Yorgason signed Everett up for SkillsUSA. Everett took second place in the contest. SkillsUSA was a difficult challenge since it stimulated real world network challenges, which also seemed to ignite Everett’s desire and motivation to become CCNA certified.

In October of 2022, Everett was selected to become part of a Netacad internship with Straight Up Technologies. During the six day internship, Everett was able to demonstrate his skills and knowledge of Network Engineering. This led to Everett becoming a contractor for Straight Up Technologies and eventually, a full-time employee as a Network Engineer. A week before his first day of work, Everett passed his CCNA exam and became CCNA certified.

As he reflects, Everett is thankful to the Venice Skills Center and Mr. Robert Yorgason for allowing him to change his life and achieve his career goal. Everett studied hard and had one goal in mind. When he achieved that goal, he dedicated his certification to his wife and kids. Everett is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.