2022 Partners in Education
Small Business or Franchise
Toyota Motor North America
Toyota Motor North America, represented by Warehouse Operations Manager Arturo Esquivel, is the recipient of the 2022 Education Medal of Honor, Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise.
Ontario-Montclair School District Superintendent Dr. James Q. Hammond, recognized Esquivel’s role in connecting Toyota Motor North America to programs serving students and families in the West End communities.
“One of the most crucial partnerships, in addition to parents and families,
is really linking with the business community, so I’m very appreciative of Toyota Motor North America for being active partners in wanting to bring a heightened awareness to the importance of readiness for students about to go into the workforce,” said Dr. Hammond.
Esquivel began his engagement and outreach with the Chaffey High School Toyota Mentor program in 2007. He regularly presents for Career Days at schools across the Ontario-Montclair School District and has provided a bridge for students at Chaffey Joint Union High School District to perform at various events held by Toyota. He has also been instrumental in the Promise Scholars program and has helped keep families safe on the roadways by offering Buckle Up for Life safety presentations.
Judges recognized Esquivel’s commitment to support students and their families through education and his drive for meaningful change.
“Mr. Esquivel epitomizes the definition of a mentor and community partner,” one judge commented. “He gives from both his heart and his wallet and should be commended and recognized for his efforts.”
Corporation or Government Agency
City of Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition
The City of Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition is the recipient of the 2022 Education Medal of Honor, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency.
The Mayor’s Education Coalition was created by Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren in 2012 to unite the chamber of commerce, business community, school districts and other partners to service students in the area.
Mayor Warren said the purpose of the coalition is to come together for one purpose: to ensure every child in Fontana has some type of path to higher education and/or employment. The Mayor’s Education Coalition has organized several events to provide students an opportunity to learn professional skills and to connect students with local business owners to explore different career paths.
“When I was growing up, what we lacked was the strong education bond, and that’s something I want no child to ever have to experience,” said Mayor Warren. “I want the community coming in and working with all these districts to make sure that every child is successful.”
Judges recognized how the Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition inspires students to be career and college ready through programs such as the “Planes, Trains & Autonomous Vehicles Initiative,” which introduced students from Fontana Unified, Rialto Unified, Colton Joint Unified and Chaffey Joint Union High School Districts to careers in aviation, auto mechanics, rail transportation and supply chain management.
A judge commented, “The enormity of the endeavor, and the collaboration between multiple agencies makes this project worthy of the Medal of Honor.”
Jenny Owen
Director, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For additional information, please call 909.386.2413.
601 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0020