The team recently awarded scholarships as part of the Build Your Future initiative.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The NKBA San Diego Chapter recently participated in a local college and career fair for the association’s Build Your Future initiative, which encourages students to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Chapter President Tracy Parsons, of Tracy Parsons Designs, attended the Poway Unified School District’s 2025 College and Career Fair on September 25 alongside Mary Jennings, CMKBD, and Lance Hawkins, Operations Manager at Remodel Works Bath & Kitchen of San Diego. Together, the team engaged with more than 1,000 students and families, providing valuable insights into the wide range of career opportunities within the kitchen and bath industry.
“We created a slideshow to educate students on careers in the skilled trades and shared resources for those interested in training and certification,” said Parsons. “We were thrilled by the amount of student and parent engagement throughout the day.”
The event was the culmination of nearly a year of planning, led by a dedicated committee of seven chapter members who coordinated logistics, and a scholarship committee of three who are currently finalizing the chapter’s first-ever scholarship program.
As part of this effort, the San Diego Chapter will award six scholarships totaling $6,000 in Spring 2026 to students pursuing technical education in the trades. Scholarship criteria and application details will be announced next month on the San Diego Chapter page at NKBA.org.
“Huge kudos to Tracy and the other San Diego officers for planning such an incredible event and engaging so thoughtfully with the student community,” said Kristin Schechter, NKBA Chapter Engagement Manager. “Your leadership and dedication truly make a difference in shaping the next generation of industry professionals.”
In addition to the fair, the chapter developed a presentation and resource guide for students and families, which is also available on the chapter page. This guide highlights the growing need for skilled labor and outlines educational pathways toward successful careers in kitchen and bath design, construction, and related trades.
“This was an exciting step for our chapter,” added Parsons. “We’re passionate about showing students that the trades offer not just jobs, but lifelong careers with purpose, creativity, and opportunity.”
