Alumni Inspire the Class of 2027 at Career Day

Santa Margarita’s Class of 2027 had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths during this year’s Career Day, featuring an impressive lineup of alumni speakers who returned to campus to share their professional journeys and life experiences. Josh Mooney ’92 was the Master of Ceremonies and Matt Savant ’95 was the Keynote speaker. President Andy Sulick ’91 welcomed everyone and led the opening prayer.

Alumni from diverse industries, including business, education, engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, medical, public service, sports and more, spoke with students about their career paths, challenges, and the importance of perseverance, faith, and finding purpose in their work. The event provided the junior class with valuable insight into how their high school experiences can help shape future goals.

Representing the business world were Kris Farris ’95, President and CEO of Brown Straus Steel, and Meghan Clem ’01, CEO and Co-Founder of Awesome, Intertwined Inc. and RAD Camp. Students interested in education heard from Lauren Casella ’99, Academic Program Director at Loyola Marymount University.

In engineering and technology, Sagar Patel ’01, Founder and CEO of Ocean Calm AI, and Steve Schafer ’05, Software Engineering Manager at Anduril Industries, shared how innovation and problem-solving drive their careers. Entrepreneur Sean Crafts ’92, CEO of BLDG Labs, discussed building a business from the ground up, while finance professionals Ryan Ptak ’15 of J.P. Morgan and Nick Maroutsos ’95 of WCM Investment Management explained opportunities in the financial sector.

John Brossa ’27 said, "The engineering speakers helped me decide that I want to be an engineer. They were inspirational and shared information about their daily lives in this career." 

Creative careers were also highlighted by graphic designer Shane Mielke ’91 and hospitality professional Michael King ’06 from King’s Seafood Company. The legal and marketing fields were represented by Patrick Strader ’94 of Starpointe Ventures and by marketing leaders Josh Mooney ’92 and Tiziana Zanetti ’98.

Students interested in medical and public service careers heard from Dr. Douglas Fraser ’96, Trauma Medical Director at Memorial Care Long Beach, Greg Spillers ’92, Director of Nursing at Mobisurg Mission Hospital, and Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez ’07 of the 71st District. Real estate professionals Maritza Bernard ’99 and Eric Brown ’96 shared insight into the housing and development industry, while Matt Savant ’95, President of Business Operations for the San Diego Gulls, spoke about careers in sports management.

Career Day is a reminder of the strong, more than 13,000 SM alumni community and the many paths available after graduation. The Class of 2027 left inspired by the stories of those who once walked the same halls and are now making an impact in their chosen professions.

“I was in the business breakout group and got to hear about that field from successful industry leaders. I don't know if I'll end up majoring in that, but it was interesting to learn about their jobs," said Zachary Bottiaux ’27.

SM is grateful to all alumni speakers for returning to the Nest and investing in the next generation of leaders.

View Photos from the Event