Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – California FHA-HERO named State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) an honorary member of the organization in a ceremony held recently at the State Capitol.
“We’re grateful for her efforts supporting legislation that would provide more staff and more resources for Home Economics Careers and Technology Education,” said Janice DeBenedetti, state FHA-HERO adviser. “Our students and teachers have benefited greatly from her leadership.”
The awards presentation was conducted by the six state officers for California FHA-HERO: President Emily Mastrolia of Antioch; Vice President Cody Nore of Oroville; Secretary Darryl Johnson of Concord; Treasurer Bethany Stanton of Lake Isabella; Historian Bridget Deaton of Angels Camp and Reporter Sarah Rosendahl of Chino.
DeBenedetti also noted that Negrete McLeod has arranged visits to the State Senate chambers for state and regional FHA-HERO officers, and has issued two proclamations highlighting the contributions FHA-HERO has made to society. Both of the proclamations are displayed in the FHA-HERO headquarters office in Sacramento, DeBenedetti said.
FHA-HERO is a student leadership organization for students enrolled in home economics courses in California high schools , Regional Occupations Programs and some middle schools. These courses prepare students for careers in three employment sectors, which are Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation (which includes Culinary Arts); Fashion & Interior Design; and Education, Child Development & Family Services.
Home Economics Careers and Technology Education, part of the California Department of Education, oversees the FHA-HERO program.
FHA-HERO is part of a national organization formed more than 50 years ago, which was formerly known as Future Homemakers of America, but is now called Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
The “HERO” portion of the state organization’s name reflects a change in focus, as it stands for Home Economics Related Occupations. Although most if not all FHA-HERO members will pursue careers outside their home, California organization leaders opted to keep FHA part of the name because of widespread familiarity with the organization.