Blank Rome and our Adopt-A-Center Program are please to announce that in 2025 we partnered with C5 Los Angeles to host a Shark Tank-inspired Career Day for high school seniors from under-resourced communities at our firm’s Los Angeles office.
This year’s event was designed to inspire and equip high school seniors from under-resourced communities with practical business skills. The Career Day opened with a keynote address from Betty Porto, vice president and owner of Porto’s Bakery, renowned in Southern California for its authentic Cuban pastries. More than 50 mentors—including industry leaders in philanthropy, real estate, entertainment, healthcare, fashion, hospitality, and S.T.E.M. technology, as well as business advisors from finance, accounting, human resources, law, and public relations/marketing—provided instruction on various aspects of operating a successful business, while students worked on creating mock business plans. The day’s activities culminated in a high-energy, Shark Tank-style competition, where students pitched their business ideas before a panel of influential judges and prizes were awarded to the top three teams.
The 2025 career day was a part of a three-year commitment to support the organization’s mission to change the odds for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities by inspiring them to pursue personal success, while preparing for leadership roles.
Watch our video recap of the 2025 event to experience the energy and inspiration of the day! See how student leaders rose to the challenge, learned from mentors, and pitched their business ideas. Hit play and get inspired:
If you are interested in supporting the life-changing work of C5 Los Angeles, please consider making a donation via their website using the link below.
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100% of your donation will go to C5 Los Angeles
Why have we selected C5 Los Angeles as our 2025 nonprofit organization?
C5 Los Angeles works to change the odds for high-potential teens from under-resourced communities by inspiring them to pursue personal success while preparing them for leadership roles in school, college, work, and their communities. It is a year-round youth leadership and college/career access and success program. C5 Los Angeles identifies high potential, under-resourced students in middle school and engages them in a multi-year initiative designed to support them through high school, into and through college, and as they embark on their first career. C5 Los Angeles model aims to foster resilience, nurture social-emotional intelligence, and assist the students and their families in setting goals for the future. Learn More>>
About Blank Rome’s Adopt-A-Center Program
