Spooktacular Career Day at District 3

November 21, 2025

Jeston Morris

Community Newsperson

SACATON, Ariz. — The 31st Annual Career Fair drew nearly 40 booths and hundreds of community members to the Employment & Training Department (ETD) lawn on Oct. 31.

Miss Gila River Gabrielle Garcia opened the event with a blessing, followed by an O’otham song from ETD driver Taras Johns. ETD Director Lana Chanda welcomed attendees. Speakers included ETD staff, who shared program updates, and Rodrigo Castellon, now an application developer for MIS, who told his success story. Castellon credited ETD for helping him obtain his driver’s license, secure an internship as a videographer and enroll at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences.

The fair mixed career resources with festive activities. Training specialists Zephyn Conte and Andrea Rambo staged a “Spooktacular Fashion Showcase,” featuring counselors dressed as Dracula, Angel of Employment, Recovery Goblin and Lily the Lazy Sloth. Raffles and games added to the fun, with Angel White winning a pair of gourds. “I want to be a botanist. I am happy to win,” White said.

Gila River Resorts & Casinos provided lunch, while the Keli Akimel Dancers performed traditional basket and social dances accompanied by Johns’ songs. Johns explained that his music recalls O’otham history at Tempe Butte.

Local businesses also participated. Vanessa Tullie, CEO of Ahehee’ Shidine’e Home-care, highlighted her company’s seven years of service providing non-medical caregiving across Arizona tribal communities. She announced job openings requiring CPR, first aid and other certifications. Guest speakers included Lt. Gov. Regina Antone, who shared her own career path in health care, and Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, who emphasized the fair’s role in helping members pursue careers, not just jobs.

The Dress for Success mobile unit was on site, and costumes ranging from Elvis to Garfield closed out the day. Mitchel Goodman II, delivered the final remarks before the last raffle.

Gov. Lewis summed up the event: “One of the main goals is for our community members to get not just a job but rather a career.”