Webinars

Overview of FCS in Industry:  Exploring Careers Beyond Education

Exploration into the FCS Career Journey

What opportunities exist for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) beyond the classroom? Discover the answer during an interactive session designed to expand your perspective and inspire new possibilities.

By attending, you will:

• Explore diverse career pathways in FCS, from global service to industry innovation.
• Learn how FCS knowledge and skills translate into career success
• Gain practical insights into the transferable skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, that empower professionals in non-education roles.
• Be inspired by real-world journeys that demonstrate how FCS opens doors to impactful careers across industries and around the world.

This session will feature the following professionals who have applied their FCS foundation to thrive in unique roles, offering you a firsthand look at how the discipline supports success in unexpected places.:

• James Oviatt, Operations Training Manager, Disneyland Resort, California
• Menia Chester, Owner of M. Latrell Farms and Southern Jazz and Sweets, Georgia
• Melissa Martin, Executive Director, Phi Upsilon Omicron, Kentucky

The webinar is being sponsored by the Alliance for Family and Consumer Sciences and is available at NO cost.

The on-demand recording can be accessed in the Think FCS Library (no log in required).

Panelist:  James Oviatt

James Oviatt has been making magic at the Disneyland Resort for 25 years.  His roles have included everything from operating roller coasters, giving away prizes during their sweepstakes, scheduling Cast Members, Labor Systems development, and more.  His current role is as an Operations Training Manager supporting the training efforts of the 5,000+ Entertainment Cast Members at the Resort.  James has been active in California FCCLA for over 35 years, serving in several capacities such as State Officer, and Board of Directors President.  He was also inducted into the national FCCLA Leadership Hall of Fame.

Panelist:  Menia Chester

Menia Chester is owner of M. Latrell Farms and Southern Jazz and Sweets in Georgia.  She is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University.  Menia is a jazz vocalist, motivational speaker, and a chef who teaches others how to live better lives. She also teaches entrepreneurs how to start and sustain their own businesses.​ She is  multi-talented and works very closely with leaders throughout United States working to solve issues surrounding leadership development, farming, hunger, food safety nutrition education and cooking education. 

Panelist:  Melissa Martin

Melissa Martin has served as Executive Director of Phi Upsilon Omicron, the National Honor Society for Family and Consumer Sciences, since 2014 and is a former director on the ACHS (Association of College Honor Societies) Board. Her professional background includes product management roles with Russell Athletic Teamsports and Fruit of the Loom, as well as product development work at Lifeguard Press, where she managed licensed products for Kate Spade New York. She also serves as a liaison to the Alliance for Family and Consumer Sciences. A first-generation college graduate, Melissa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Design, Merchandising, and Textiles with a minor in Family and Consumer Sciences from Western Kentucky University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and being named Scholar of the College for Health and Human Services. You can read more about Melissa in the spring 2025 issue of Phi U’s journal, The Candle (pg. 10) and at https://phiu.org/melissa-martin.