Elba Lizardi Tells Grads to Pursue Their Dreams with Passion and Purpose
Press Release
Date: August 28, 2024
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Elba Lizardi Tells Grads to Pursue Their Dreams with Passion and Purpose
PENDLETON, SC – Your journey ahead will be filled with unexpected opportunities, and your ability to seize them will shape your futures, Elba Lizardi, site director, BASF ECMS in Seneca, told Tri-County Technical College’s Class of 2024 in her keynote address at summer commencement. The ceremony was held August 5 at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum.
Lizardi, who has nearly 30 years of experience in manufacturing and operations, shared the following advice with the graduates as they embark on their new adventures.
Embrace Opportunities
“Don’t be afraid to express your desires and share your aspirations with those around you,” she said. “Ask for what you want! You never know who might be able to help you achieve your dreams. Make sure you share your goals with as many people as possible; you never know who will hear about the perfect opportunity and connect the dots for you. And don’t just say it once–reiterate it to show your commitment.”
Setbacks are Learning Opportunities
She urged the graduates to view setbacks as stepping stones.
“As you pursue your dreams, remember that not everything will go according to plan. When faced with setbacks, view them as learning opportunities—don't give up when something doesn't work out the first time.”
Success Is Not Defined by Titles
“In your journey, you’ll also learn that success is not defined by titles but by the impact you create,” she said, urging them to focus on the challenges they tackle and the value they add. “Titles can be misleading. I moved from a manufacturing director role in Mexico to a production manager in the U.S. At first glance, it seemed like a step backward, but the reality was vastly different. In Mexico, we made a million parts a year, while in the U.S., it was a million parts a month. The scope and responsibility were much greater, teaching me that true success is measured by the challenges you tackle and the contributions you make.”
Embrace Change
“Your career path will likely take unexpected turns, and it's essential to embrace those changes. Keep evaluating what you truly want and make choices that align with your values and personal life,” she advised.
“As you navigate your path, never stop learning, both personally and professionally,” she said. “Embrace every opportunity for growth that comes your way. If something truly matters to you, be willing to invest your own time and resources. Embracing challenges is key to growth and success, whether you’re pursuing a personal goal or tackling a professional challenge. Don't be afraid to start over if necessary.”
Lizardi shared that in 2019, she made the decision to leave a company where she had spent 24 years—"a place I thought I would remain until retirement. Perhaps I took too long to make that decision, but ultimately it was the right one for both my personal and professional life. Taking a leap into the unknown can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.”
Value Your Support System
“The reason I've been able to achieve my dreams: my support system. As you navigate your path, ensure you have a cheerleader in your corner, someone who believes in you even when the road gets tough. For me, that person is my husband, who supports me every day in pursuing my professional dreams. Having a strong support network makes all the difference. It encourages you to take risks, provides comfort during setbacks, and celebrates your successes with you.”
She reminded the graduates that their dreams are always evolving. “Surround yourself with those who lift you up and share in your vision, and together, you can create a future filled with endless possibilities.”
Lizardi joined BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) in January 2020 and relocated from New Jersey to South Carolina in August 2020 to take on the role of site director in Seneca. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from MIT and an MBA from Tecnologico de Monterrey. She is also a Six Sigma Green Belt.
Following the speech, Tri-County President Galen DeHay and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the following graduates:
Anderson County
From Anderson:
Kimberly Aburto Rodriguez, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Jeremy Alexander Anderson-Liddell, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Alison Joyce Armstrong, Medical Assisting; Marco Thomas Barbusca, Technical Operators I; Jayla Danyell Boiter, Associate in Science; Savannah Grace Bridges, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Kristin Blair Brown, University Studies; Zachary Gage Brown, Technical Operators II; Michael Neil Bryant, Mechatronics Technology; Benjamin Theodore Burdette, Associate in Science; Tyler Owen Burton, Associate in Science; Taylor J. Byrum, Associate in Arts; Cheyenne Tate Campbell, Welding Technology; Christian Tyler Carter, Associate in Arts; Nathan Cash, Mechatronics Technology; Patrick Henry Chastain, Jr., Technical Operators I; Sandra Clinkscales, Personal Care Aide; John Scott Coleman, Digital Production Techniques; Ethan Lane Connor, Mechatronics Technology; Hunter Thomas Craft, Mechatronics Technology; Jackson David Cushman, Multi-Process Welding; Samantha Delgado Flores, Associate in Arts; Macey Katherine Edwards, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Steven Paul Ervin, Industrial Electronics Technology; Elizabeth Grace Feltman, Medical Assisting; Sophia Fiore, Associate in Arts; Alayna Elizabeth Gainey, Business Administration; Khalil Q. Geer, Automotive Technology; Evan William Gillespie, Mechatronics Technology; Jaleel Ramon Greenlee, Welding Technology; Amy J. Hall, Associate in Science; Keith Terence Harkness, Jr., Mechatronics Technology; Ethan Hawkins, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; LaKendra Head, Associate in Science; Heather Michelle Hunnicutt, Associate in Science; Judson Robert Jahn, Jr., Associate in Science; Ashland Faith Jones, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Harley David Lee, Mechatronics Technology; Shontisha Monsha Ligon, Manufacturing Production I; Mark Scott Lilley, Automotive Technology; Ethan C. Manly, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Jonathan Peter Manly, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Emily Grace McDonald, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Michael Charles McClung, Mechatronics Technology; Tyler Dewayne McGaha, Industrial Welding; Matthew Thomas Mizell, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Daniel Raymond Moyer, Mechatronics Technology; Hayden Glenn Nelson, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Hunter Bascue Nelson, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Hayden Andrew Nix, Mechatronics Technology; Osyrus William Keith Norton, University Studies; Tysheim Amir Oyelowo, CNC Programming and Operations; Jessica Pace, Associate in Science; Aaliyah Jazmeen Parker, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Andrew James Passetti, Welding Technology; Nehemias Perez, Mechatronics Technology; Sommer Faith Powell, Associate in Science; Darrius Dwayne Rice, CNC Programming and Operations; Michelle Nicole Robinson, Associate in Science; Rebecca Rogers, Associate in Science; Astrid Helena Saylors, Associate in Arts; Meadow Seymore, Manufacturing Production I; Adam James Shaw, Mechatronics Technology; Evan Walker Shirley, Technical Operators I; Jarrod C. Skufca, Media Arts Production; Ariel Erikah Smith, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Garrett Thomas Smith, Media Arts Production; Michael William Smith, Media Arts Production; Jesse Ross Stowers, Mechatronics Technology; Nathan Tabakov, Mechatronics Technology; Shenika Nicole Tate, Early Care and Education; Crystal Taylor, Practical Nursing; April Michelle Watts, Practical Nursing; Sydney Deshawn West, Mechatronics Technology; Joseph Dean Whiting, Automotive Technology; Dasha Amani Williams, Manufacturing Production I; Kade Dwaine Williams, Mechatronics Technology; Shekedric Gianni Williams, SMA Pipe Welding; Cullen James Wilson, Computer Technician; Robert Ethan Wood, Associate in Science; Tawny Elizabeth Wood, Associate in Arts; Lindsey Danielle Wooten, Associate in Arts; and Tatiana Michelle Yarbrough, University Studies
From Belton:
Alexus Dawn Bell, Medical Assisting; Zachary Lee Brown, Mechatronics Technology; William Chandler Charping, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Mia Joy Culpepper, Associate in Arts; Christopher Cameron Darby, Introduction to CNC; Pearson Sloan Fisher, Mechatronics Technology; Grayson Lee Hollingsworth, Mechatronics Technology; Justus Michael Jarrard, Mechatronics Technology; Tanner Colie Knight, Mechatronics Technology; Seth C. Lang, Industrial Welding; Elijah James Maciejewski, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Jacob Benjamin Miller, Manufacturing Production I; Samuel Paul Morales, Mechatronics Technology; Jacquelyn A. Prosser, CNC Programming and Operations; Alyssa Marie Smith, Medical Assisting; Arsani Tawadros, Associate in Science; and Alise Kathryn Thomas, University Studies
From Honea Path:
William Joseph Cantrell, CNC Programming and Operations; Kailyn Jade Dyar, University Studies; Christina Marie Epperly, Personal Care Aide; Ashley Taylor Graham, Introduction to CNC; and Joseph Myles Rice, SMA Structural Welding
From Iva:
Mason Trent Center, Associate in Science; Chay Morgana Ellison, Technical Operators I; Corbin Walker Farr, SMA Structural Welding; Adriane Hanie Hurt, Business Administration; Sheniqua Shraya Robinson, Practical Nursing; Jaiden Aaron Lee Smith, Mechatronics Technology; and Ethan Kenneth Whitaker, Mechatronics Technology
From Pelzer:
Ethan L. Arce, Industrial Welding; McKyla R. Attaway, Business Administration - Operations Management Emphasis; Ashlyn Rhea Citrone, Associate in Science; and Stephanie Nicole Plott, Associate in Science
From Pendleton:
Andrew B. Bailey, CNC Programming and Operations; Grady Andrew Brock, Mechatronics Technology; Brock Alan Fant, Associate in Arts; Hannah Marie Gardner, Personal Care Aide; Brendon J. Grayson-Carson, Media Arts Production; Timothy L. Jones, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Precious Lewis, Manufacturing Production I; Samuel Drake Martin, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Kassie Dyan Nations, University Studies; Nikeisha Danielle Robinson, Associate in Arts; Jarrett Mitchell Ross, Business Administration; Conner Trey Simpson, Associate in Arts; Cameron Bryan Swint, Mechatronics Technology; and Bathshua Tirzah Wall, Medical Assisting
From Piedmont:
Caleb McDavid Clement, Mechatronics Technology; Hannah Goldstein, Manufacturing Production I; Daniel Miles Lewis, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Ashit Hiteshbhai Patel, Associate in Arts; Renee Alta Richardson, Associate in Arts; Lance William Volkmer, University Studies; and Joshua Daniel Zahran, University Studies
From Sandy Springs:
Michael Dylan Gibson, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Starr:
Landon Lee King, SMA Structural Welding; and Marty Ethan Nash, Associate in Science
From Townville:
Jacquez Armon Cunningham, Mechatronics Technology; and Nikkolis Ryder Hollis, CNC Programming and Operations
From Williamston:
Skyler Grace Asbell, Business Administration; Gabriel Logan Boyd, Mechatronics Technology; Holly Byers, Medical Assisting; Shara Barbre Clinkscales, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Kenneth Landon Crompton, Mechatronics Technology; Antonio Santos Escalante, SMA Pipe Welding; Makayla Tyanne Gilliland, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; Grayson Drake Henderson, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Maggie Kathleen Janssen, Associate in Arts; Christian Malachi Mayes, Technical Operators I; Josie Dianne Norris, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; and Andrew Marion Sims, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis
Oconee County
From Fair Play:
Minnie Mae Bennett, Associate in Arts; Kaylen Grace Ryan, Associate in Science; Samuel Jacob Swafford, Mechatronics Technology; and Clay Allan Woodring, Mechatronics Technology
From Mountain Rest:
Rebekah Elizabeth Moxley, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
From Salem:
Joey Alexander, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Blake Bridges Barker, Welding Technology; Trevor Reid Carman, Mechatronics Technology; Justin Wyatt Collins, Introduction to CNC; Luke Hunter Land, Mechatronics Technology; and Brandon Nathaniel Page, Associate in Arts
From Seneca:
Charles Rashad Crooks, Criminal Justice Technology; Liam P. Duggan, Media Arts Production; Jules Edgar, Associate in Science; Mikayla Raye Finley, Associate in Arts; Jason Tyler Hahn, CNC Programming and Operations; Kendra Leshae Johnson, Practical Nursing; Ethan Bill Jordan, Engineering Systems Technology; Kira Valentina Kosek, Associate in Science; Jamie Komun Lee, Associate in Arts; Alexander Brock Lynch, Auto Engine Electrical Systems; Andrew Maxie, Quality Assurance Introduction; Alexander Ryan Moose, Mechatronics Technology; Donna Marie Morris, CNC Programming and Operations; Roberto Rivera Morris, Jr., Mechatronics Technology; Megan Lea Oliver, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Anel Olivo, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Ethan Michael Rice, Business Administration; Letzy Sanchez, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Alden Wilder Scar, Mechatronics Technology; Lauren Ashley Steiner, Practical Nursing; Skylar Symphony Turner, Practical Nursing; Nicholas Alexander Vickery, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Michael Ethan Walters, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Marquay Danas Wideman, Automotive Technology; Kayla Michelle Wilbanks, Practical Nursing; and Keyondra Candice Woods, Practical Nursing
From Walhalla:
Drew Synclaire Bailey, Business Administration; Catherine Elizabeth Blackwell, Business Administration - Operations Management Emphasis; Milton Brian Blackwell, Business Administration - Operations Management Emphasis; Kenneth Patrick Campbell, Media Arts Production; Ava Sierra Corbett, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Luis Carlos Hernandez, Introduction to CNC; Richard Logan McDonald, Accounting; Giovanni Montes, Welding Technology; Kole Alexander Partin Owens, Technical Operators I; Naharai Bithiah Pineda, Practical Nursing; Bryan Reyes-Montiel, Mechatronics Technology; and Alyssa Brooklynn Taylor, Associate in Science
From West Union:
Haley Jean Achenberg, Media Arts Production; Beeri Bedzadai Diaz, Associate in Arts; Seth Nathaniel Hunnicutt, Mechatronics Technology; Jena Nicole Kerr, Associate in Science; Jacob Preciado, Associate in Science; Tania Rosas Santibanez, Medical Assisting; Zac Maysen Shepard, Mechatronics Technology; and Levi Anthony Talley, Mechatronics Technology
From Westminster:
Patricia Louise Chavarin, Media Arts Production; Brittney Morgan Driver, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Braden Finley Elrod, Welding Technology; Jay Isaac Galbreath, Welding Technology; Marina Hilario-Lazaro, Business Administration - Entrepreneur Emphasis; Tyler Wayne James, CNC Programming and Operations; Landon Detrick Little, CNC Programming and Operations; Charles Christopher Page, SMA Pipe Welding; Gracie Nicole Poe, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Kaylee Potts, Associate in Arts; and Jaden Matthew Williams, Welding Technology
Pickens County
From Central:
Andrew W. Addington, Welding Technology; Amy Monique Arredondo, Associate in Arts; Caleb Edward Bass, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Colbey Lane Chappell, Welding Technology; Daniel Cruz, Mechatronics Technology; Sydney Glisson, Associate in Science; Caroline McJunkin, Associate in Science; Xavier Corin Minor, Associate in Arts; Troy Charlten Shealy, Industrial Electronics Technology; Seth Brian Terry, Business Administration; and Tatyana Joy Thompson, Audio Production
From Clemson:
Reagan Michael Clark, University Studies; Summer Michelle Hudson, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Brian Jacob Kennedy, HVAC Apprentice; Elijahday Selah Monroe, Associate in Science; Farzaneh Fara Moradi, Practical Nursing; and Dominic Alexander Polito, Associate in Science
From Easley:
Eli Richard Baker, Associate in Arts; Olivia Alexandra Bates, Personal Care Aide; Sydney L. Bell, Associate in Science; Noah Andrew Blackstock, Media Arts Business; Oscar Daniel Blue, CNC Programming and Operations; Ashlyn Rose Dilworth, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Abigail Denae Eppes, Welding Technology; Joannah Denise Flynn, Practical Nursing; Amaya Jewell Franklin, Medical Laboratory Technology; Abigail K. Heinz, Veterinary Technology; Shailyn Nicole Holcombe, Practical Nursing; Dylan Thomas Hughes, Associate in Arts; Langston Thomas Hullett, Welding Technology; Jacob Owen Hunnicutt, Associate in Science; Zechariah Austin Jackson, Manufacturing Production I; John Luke King, Mechatronics Technology; Thomas Austin Livingston, IV, Industrial Welding; Olivia Ruth Mathis, Media Arts Production; Miranda La’Chele Mohr, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Creighton T. Nichols, Industrial Welding; Devin Scott Nix, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Jacob Michael Ochoa, Practical Nursing; Hanah Larose Owens, Associate in Arts; Brandon David Passetti, Mechatronics Technology; Owen Charles Pickard, Associate in Science; Victoria Star Putnam, Practical Nursing; Kayla Marie Reese, Practical Nursing; Benjamin Luke Rimer, Mechatronics Technology; Kaleb Dean Robertson, SMA Structural Welding; Victor James Romano, Mechatronics Technology; Alviery Sanchez-Vargas, Associate in Science; Parker Shepherd, Mechatronics Technology; Homer David Sheriff, III, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Colby Turner Stewart, Mechatronics Technology; Kayla Rene Taylor, Associate in Science; Gabrielle Olivia Turner, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; Kathryn Elizabeth Wallace, Associate in Arts; Farrah Lynn Whitcomb-McBride, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; and Joshua Joseph Wilson, Industrial Welding
From Liberty:
Andrew Thomas Ayers, Mechatronics Technology; Logan Dennis Cartee, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Marie Ladine Gilreath, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Reese Eryn Letterman, Associate in Arts; James A. McGee, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Amanda Lou Morton, Personal Care Aide; Ngozi Gennelle Ndieli, Medical Assisting; Bradyn O'Shields, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Dillian James Patterson, Introduction to CNC; Emily Elizabeth Smith, Administrative Office Technology; and Caden Scott Trotter, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Norris:
Colby Austin Monkus, Practical Nursing
From Pickens:
Dalton Axel Carlson, Mechatronics Technology; Matthew Daniel Childs, Welding Technology; Betsy Dee Christian, Personal Care Aide; Chase Lee Davis, Associate in Science; Victoria Duncan, Business Administration - Entrepreneur Emphasis; Logan Trent Edens, Digital Production Techniques; Micah Cooper Jewell, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; and Aubrey Zane Roper, Accounting
From Six Mile:
Taylor Dwy, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Dalton Cole Gray, Industrial Welding; and Samuel Elijah Murrow, CNC Programming and Operations
From Sunset:
Brandon Paul Lynch, Emergency Medical Technology
Out-of-County
From Blythewood:
Gabriel Jumarie Smith, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Boiling Springs:
Adam Helms, Associate in Arts
From Candler:
Brantlee Ann Eckley, Welding Technology
From Charleston:
Lauren Kane, University Studies
From Cowpens:
Zoey Alexis Morris, Associate in Science
From Dewy Rose:
Madison Paige Wetherbee, Medical Assisting
From Duncan:
Baylee Masonoff, Veterinary Technology
From Early Branch:
Brittany Danielle Mixon, Associate in Science
From Eatonton:
James Aidan Rainey, Associate in Science
From Enoree
Tearny Jade Brazell Clark, Associate in Arts
From Estill:
Kennedi K. Russell, Associate in Arts
From Fountain Inn:
Andrew David Schmedding, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis
From Goose Creek:
Dylan Jacob Daning, University Studies
From Greenville:
Mark Clary, Welding Technology; Adley Noel Fontenot, Veterinary Technology; Asia Danielle Hawkins, Practical Nursing; Roman Elishah Mauney, Digital Production Techniques; Ava Dolan Patrick, Associate in Science; and Stacey Lynn Jaleesa Pough, Practical Nursing
From Greenwood:
Sharneka Lachelle Hamilton, Practical Nursing
From Greer:
Samantha Goss, Practical Nursing; and Austin William Lennon, Engineering Design Technology
From Hilton Head Island:
Ashley Ava Boniface, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
From Lugoff:
Colton Martin Ray, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Manahawkin:
Jolie Ingram Frangipani, Associate in Science
From McClellanville:
Matthew Quinn Montgomery, Associate in Arts
From Moore:
Jamie Christopher Landers, Welding Technology
From Myrtle Beach:
Nathan Alexander Klein, Welding Technology
From Rock Hill:
Neida Yaren Mendez, Medical Assisting; Ethan Thomas-Douglas Mosley, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; and Riley Alexander Thomas, Associate in Arts
From Santee:
Dyson Hardy Dantzler, Business Administration
From Simpsonville:
Veronica Ann Chastain, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; and Logan Carter Szymanski, Industrial Welding
From Summerville:
Payton Elaine Abbott, Associate in Science
From Taylors:
Pressley R. Baer, Associate in Arts; and Allie H. Hackler, Welding Technology
From Travelers Rest:
Braelynn Jade Bailey, Associate in Arts; and Katelyn Elizabeth Hubbard, Veterinary Technology
From York:
Madeline April Ray, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting
Other graduates include:
Summer Marie Bannister, Expanded Duty Dental Assisting; William Jackson Bonds, Mechatronics Technology; John Eric Childs, Mechatronics Technology (Deceased); and Jordan Madison Palumbo, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
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