By: Kathleen Wang

On Saturday October 18th 2025, SLC held an Annual Celebration and Career Inspiration Event at the Pacific Highlands Ranch Public Library to celebrate SLC’s achievements in the past year and their goals for future events. SLC also hosted a career inspiration event with Dr. Allison Luo and Dr. William Sandborn, two highly distinguished entrepreneurs and scientists who shared their medical expertise and offered attendees invaluable insights into various career paths within the field.

At the gathering, SLC began by introducing club officers and chapter presidents from a total of six schools in several San Diego districts for the 25-26 school year. Next, they reviewed current projects and club programs, including, but not limited to, Business Navigation, Book Club, Black Mountain Restoration Project, Beach and Trail Cleaning, Career Exploration, Food Bank, Education4Change, Business Navigation, Tech4Seniors, Solutions4Change, and Summer Camp Programs. Directors of these initiatives spoke about inspirations, specific goals, past achievements, and visions for future projects. Attendees were invigorated by the various opportunities to positively impact lives while effectively gaining leadership skills through community services. SLC ended this segment by presenting a $2,500 donation to Solutions4Change, a nonprofit organization committed to solving homelessness in San Diego communities. The proceeds from this donation were acquired through a culmination of summer camp programs led by exceptional leaders and volunteers.

In addition, SLC officers introduced the SLC Volunteer Recognition and Award Presentation (2024–2025), celebrating the club’s passionate student leaders and volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community. They presented this year’s Congressional Award for students who have excelled in community service, awarding volunteers with bronze, silver, and gold certificates of recognition for 50, 100, or 200 hours of volunteering, respectively. SLC also presented the Distinguished Achievement Award and Outstanding Leadership Award to notable SLC contributors for their exceptional dedication and service to the organization.

Last but not least, the event closed with a dynamic conversation featuring two of the medical field’s most innovative minds and successful businesspeople. Dr. Allusion Luo is an experienced executive in the biotech industry, contributing to large companies such as Prometheus Biosciences. Dr. William Sandborn, meanwhile, is an expert physician scientist, academic leader, and entrepreneur at Mirador Therapeutics. He has successfully written over 960 publications in the field. Their stories and expertise resonated deeply with students contemplating their futures, as well as parents seeking career guidance. Their experiences alike offered invaluable lessons on pursuing ambitions and success through perseverance. The event closed with an insightful Q&A session between the speakers and attendees.