Butte College Foundation

Jessica Bjork-Madrigal, vice president and co-owner of Bjork Construction Company, Inc., has built a remarkable career in the construction industry. After attending Butte College from 2005 to 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Science in Construction Management from Arizona State University. Bjork-Madrigal has helped lead Bjork Construction Company for nearly a decade. Under her leadership, the company continues to be recognized across many areas, including workplace excellence, sustainability, and diversity. Bjork Construction has placed in the Top 25 of the San Francisco Business Times' list of top women-owned businesses in the Bay Area, been awarded the San Francisco Business Times' "Best Place to Work" award and the Diversity & Inclusion Award from the Associated General Contractors of America. Bjork-Madrigal has long advocated for women in construction, speaking at several university events about her experience in the field. She hopes to pass on the business to her children someday, continuing her family's legacy of excellence in the construction industry.

Fire Captain Ryan Fellers, a graduate of the 29th Butte College Fire Academy, has dedicated his career to public safety and firefighter education. After beginning his firefighting journey as a CDF seasonal firefighter in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit, he became a volunteer firefighter with Chico Fire Company 1 in 1999. In 2002, Fellers was hired as a firefighter for the City of Chico. His leadership and dedication resulted in his promotion to fire apparatus engineer in 2010 and fire captain in 2014. He currently serves on the rescue team and steps in as battalion chief when necessary. Beyond his service in the field, Fellers has given back to the Butte College Fire Academy as a supervisor and instructor, ensuring academy recruits meet the highest standards. He is widely respected throughout the state for his contributions to firefighter training and safety.