State Officer Team

President, Jutzil Poblete
Dental Assisting

Lanier Technical College

Jutzil Poblete is a 27-year-old from Buford, Georgia, currently working towards a certificate in Dental Assisting and an associate degree in Dental Hygiene. Jutzil has been thriving as president of the Student Government Association and is beyond excited to add SkillsUSA chapter secretary and 2025-2026 Georgia Postsecondary State Officer to her title! This will be her first year working with SkillsUSA and is thrilled to continue making a positive impact. Her main goal this year is to help students realize that it is not too late to obtain or continue their education and she wants to be an example of that. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, building LEGO sets, and catching up on her comfort shows like Friends and New Girl!

Vice President, Jason Mendoza BlancoVice President, Jason Mendoza Blanco
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Lanier Technical College

Jason Mendoza-Blanco, an 18-year-old from Gwinnett County, Georgia, is currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Lanier Technical College. His involvement with SkillsUSA began in his freshman year of high school, but his journey truly took off during his junior year when he secured first place at the state level in the Career Pathways – Industrial & Engineering Technology competition.

As a senior, he took on the role of SkillsUSA class representative while also earning another state championship title in the CNC Programming competition. Continuing his streak in college, he once again claimed first place at the state level—this time in Additive Manufacturing.

Outside of academics and competitions, Jason enjoys playing volleyball, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and pushing his physical limits at the gym. He is deeply honored to serve as a 2025-2026 SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary State Officer and looks forward to making a meaningful impact in this role.

Secretary, Melinda Durden
Paralegal

Coastal Pines Technical College

Melinda Durden is a 36-year-old Paralegal student at Coastal Pines Technical College. She is a mom and previous honor graduate of Coastal Pines Technical College for early childhood care and education. Although she loved teaching, law has always been a passion as her dad was a police officer. She has been a part of SkillsUSA since 2010 when she first started college as well as Student Government Association, FBLA and an ambassador for the college back when it was Altamaha Technical College. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing anything artsy, and going to Taekwondo, she is currently a camo belt. Melinda is honored to serve as a state officer and looks forward to helping promote success and helping to inspire others to know they can achieve anything no matter what hardships they are going through. Self-care and mental wellness are important to Melinda as she has suffered many hardships herself, including the loss of her parents. Despite everything, Melinda strives to help others reach their potential.

Reporter, Debra Perez
Early Childhood Care and Education

Savannah Technical College

Debra Perez embodies strength, resilience, and commitment. As a single mother balancing education and a professional career, she has not only succeeded but thrived. Her dedication to her children, education, and community is truly inspiring.

With a background in Business Administration and a passion for Early Childhood Care and Education, Debra showcases her versatility and determination. Her achievements, including membership in the National Honor Society and serving as Vice President of the Early Childhood Care and Education Club, highlight her commitment to excellence.

Debra volunteers at the YMCA and has received scholarships, reflecting her desire to give back to her community and support others in their educational journeys. Her goal of becoming the best teacher possible underscores her passion for nurturing growth and inspiring the next generation.  Debra is excited to be a member of the 2025-2026 SkillsUSA Georgia Post-Secondary State Officer team and is eager to work alongside you towards success and excellence.