Meet the Officers
Emmanuel Paz, Vice President
Charlotte Stofferahn-President
My name is Charlotte Stofferahn, and I am proud to call Richmond, IN my hometown. Growing up as one of six children in a vibrant and diverse household, I was fortunate to be guided by many different influences that have shaped who I am today. I am currently a dedicated student at both the Career Center and Northeastern Wayne School District, where I strive to make the most of every opportunity.
From a young age, I discovered a passion for helping others. Whether it was volunteering at my church or supporting my school community, I found fulfillment in making a positive impact. While my middle school years were spent as a C+ student with little concern for academics, high school marked a turning point. Faced with increasingly challenging coursework, I pushed myself to excel. My efforts paid off, allowing me to enroll in AP courses and earn recognition from teachers and staff.
The 2024-2025 school year has brought its share of physical and mental challenges, but it also opened doors to new opportunities. My commitment to service led me to the Richmond Area Career Center’s Fire/EMS course, where I continue to build critical skills in leadership, decision-making, and teamwork. This journey has not only helped me grow as an individual, but also as a leader within my community.
Above all, my goal is to remain a helping hand to those around me and to make my loved ones proud through my dedication and service.
Giovanny Tafoya-Secretary/PR
My name is Giovanny Tafoya, and I was born on March 24, 2008, in Indianapolis, IN, to an immigrant family. As a result, my two older siblings and I are proud to be first-generation Americans. Growing up, our family's background inspired a strong work ethic and a determination to achieve our goals. From a young age, my father would take my older brother and me to car events, which sparked a deep passion for the automotive industry in both of us. This enthusiasm quickly became central to our lives, shaping our interests and ambitions around everything automotive.
In 2020, I made a pivotal decision to transform my passion into a lifelong career. I enrolled in Area 31 to move closer to my dream and further my knowledge. Looking ahead, I plan to join the Motorsports Engineering program at Purdue University, taking the next step toward the career I dreamed of as a five-year-old.
Richmond Area Career Center-Fire/EMS
Area 31 Career Center-Automotive Service Technology
Area 31 Career Center-Automotive Service Technology
My name is Emmanuel Paz. My parents immigrated to this country in search of better opportunities for themselves and their children. Growing up, my older brother always stood out as the smartest student in class, which naturally drew most of my parents’ attention toward him. Feeling left in his shadow, I began working alongside my dad at the age of eight. Together, we tackled landscaping projects, renovated houses, and repaired cars. It was through these experiences that I discovered my passion for the trades, especially the automotive field. Working with my dad not only gave us a chance to bond but also helped me build self-confidence and step out of my brother’s shadow. I realized that this was the path I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life—a journey fueled by my love of automotive work and the special connection I share with my dad.
