Two members of the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) Leadership Team — Heather Milne Barger, Vice President of Communications, and Tina Ngo Bartel, Director of Research and Business Services — were honored as finalists in the San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Awards on November 18. The annual event recognizes dynamic women business leaders and role models, selected for their achievements and contributions to San Diego companies.
Heather launched the #MyFirstJobSD campaign to help raise awareness of the issue of high youth unemployment and to remind those in a hiring position to give our youth a summer job. The campaign featured 16 brief video interviews with prominent San Diegans talking about their first job — what it was, what it taught them, and what they would tell their younger selves.
Tina oversaw the research and publication of a number of labor market information reports focused on identifying the skills gaps and job opportunities in the San Diego region. Her team’s research has been cited in grants that have brought in more than $18 million into the region.
“We are incredibly proud to have two members of our Leadership Team recognized in the Women Who Mean Business Awards,” says SDWP CEO Peter Callstrom. “Heather and Tina have greatly contributed to helping connect job seekers with employers. The are also admired teammates who help our organization be more creative and productive.”