Profile
Staff Profile: Meet Mahdi Shkara
December 8, 2023

Mahdi is the Workforce Partnership’s compliance analyst and board liaison working with a variety of stakeholders across the organization. Here, Mahdi tells us what workforce development means to him and how he enjoys spending his time outside of the office.
Del Mar Healthcare is helping mature workers find purpose and satisfaction in continuing to work
December 8, 2023

According to the City of San Diego, between 2010 and 2022, the percent of San Diegans over the age of 55 has increased from 20.8% to 25.2%—as has the number of mature residents returning to work. Mature workers often face barriers in returning to work, including ageism in the hiring process and in the workplace. Del Mar Healthcare Inc. president, Donald Ambrose, tells how he is committed to challenging these barriers and leveling the playing field for mature workers.
Post-release services offer the formerly incarcerated a second chance in the workforce
December 6, 2023

Nashid Mateen has held a variety of job positions, from working at Jack in the Box to working as a medical biller, over his life. Following a twisted turn of fate, Nashid found himself involved with the justice system. Now released, Nashid is on a journey to finding his place in the workforce with the help of the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Reentry Works services and other community partners.
Helping young adults unlock their potential and gain career readiness skills
November 8, 2023

San Diego Job Corps Center (SDJCC) provides free career training and education for ages 16–24. Job Corps services can be accessed at several locations around San Diego County, including our East County Career Center. We spoke with their regional Workforce Development Director, Sara Kende, to learn more about how the SDJCC is helping young adults thrive in the workforce.
Jeniffer Mendiola is paving the way to bring more women into apprenticeships
November 8, 2023

Jeniffer Mendiola has had a passion for working with her hands from an early age, influenced by her uncles working in construction. The passion is made clear when looking at her work history, which reflects a pattern of physical if not mobile elements; from emergency medical technician (EMT) to welding and driving for Uber, her career journey took her through various career paths and industries. It was when she received an email from San Diego Continuing Education that she was able to find her way to becoming a certified electrician by way of the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Construction Career Jumpstart (CCJ) program.
Staff profile: Meet Georgina Garcia
October 10, 2023

Georgina is a program specialist on our population-specific team. We asked her what she likes about workforce development, her favorite program and how she enjoys spending her time off.
How the California Department of Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment
October 5, 2023

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides services and advocates for individuals with disabilities to achieve equitable employment and independent living. We support the DOR in implementing workforce development programs for San Diegans living with disabilities. DOR representatives can be found at five of our six career centers located around San Diego County.
A former salon owner’s journey of resilience and career transformation
October 5, 2023

Having spent three decades as a small business owner, managing two salons in Encinitas and downtown San Diego, life threw a curveball at Teresa Koecher. In 2014, she faced a life-altering accident, leaving her physically incapable of working in the same capacity as before and starting her life anew. With the help of friends and her church community, she could pick herself up and change course.
Promises2Kids is creating a brighter future for foster children
September 5, 2023

From the moment they come into foster care and through to adulthood, Promises2Kids provides the hope, support, and opportunities these individuals need to change their lives for the better with their programs Camp Connect, Guardian Scholars, Foster Funds and the A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center.
Empowering young women of color through technology and education
September 4, 2023

In 2018, after spending 20 years raising her daughters as a stay-at-home mom, Shellie Baxter created Our Genetic Legacy (OGL), a nonprofit educational publishing house focusing on amplifying the voices and stories of People of Color. Shellie used our TechHire program to provide paid work experiences for young female data analysts and drone pilots.