Frank is a workforce development director, helping oversee our six career centers. We asked him about his experience working in workforce development and what he enjoys doing during his time off.
What is a typical day like for you?
In workforce development there is no such thing as a typical day! Overseeing programs and operations at our six career centers, especially after bringing our services in-house, changes day by day. Some days I’m working closely with my team on program development and delivery strategy, as well as staff oversight, cross-departmental collaboration and alignment efforts, and other days I’m helping to make decisions around career center building repairs and remodels or Southern Border regional efforts with Imperial County, and budget spend monitoring.
Partner engagement is also a large part of my job and I enjoy helping to facilitate our efforts to work more closely with our colocated and non-colocated partners including state agencies, nonprofits and other workforce organizations, and community colleges and universities. Philosophically I am intentional about incorporating a more community-based approach to the work we do, including creating greater opportunities for community engagement, building trust and relationship building, as well as integrating models of DEI work, trauma informed care and cultural humility within our efforts to better serve our diverse communities within San Diego County.
What do you like best about working in workforce development?
What I like best about working in workforce development is helping to provide access to training, jobs and support for people who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity. I don’t think that obtaining a good job solves every issue in life, but I do believe it provides a good foundation to be able to continue to stabilize, find safety and eventually reach self-sufficiency. I believe strongly in providing as many full wraparound services as possible for individuals and families through leveraging programs and centering equity to address systemic barriers to finding work. I think being in community is integral for growth, change and healing, and I work hard to build collaborative community partnerships that can help to better support our participants as they navigate the workforce system.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I like to make sure I’m taking care of myself. I go to the gym often, practice yoga 2-3 times a week and I’m also a cyclist.
Since 2016 I’ve participated annually in the AIDS/LifeCycle, a 7-day, 545-mile, charity biking event from San Francisco to Los Angeles, which raises funds for HIV/AIDS services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I am the co-captain of a statewide team called the Bearded Ladies and in eight years I’ve personally raised over $75,000. AIDS/LifeCycle is one of the most fulfilling and challenging things I’ve ever done, and I envision it will always be a part of my life.