Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit the career center closest to you. Learn more.

August 30, 2022

Meet Nick DeVico, the director of strategic youth initiatives at the Workforce Partnership. We asked Nick about his professional background, working with youth and how he spends his free time.

Img 71672

What professional moment or project are you most proud of?

A professional experience I am most proud of and will never forget is working for Project Artemis at the Convention Center. Starting in March of 2021, the Convention Center had up to 2,000 unaccompanied South American migrant children/youth residing in its halls. This work experience was presented to me/us about 48 hours prior to the children arriving to San Diego and little did I know how quickly my life would change. I went from running programs to running an extremely unique 24-hour residential center where we provided care and services for the most resilient group of people you could imagine. Suddenly I was working 7 days a week anywhere from 12-20 hours a day helping to ensure that these kids felt cared for and safe, especially after facing unspeakable tragedies at such a young age. Most importantly, we created an environment that ensured these innocent kids felt like human beings who deserved the quality of life all humans deserve.

We specifically worked with youth ages 5-17. I have a pretty significant background in working with people dealing with trauma but this population of innocent South American kids was a level of trauma I had never been exposed to which was truly heartbreaking and also simultaneously inspiring. The positivity, smiles and affection this group showed to staff and one another was something special I will carry with me forever. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in Spanish, but can honestly say a language barrier is not a compassion barrier as compassion has no language. It was an honor working on this project.

What do you like best about working in workforce development? 

Img 4070 Copy

I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to become self-sufficient and thrive, and workforce development plays a huge role in this. Without employment resources, jobs and careers, it is nearly impossible to achieve self-sufficiency which is why our work is crucial. Providing equitable opportunities (and awareness of these opportunities) is a passion of mine and something I will be involved with for the rest of my life. I am inspired by youth from under-resourced communities. Connecting this population to jobs and careers motivates me every day and knowing that I could potentially play a small role in this inspires me to keep going.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? Any new hobbies since we started working from home? 

When not working (occasionally while working if there’s an early game on) I enjoy watching a lot of sports – some might rightfully argue too many. I also enjoying being active and playing sports as you might find me at a local rec center being overly competitive in a game of basketball. I’m also perfectly fine staying in and watching a good show, movie or documentary although the San Diego weather occasionally makes me feel guilty when I do this. I am a passionate music listener and follower and truly enjoy cooking, traveling and being exposed to different cultures. I have been into plants for a few years now, but the pandemic took that hobby to the next level as I think I have close to 50 plants in my apartment. Go big or go home, right?

Connect With Us
Stay in the know

The Workforce Partnership is dedicated to providing San Diego Residents with the most up-to-date resources for finding a career.

Subscribe to our newsletter.