Meet Thao Do! Thao is a program specialist working on our Construction Career Jumpstart program in our energy, construction and utilities sector. We asked Thao about a moment she’s proud of, what she likes about workforce development and how she spends her free time.
What professional moment or project are you most proud of?
As a program specialist for our Construction Career Jumpstart (CCJ) program, there is a lot to be proud of. I started working at the Workforce Partnership in the summer of 2021, with CCJ still being a relatively new program. Now, CCJ has become such a robust program with over 150+ applicants for our upcoming cohort next month (February 2023) and many placed in coveted construction jobs! With graduate success stories coming out of every cohort, I’m proud to be an integral part of this program and seeing the positive impact CCJ has been for so many in providing a clear and upward career path.
We are now approaching our 2023 CCJ cohorts which is unbelievable in a good way. I’m excited for this upcoming year and to meet new CCJ participants, support them and see their career growth.
Lastly, CCJ would be nothing without the heart and commitment of so many funny and hardworking individuals. I’m so lucky to work with Cameron Weaver, my ECU supervisor, and the fabulous team over at the Electrical Training Institute – Kevin Johnson, John Campbell, Garrett Camp and Marcus McGhee.
What do you like best about working in workforce development?
I’m new to workforce development and San Diego, so honestly, it has been fun to learn about the different industries that drives the San Diego County economy and its communities. I’m originally from the Bay Area and my background resides in public health. Working within the energy, construction and utilities sector and running CCJ seems vastly different, but I think the heart and vision are the same. I feel like as long as we continue to do meaningful and impactful work for folks who need it most, I’m fulfilled.
Overall, I really enjoy working within sector initiatives at the Workforce Partnership. Sector initiatives allows us the space to be creative on how we approach program designs, program implementation and collaboration. I feel like my inputs and visions are valued and carried out. Moreover, I think it is rare to find a work environment and colleagues who are thoughtful and committed in their approach to advancing job seekers and their community, and I’m lucky and grateful to be a part of that.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I love my creative outlets and I’ve always been open to trying new ones. Some of the main ones I’ve done in the past are drawing, watercolor/acrylic painting, knitting/crocheting and oil pastels. I’m aiming for pottery and flower arranging this new year!
On the regular though, I mostly bake in my free time, usually cookies and breads, testing out recipes from TikTok and sharing them with my team. I’ll eventually tackle pastry, which is the next baking challenge for me.
For the most part, I like to be indoors. I recently got back into tennis this summer and got really invested. You would have seen me on the courts in North Park like 2-4 times a week.