The San Diego Workforce Partnership team is dedicated to improving the quality of life for San Diego County residents by ensuring equal access to sustainable employment and the talent and resources that help businesses thrive.
Visit our careers page to learn more about working at the Workforce Partnership.
If you had unlimited resources, how would you change our community for the better?
Community change starts with community engagement. In our profession we are ultimately seeking to affect the economic livelihood of the diverse communities we serve across the County of San Diego. Therefore, changing our community for the better requires working closely with our local population, understanding their unique needs as well as the broader supply and demand constraints across workers and industries and considering these factors when designing our programs.
If you could describe your job role in 3 words, what would it be and why?
Impact, empowerment, improvement. My role oversees the implementation of our programs and the impact we have on our communities, aligning with our City, County and State economic development strategies. It fundamentally supports worker empowerment by supporting our workers with access to resources to support the achievement of their personal goals. Improvement is also fundamental to my role, where I am constantly looking for opportunities to improve the delivery of our services, helping San Diego reach its potential for providing an evolving and adequate range of economic opportunities to support the growing needs of the local workforce.
What's one thing you really love about living in San Diego?
Having had a glorious international career over the past decade and traveling all over the world, I can truly say that within the U.S., San Diego is simply one of the most beautiful, serene and amazing places to both raise a family and work in. Besides the magnificent weather, calm atmosphere and amazing surroundings, I just love that everyone I meet shares the same passion to want to help San Diego develop and thrive as a destination of choice not just for tourists to visit, but for the private sector to consider in bringing the population innovative employment opportunities.
Why work in workforce development?
Workforce development is at the nexus of personal, community and economic development, which is a neat spot to lend your talent. One day I feel like an economist sharing trends, the next I'm in a start up environment thinking about new programs and the next I'm standing up as a concerned San Diego citizen who wants everyone to know we can live up to our “America's Finest City” moniker, only if we work together and care about every person in every neighborhood.
What's one thing you really love about living in San Diego?
I believe wholeheartedly that San Diego is the best city in the world. There's a never-ending supply of things to do (tons of them free) and people on a pursuit to make cool things happen every day. For the record, I don't like beer or go to the beach much. But I am stereotypically obsessed with never using my weather app, since we live comfortably at sunny with a high of 75.
If you had unlimited resources, how would you change our community for the better?
High density, affordable housing and a public transit system that eliminates our need for cars so that all are welcome, all can afford to stay and no one can complain about traffic.
Why work in workforce development?
For me, workforce development is about supporting people and businesses in their growth paths. I love being part of a team that works to reduce systemic poverty cycles and increase economic mobility in our county. I also love seeing how the binational region fosters cross border collaboration between companies across various sectors.
How do your personal values align with your work?
As a Mexican immigrant that was raised by a single mother, I am motivated by my own personal experiences to work to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. I always keep poverty reduction strategies top of mind as I work on public policy and to help improve gender equity and ensure families have access to more economic advancement. Additionally, I support organizations focused on advancing social and reproductive justice and am interested in exploring how urban development impacts economic access in our cities.
What was your very first job?
My first job was selling souvenirs at Qualcomm Stadium. It was so much fun! I got to work with my friends and on my breaks, I could keep an eye on the Padres or Charger game or Monster Truck events. I also learned about providing exceptional customer service to all customers no matter their purchasing power.
Why work in workforce development?
I worked in the corporate sector for my entire 18-year career. Last year, I transitioned to the Workforce Partnership in search of an organization that really makes a lasting impact on our community. I can think of few deeds more satisfying than helping people overcome challenges and finding meaningful employment—allowing them to thrive as productive citizens of our community.
What's life like outside of your work?
My life outside of work is consumed by my family! My husband and I have two very active kids, a 9-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son. Our evenings and weekends are filled with basketball, gymnastics, karate, swim, piano and tennis. You can also find me in a spin, barre, or Orangetheory class at around 6 a.m. each morning, because that's the only way to fit in some "me" time!
What was your very first job?
I find this funny since I'm a life-long vegetarian but selling Cutco knives! This was my first job in high school, and I found this experience in sales truly valuable. Having to learn a product inside out, talking to people you barely know and balancing a work schedule with summer activities were all very useful skills.
Vice President of Client Services
How do your personal values align with your work?
I have always believed in making the world a better place by helping one other. It sounds cliché but every interaction can make an impact, so why not make each one positive and worthwhile? We’re all a part of a global community with many connections. The San Diego Workforce Partnership is equipping its network with skills and tools that connects businesses with a skilled workforce, and job seekers with meaningful employment. Together, we can help each other become better at what we do.
What was your very first job?
My first job was as a cashier/server for a local, family-owned Chinese restaurant during high school. I remember coming home with delicious leftovers and smelling like orange chicken all the time! I love to eat (then and now) and was very well fed at this establishment.
What's one thing you really love about living in San Diego?
I grew up in San Diego and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love the healthy lifestyle it promotes! Our wonderful city is renowned for its idyllic climate and has some of the best beaches and parks facilitating an active lifestyle year-round. You can surf, snowboard and hike/camp all in the same day.
