The Future Of Work

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Oct 2026

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Pasadena City College presents The Future Of Work. We are leading the conversation of how to begin closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. We'll be talking to policy makers, business owners, educators and the students we are advocating for. We'll explore topics like how education can partner with industry, how to be more equitable and how to attain one of our highest goals, more internships. This conversation impacts the future of all of us.

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October 27, 202639 min

PART ONE: Reshaping Altadena Through Community-Led Recovery Episode 172

Altadena’s recovery from the Eaton Fire is already reshaping the region’s future of work. With 6,000 homes lost, nearly $3 billion in public infrastructure to rebuild, and thousands of property owners still waiting to begin, the scale of the challenge is immense. This episode features Part One of the first webinar in our series called “Public Interest Rebuild and Community Delivery Systems” from June 4th, 2026. This episode explores what recovery looks like on the ground, the funding gaps facing homeowners and renters, the coordination required across government, nonprofits, philanthropy, education, and business, and the workforce needed to rebuild homes, infrastructure, commercial corridors, and community services. This discussion looks beyond traditional construction roles - architects, inspectors, permit specialists, project managers, outreach workers, mental health professionals, and workers trained in technology-enabled building will all be part of Altadena’s recovery. As the community reimagines its future, education and workforce programs have an opportunity to help local residents take part in building what comes next. You’ll Learn: Why residents need a seat at the table when priorities, funding, workforce strategies, and rebuilding plans are being shaped How PCC can help build a local workforce pipeline for traditional trades, technical construction roles, infrastructure projects, and technology-enabled homebuilding Why Altadena’s rebuild presents an opportunity to rethink commercial corridors, public infrastructure, energy systems, and the city’s future workforce Our Speakers: Anish Saraiya Director of Altadena Recovery, Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Anish Saraiya serves as the Director of Altadena Recovery for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. In this role, he leads community-focused initiatives centered around public infrastructure and public policy, aimed at enhancing resilience, rebuilding and recovery of the unincorporated Altadena community. LinkedIn - @anishsaraiya & @lacountybos Instagram - @lacountybos Website - https://bos.lacounty.gov/ José A. Gómez Ph.D. President, Pasadena City College Dr. Gómez brings a rare blend of community college roots, higher education leadership, public-sector experience, and regional partnership-building, making him a powerful voice on how PCC can help connect students, employers, and recovery partners to the workforce opportunities emerging from Altadena’s rebuild. LinkedIn: @joseagomez Website: https://pasadena.edu/about/president/ Anders Corey President and Chief Executive Officer, Altadena Recovery and Rebuild Corporation (ARRC) Anders Corey offers a front-line perspective on Altadena’s rebuild, including how homeowners, business owners, commercial corridors, natural spaces, and private sector partners can work together to support long-term community recovery. LinkedIn: @anderscorey Website: https://www.arrcaltadena.org Freddy Sayegh Founder, Altadena Coalition Freddy Sayegh brings a deeply grounded, resident-first perspective on Altadena’s recovery, having helped organize more than 125 fire-related events, workshops, outreach efforts, and recovery programs since the Eaton Fire. Attendees will hear from someone working directly in community advocacy, rebuilding support, trauma-informed recovery, and equitable resident-centered action. LinkedIn - @freddysayegh Instagram - @thealtadena Bryan Wong CEO, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity Bryan Wong leads a team of 70+ individuals in the mission of building homes, community, and hope. He brings 30+ years of housing finance, education, and community leadership experience to the conversation, offering attendees a powerful perspective on how rebuilding homes can also rebuild stability, opportunity, and generational wealth for Altadena families. Linkedin: @bryanwong & @sangabrielvalleyhabitatforhumanity Instagram: @bryanjohnwong & @sgvhabitat Website: https://sgvhabitat.org Joshua Humphries Senior Advisor to the President, Special Initiatives Joshua Humphries currently serves as Senior Advisor at the California Community Foundation (CCF), leading special initiatives for the foundation. His work is focused on tackling Los Angeles’ most urgent challenges, including housing, economic mobility, and place-based neighborhood revitalization, by incubating new solutions where traditional tools have fallen short. LinkedIn: @joshuahumphries Website: https://www.calfund.org REGISTER FOR OUR NEXT FREE WEBINAR: https://the-future-of-work-by-pcc.captivate.fm/register October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. Listen to these related Future of Work Episodes: Bridging Recovery and Workforce with PCC’s Wildland Fire Academy & Mathew Barboza, Dean of Business and Enrollment Management Making Recovery Equitable & Inclusive with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery for L.A County Supervisor Kathryn Barger How Women-Owned Businesses Lead Pasadena's Post-Fire Economic Rebuild with Lizzy Okoro Davidson, Director at Pasadena Women's Business Center Sustaining the Rebuild: PCC's Continuing Commitment to Community Recovery Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities,...

October 13, 202621 min

How EWD Is Creating A More Responsive Approach to Workforce, Rebuilding & Recovery Episode 171

After seven years of bringing educators, employers, policymakers, and community members together at the annual in-person Future of Work Conference hosted by our department of Economic and Workforce Development at Pasadena City College, this year we decided to move toward a recurring webinar series focused on sustained engagement, timely workforce intelligence, and recovery after the Eaton Fires. This episode explores why smaller, more frequent conversations can create stronger follow-up, bring practitioners closer to the discussion, and connect workforce development to rebuilding, infrastructure, and emerging employer needs. You’ll also hear how these efforts are shaping a future skills trades hub at Pasadena City College. REGISTER FOR FREE: https://the-future-of-work-by-pcc.captivate.fm/register October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. You’ll Learn: Why smaller discussions can bring more practitioners and people doing the work into the conversation Why employers, educators, students, policymakers, and community partners all need a voice in talent development How recurring conversations create space for follow-up, clearer next steps, and timely workforce intelligence Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website Listen to these related Future of Work Episodes: Bridging Recovery and Workforce with PCC’s Wildland Fire Academy & Mathew Barboza, Dean of Business and Enrollment Management Making Recovery Equitable & Inclusive with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery for L.A County Supervisor Kathryn Barger How Women-Owned Businesses Lead Pasadena's Post-Fire Economic Rebuild with Lizzy Okoro Davidson, Director at Pasadena Women's Business Center Sustaining the Rebuild: PCC's Continuing Commitment to Community Recovery Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

June 30, 20261 min

Explore Our Wildfire Recovery Webinar Series & Catch Up on our Library of Episodes!

The Future of Work podcast is taking a small summer break, with new episodes coming your way in the fall. We encourage you to take this time to catch up on any episodes you may have missed from our library of over 150 plus conversations and to check out our new webinar series focused on Wildfire Recovery. From everyone here at Pasadena City College, we are wishing you a fun and safe summer and we'll see you in the fall with more Future of Work episodes. Learn more: PCC's Future of Work Webinar Series on Wildfire Recovery Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website Partner with us! Contact our host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we’d love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

June 23, 202623 min

Bridging Recovery and Workforce with PCC’s Wildland Fire Academy & Mathew Barboza, Dean of Business and Enrollment Management Episode 170

What does it take to turn a crisis into an opportunity for community resilience and meaningful careers? In this episode of The Future of Work podcast, our host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, talks with Pasadena City College’s Dean of Business and Enrollment Management, Mathew Barboza, to discuss the rapid launch and far-reaching impact of the college’s Wildland Fire Academy. Sparked by the urgent needs following the Eaton fire, this program trains and empowers students to become skilled wildland firefighters—meeting a critical demand as California’s fire season becomes a year-round reality. Tune in as we explore what it takes to adapt education for real-world challenges, hear the inspiring stories of students called to serve, and learn how innovative training is shaping the future workforce and helping rebuild lives and communities in the Altadena and Los Angeles Region. You’ll learn: Why short-term, high-impact training programs are critical for workforce readiness and regional recovery The importance of timing academies to synchronize with hiring cycles for organizations like U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire Why up-to-date equipment, strong advisory committees, and close industry alignment matter for effective workforce education The role that accessible, responsive higher education can play in both immediate disaster response and building long-term resilience About the guest: Mathew Barboza attended Cal Poly Pomona and earned his bachelor’s degree in communication arts and later attended Cal State Fullerton to earn a master’s degree in communication arts. After graduating, Barboza started a graphic design career in the advertising and marketing field, working on such global brands as Coca-Cola, Ray Ban, Bebe, Oakley, and BCBG. After 15 years in the advertising industry, Barboza made the leap to education, where he began teaching for Moreno Valley College, within the Riverside Community College system. He taught at MVC for 19 years across several FSA’s (faculty service areas) including computer science, computer information systems, graphic design, digital art, and game design. While teaching, he became interested in a management position and was hired as the Dean of CTE (Career and Technical Education) at CMC (Copper Mountain College), located in Joshua Tree, California. Copper Mountain College is one of the smallest California Community Colleges in the state, which allowed him to become deeply involved in many aspects of his CTE Dean role. While at Copper Mountain College, Barboza was approached by CMC’s Fire Technology faculty, asking him to support a new WFA (Wildland Fire Academy). As a team, the Fire Technology faculty and Mathew Barboza created and supported CMC’s very first WFA, which is still being offered today. After a few years at CMC, Barboza applied to colleges closer to his home and was hired by PCC (Pasadena City College) as the Dean of Business and Enrollment Management in 2022. While working at PCC, Dean Barboza was contacted by his former Fire Technology faculty from CMC, informing him of the fact that PCC is within the Verdugo Corridor, which meant that this Firefighter/Faculty cadre would follow him to PCC if he agreed to start a WFA there. Agreeing to this, the Fire team and Dean Barboza launched PCC’s first 8-week WFA academy in 2025. Last year’s WFA boasted a full cohort of 40 students, which was limited by the classroom size. This year, PCC’s WFA was able to move to a larger classroom, allowing the enrollment of 60 students into cohort #2. Because of our alignment with USDA FS (United States Department of Agriculture Service Forest Service) we were invited to train at MRCA (Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority) located in the Malibu Hills, where PCC currently conducts field training. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Dean Barboza & The Wildland Fire Academy at PCC: Visit - WIldland Fire Academy Certification Dean Barboza: mbarboza3@pasadena.edu or 626-585-7684 LinkedIn - @mathewbarboza Full-time faculty Lead Captain Frank Brambilla: fbrambila2@pasadena.edu or 626-585-7647 Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we’d love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

June 9, 202630 min

Transforming Access and Equity in Healthcare Workforce Development with Van Ton-Quinlivan, Founder & CEO of Futuro Health Episode 169

How can we build a healthcare workforce that truly reflects and serves our diverse communities? Our host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, talks with founder and CEO of Futuro Health, Van Ton-Quinlivan. Together, they tackle some of the most pressing challenges in today’s healthcare labor market—from meeting critical workforce shortages to designing inclusive, accessible pathways into stable, middle-class careers. Van shares her story of escaping from the Vietnam War with her family at the age of six, being a first-generation college graduate, and how she was able to become a trailblazer in workforce strategy. In this discussion, Salvatrice and Van emphasize how community colleges can become powerful engines for equity, and explore how partnerships and innovative approaches are reshaping the bridge between education and employment, especially with AI on the horizon. You’ll learn: How Futuro Health is addressing both workforce shortages and equitable access to healthcare careers How partnerships between education and industry—especially at community colleges—are being reimagined to scale opportunities Why AI and technology are fundamentally reshaping workforce structures and what that means for preparing students for future jobs How embedding real-world experiences and work-based opportunities is becoming critical for students’ upward mobility in a changing economy About the Guest: Van Ton-Quinlivan is the Founder and CEO of Futuro Health and is a nationally recognized workforce strategist and institution builder working at the intersection of healthcare, education, and economic mobility. As a national nonprofit addressing one of the country’s most urgent challenges: expanding the healthcare workforce while creating scalable pathways to middle-class careers. Futuro Health partners with healthcare providers, education providers, government and community organizations to design and scale talent solutions that strengthen healthcare access and economic opportunity. Van specializes in building durable workforce infrastructure that aligns capital, policy, and industry to solve talent challenges. She brings deep experience in cross-sector partnership, large-system transformation, and workforce strategy at scale. Her career spans senior leadership and governance roles across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as Executive Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, the nation’s largest system of higher education, where she transformed workforce and career education strategy. Under her leadership, annual workforce investments grew from $100 million to over $1 billion, significantly expanding employer-aligned career pathways. She is the author of WorkforceRx and speaks nationally on healthcare workforce transformation, workforce infrastructure, and strategies to expand middle-class career pathways. Her work has been recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for advancing economic opportunity. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Van Ton-Quinlivan & Futuro Health: Website - https://futurohealth.org/ LinkedIn - @vtquinlivan & @futurohealth Instagram - @futurohealth X - @workforcevan & @futuro_health Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we’d love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

May 26, 202627 min

Making Recovery Equitable & Inclusive with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery for L.A County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Episode 168

What does true community recovery look like one year after disaster strikes—and how can we ensure that no one gets left behind? In this episode, our host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, sits down with Anish Saraiya, Director of Altadena Recovery and Deputy Supervisor for Planning and Development with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. With a background in civil engineering and public infrastructure, Anish shares firsthand-insights on what recovery looks like one year after the devastating Los Angeles fires of 2025. Together, they explore equitable and inclusive approaches to rebuilding—especially for those often left behind, like renters, working class families, and multi-generational homeowners. The conversation delves into how systems can better serve communities in crisis, the vital role of coalition-building across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and the unique contribution of community colleges like PCC in preparing the workforce for recovery-related jobs. You'll learn: How inclusive recovery efforts must address the needs of renters, working-class families, and multigenerational households often left behind The evolution of rebuilding strategies: moving from disconnected systems to unified plans, with all utilities coordinated before home construction begins How Pasadena City College and other community colleges serve as agile partners for workforce training and immediate response following disasters Why building inspection, project management, and skilled trades are high-demand careers in the regional reconstruction efforts The crucial role of listening to diverse community voices and tailoring recovery solutions to meet distinct constituent needs About the Guest: Anish Saraiya serves as the Director of Altadena Recovery for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. In this role, he leads community-focused initiatives centered around public infrastructure and public policy, aimed at enhancing resilience, rebuilding and recovery of the unincorporated Altadena community. Prior to his current position, Saraiya served as Supervisor Barger's Planning and Public Works Deputy and Senior Advisor on land use planning, development, public infrastructure, environment and sustainability, and housing. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs that balance growth with environmental stewardship, addressing the needs of both urban and rural communities within the Fifth Supervisorial District. Before transitioning into public policy, Saraiya worked as a Civil Engineer for Los Angeles County Public Works. There, he specialized in transportation planning and traffic engineering, contributing to the development of infrastructure projects that improved mobility and safety across the County. Saraiya earned his degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, equipping him with a strong technical foundation that has informed his work in both engineering and public policy. Born in Dallas and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Saraiya has deep ties to the Los Angeles area. Outside of his professional endeavors, he is an avid sports fan and dedicates much of his time to coaching his children's sports teams, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Anish Saraiya & Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors: Website - https://bos.lacounty.gov/ LinkedIn - @anishsaraiya & @lacountybos Instagram - @lacountybos Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we'd love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

May 12, 202627 min

How To Build an Inclusive Workforce with Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future Episode 167

What if volunteering, raising kids, learning on the job, and real life experience counted just as much as a college degree? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo talks with Parina Parikh, Associate Vice President overseeing Job for the Future's strategic presence in California, about what it really means to create a workforce that works for everyone. Parikh shares how community colleges, competency-based learning, and credit for real-world experience can help close opportunity gaps. She also redefines what makes a "quality job," stressing equity, mobility, and belonging, and how small businesses can help lead the charge. Join us to discover how you can be a part of building a new and better workforce standard for the future. You'll learn: How inclusive workforce programs start with inclusive design, and what that means in practice. Why regional strategies are essential to solving California's workforce and housing challenges. How community colleges are at the forefront of credentialing outside traditional classrooms. What Jobs for the Future is doing to help small and mid-size employers offer quality jobs. Why "everything counts" and how your non-traditional experiences are more valuable than you think. About the Guest: Parina Parikh is an Associate Vice President overseeing Jobs for the Future's strategic presence in California. She has responsibility for business development and fundraising, cultivating relationships and partnerships, and building workforce and inclusive economic development initiatives. As a leader who is committed to equity, inclusion, and a holistic approach to workforce development and inclusive regional economies, her focus is on leading and advancing JFF's work in California, supported by a team of 20+ California-based colleagues. Before joining JFF, Parina was Vice President of Programs at San Diego Workforce Partnership. She created and executed innovative workforce solutions across San Diego County overseeing programming in information and communications technology, energy construction and utilities, healthcare and behavioral health, public administration and advanced manufacturing. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Parina Parikh & Jobs for the Future: Websites: https://www.jff.org/ LinkedIn: @parina-parikh Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

April 28, 202630 min

How To Develop Soft Skills for Future Tech-Driven Jobs with Tara Chklovski, founder/CEO of Technovation Episode 166

What if the biggest barrier to success in tech isn't access, but mindset? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo talks with Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, about what it truly takes to thrive in an AI-driven world. Tara unpacks why resilience and adaptability are just as vital as technical skills, how simulation-based learning can reshape education, and why women are most at risk of being left behind. Together, they explore how community colleges, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving can unlock opportunity for all. The future of work isn't just about tech, it's about who's empowered to shape it. You'll learn: Why AI literacy starts with confidence, not code, and how to build both. How educators can move beyond "toy problems" and toward real-world innovation. What emotional and cognitive resilience look like in a rapidly evolving workforce. How women are being left behind in fast-growing tech sectors, and how to fix it. Why simulation learning may be the most powerful classroom tool we're not using. About the Guest: Tara Chklovski is the founder and CEO of Technovation, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and underserved communities through technology education. With a background in physics and aerospace engineering, she transitioned from academia to social entrepreneurship to address the gender and racial disparities in STEM fields. Tara has helped over 130,000 students across 100+ countries build confidence, tech skills, and purpose. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, the UN, and the White House, and she continues to lead global conversations on how education and innovation intersect to shape a more inclusive future of work. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Tara Chklovski & Technovation Websites: https://www.technovation.org/ LinkedIn: @tarachk Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo, directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

April 14, 202632 min

How Women-Owned Businesses Lead Pasadena's Post-Fire Economic Rebuild with Lizzy Okoro Davidson, Director at Pasadena Women's Business Center Episode 165

A year after the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025, Lizzy Okoro Davidson returns to the podcast to share how the Pasadena Women's Business Center has become a key leader in rebuilding efforts—championing strategies rooted in equity, tactical support, and economic opportunity for women entrepreneurs. Together, our host, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, Vice President of the Economic and Workforce Development Department at Pasadena City College explores how we continue to rebuild a year later and the realities of what those efforts require ongoingly. Lizzy shares how programs at the WBC created innovative accelerators that were responsive and specific to different women-owned sectors, like beauty professionals and how the formula to relief and support-success is to listen with intent and build the solutions needed in real time. They also discuss the importance of community, challenges unique to women-owned businesses, and the broader economic impact when women are given resources to thrive. You'll Learn: How recovery from natural disasters is a long-term process, and why continued support for affected small businesses remains crucial Why women-owned businesses are uniquely resilient and have a higher success rate, making their recovery critical to community health How the Women's Business Center (WBC) is tackling these challenges through targeted accelerators, one-on-one advising, and specialized bootcamps How diversifying income streams can be a disaster-prone strategy and how government contracts and certifications can unlock new revenue opportunities for women-owned businesses About the guest: Lizzy Okoro Davidson is an LA-based entrepreneur, consultant, and public speaker who serves as the Director of the Women's Business Center at Pasadena City College. With over a decade of experience in media, consulting, and public speaking, Lizzy has worked with leading brands such as Nike and Adidas. Before working with the Women's Business Center, she founded Bunch Magazine in 2011. She has experience managing a team of 100+ creatives including writers, photographers, stylists and art directors in a dozen countries over the course of six years. Throughout her career, Lizzy has been dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic growth by providing the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Lizzy Okoro Davidson & Pasadena Women's Business Center: Visit: Pasadena Women's Business Center LinkedIn: @lizzyokoro The Grant Program mentioned in this episode was funded by 11:11 Media Impact and GoFundMe.org , in partnership with the Pasadena Women's Business Center with support from the Pasadena City College Foundation. Click to learn more Want to partner with us or be a guest on the podcast? Contact our host, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Find the transcript of this episode HERE Please rate and review the show by leaving us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we love hearing from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

March 31, 202632 min

Sustaining the Rebuild: PCC's Continuing Commitment to Community Recovery Episode 164

What does it actually take to create a sustainable and equitable recovery plan after a disaster? In this episode, host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Pasadena City College and co-host, Leslie Thompson, Director of Operations at Economic and Workforce Development at PCC, dive into the real, hands-on ways Pasadena City College is leading the region's recovery and preparing the workforce for what's next. In their conversation, they pull back the curtain on how PCC rapidly launched solutions after the Altadena fires—organizing immediate support, connecting resources, and building innovative new pathways for rebuilding. You'll hear how economic and workforce development isn't just a division—it's the engine driving PCC's response. From the launch of the Skills to Rebuild initiative and rapid business accelerators to flexible, career-focused programs, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo and Leslie Thompson share exactly how PCC is equipping students, supporting local businesses, and creating new opportunities for workers hit hardest by disaster and how we continue to build forward and stay vigilant in the approach to disaster recovery. You'll learn: How Pasadena City College's Division of Economic and Workforce Development plays a crucial role in rebuilding and supporting communities in crisis How existing assets from the college, such as PCC Extension and noncredit courses, can be rapidly deployed to aid displaced workers and business owners The importance of business technical assistance in times of disaster, including how the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Women's Business Center (WBC) served over 400 fire-impacted businesses, most of them women-owned How career technical education (vocational programming) and initiatives like Skills to Rebuild and the College Corps empower students and create pipelines for workforce development Engage with us: LinkedIn , Instagram & Facebook : @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website Partner with us! Contact our host, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo directly: scummo@pasadena.edu Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts - we'd love to hear from you! Mentioned in this episode: REGISTER FOR OUR FREE WEBINAR WITH THE LINK BELOW October 29th, 2026 | 10 am – 12 pm PST This panel will examine how colleges, employers, workforce organizations, public agencies, and community partners can work together to connect people to the careers emerging from recovery. We'll discuss where the greatest workforce needs are developing, how education and training programs can keep pace, and what employers need from workforce partners. Whether you develop workforce programs, hire talent, teach students, or shape public policy, you'll leave understanding where recovery and workforce opportunities intersect. We will be featuring panelists from across county government, utilities, construction and trades, and the rebuild effort. REGISTER FOR FREE

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