Ventura County Works

Hosted by Ventura County Works

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Ventura County Works, the official podcast of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board, dedicated to bringing people and opportunities together.

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50 recent

June 7, 202642 min

E50: Trailblazing Workforce Innovation: Building Systems That Work

In this episode of Ventura County Works, leaders from the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County reflect on receiving the 2026 WIOA Trailblazer Award at the NAWB Forum and explore what it takes to build a high-performing workforce system. The conversation highlights the power of strategic planning, employer engagement, community partnerships, and human-centered design in helping job seekers and businesses thrive. Listeners will discover how workforce boards can serve as critical connectors between education, industry, and economic opportunity, while also addressing challenges like talent shortages, leadership development, housing, childcare, and the future impact of AI on the workforce.

April 10, 202630 min

E49: Industry Spotlight: Workforce Needs in Advanced Manufacturing

Tune in to explore how advanced manufacturing is evolving into one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich industries in Ventura County. In this episode of Ventura County Works, host and Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, Rebecca Evans, sits down with Sarah Christopher Falk of Scientific Cutting Tools, Inc. to break down what modern manufacturing really looks like today—driven by technology, precision, and highly skilled talent. Together, they unpack the workforce challenges employers are facing, the in-demand skills shaping the future, and how partnerships between industry, education, and workforce organizations can help close the gap. Whether you're a job seeker curious about careers in manufacturing or an employer looking to strengthen your team, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on an industry that continues to power innovation and economic growth.

March 25, 202628 min

E48: Healthcare is Human Care: Building Ventura County's Healthcare Workforce

Tune in for a conversation with Celia Daniels, Founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting, about the evolving healthcare workforce and the many opportunities within one of Ventura County's most vital industries. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and life sciences, Celia shares insights on the growing demand for talent, why compassion and people skills remain essential in healthcare roles, and how careers in the field extend far beyond traditional clinical paths. The conversation explores workforce challenges facing employers, strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, and the importance of partnerships between employers, educators, and workforce organizations to create pathways into meaningful healthcare careers. Celia also reflects on the importance of health equity and reminds us that at its core, healthcare is human care.

January 29, 202623 min

E47: Partnerships at Work: The Port of Hueneme and Ventura County's Workforce

In this episode of Ventura County Works, Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with Port of Hueneme leader and Workforce Development Board member Miguel Rodriguez for a special installment of the "Board Member Minutes" series. Miguel shares his professional journey and what drew him to community relations and workforce development, offering an inside look at how the Port of Hueneme serves as a major economic engine for Ventura County. The conversation explores how his role bridges economic development, community engagement, and workforce strategy, along with the unique challenges and opportunities facing the maritime and logistics sector.

December 19, 202529 min

E46: Aligning Strategy, Funding, and People: InsideTrak's Vision for Workforce Growth

In this episode of Ventura County Works, host Rebecca Evans is joined by Laura Martinez and Natalie Lehman to discuss leadership, community connection, and innovation in workforce development. They share how their work on the Workforce Development Board helped inspire InsideTrak: FutureReady Workforce and explain its concierge-style approach to aligning strategy, funding, and partnerships to help employers build sustainable, future-ready workforce systems.

October 14, 202514 min

E45: Building Community Through Business: A Conversation with Former Board Chair Stephen Yeoh

In this episode of Ventura County Works, Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with small business owner and past Board Chair Stephen Yeoh for a special installment of the "Board Member Minutes" series. Stephen shares his journey as an entrepreneur in Ventura County, reflecting on what inspired him to start his business and how local partnerships support economic growth. He discusses his experience serving on—and leading—the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, offering insights into the region's most pressing workforce challenges and opportunities. Together, Rebecca and Stephen explore how small businesses fuel innovation, create jobs, and strengthen community ties, while highlighting the shared vision for a vibrant, inclusive local economy.

September 17, 202519 min

E44: Leading with Service and Equity: A Conversation with Board Member Lisa Safaeinili

In this Board Member Minutes episode of Ventura County Works, Executive Director Rebecca Evans sits down with nonprofit leader Lisa Safaeinili to explore how service and equity drive workforce innovation. Lisa shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, the mission of her organization, and what inspired her to join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. Together they discuss the workforce challenges that matter most right now, moments of impact since Lisa joined the board, and her hopes for the future of work—offering listeners an inside look at how dedicated community leaders are building inclusive career pathways for all.

August 5, 202522 min

E43: From Corporate Leadership to Community Impact: Insights from Board Member Ken Wiseman

Tune in to this episode of Ventura County Works as we kick off our new segment, Board Member Minutes, with Ken Wiseman—business owner, community leader, and long-time advocate for lifelong learning. Ken shares his journey from leading a large corporate operation to revitalizing historic spaces in Piru, and how his experiences fuel his passion for workforce development. Discover why small business perspectives are essential on the workforce development board, the challenges facing Ventura County's labor market, and how resourcefulness, collaboration, and nimbleness are shaping the future of work in our region.

August 4, 202533 min

E42: Humanizing AI: Equity, Empathy, and Innovation

Tune in to this powerful episode of Ventura County Works as we explore how artificial intelligence can either widen or bridge equity gaps in the workforce. Celia Daniels, board member of the Ventura County Workforce Development Board and Founder and CEO of Rebekon Consulting LLC, shares how AI systems, if designed without inclusive input, can reinforce existing biases and shut out marginalized communities, including farmworkers, justice-impacted individuals, disabled people, and non-English speakers. You'll discover why "bringing AI to the people" is essential, how workforce boards can play a pivotal role in shaping ethical tech, and what it takes to build AI systems that truly serve everyone.

June 18, 202527 min

E41: Opportunity in Action: Inside the NextGen Youth Program

In this episode, you'll discover how Ventura County's NextGen program is helping young people ages 14 to 24 prepare for successful futures through hands-on job experience, education support, and personalized guidance. You'll learn how the program removes barriers to employment by offering paid work opportunities, mentorship, career exploration, and essential life tools at no cost to participants. Whether you're a student, a parent, or a community member, this conversation will give you insight into how NextGen empowers youth to build confidence, gain critical skills, and take their next steps toward long-term success.