IEGO’s Corporate Council Convenings are designed to bring together a diverse group of regional stakeholders to deliver vital information to the bi-county region. By bringing in nationally recognized experts and key state and federal partners, the council aims to enhance the business environment in the area. This initiative is focused on leveraging expertise and strategic partnerships to improve the overall business climate and drive economic growth within the Inland Empire.
The latest event was held May 30 at the Ontario Convention Center. IEGO Executive Director Matthew Mena welcomed a strong slate of leaders including the new Executive Director for the California Workforce Development Board Kaina Pereira.
The gathering provided an opportunity for Pereira to share his new objectives for the board. He immediately acknowledged a commitment to incorporate more industry voices into how the state directs resources around workforce development.
“I want to ensure that industry’s voice is heard so that we know where demand is going, and opportunities for skills development. We can ensure that the resources we deploy go towards creating real career paths,” Perreira said.
Pereira shared that the career education master plan is to identify skills-oriented development pathways for longevity, career placement and future career opportunity.
“For a long time, we’ve prioritized disaffected classes and dislocated workers. We focused on getting them to the next job versus setting them up for a career ladder, and to consistently provide for themselves, their families, and the long-term benefit that we all know is really activating their best self,” he added.
Pereira also noted that his immediate focus is to use the board more strategically to maximize available funding, adding “We want to provide additional guidance on how to use funds appropriately to increase the possibility of creating the outcomes that your regions know you need such as sustainable wages, good jobs, and greater opportunities for the workers themselves.”
