We dive into a dynamic panel captured at the 7th annual Future of Work Conference 2025, presented by Pasadena City College. Leaders from education, workforce development, and local government shared invaluable insights on building resilience, navigating recovery, and creating pathways to sustainable careers. Moderated by Leslie Thompson, Director of Operations - the panel featured insights from Tony Cordova - Vice Chancellor of Workforce & Equity Development of California, Monica Banken - Policy Deputy at the office of Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Lizzy Okoro Davidson - Director of the Pasadena Women’s Business Center, and Kelly LoBianco - Director at Department of Economic Opportunity of Los Angeles County.
From personal stories of overcoming setbacks to practical strategies for supporting displaced workers and small business owners after recent wildfires, our panelists discuss the critical role of community colleges, innovative funding partnerships, and the importance of equity in recovery efforts.
Tune in as we unpack how local leaders are mobilizing for regional renewal, the challenges that persist—including barriers to sustainable funding—and what it means to build an equitable future of work, where lived experience and robust support systems truly matter.
You’ll learn:
How emergency response and recovery efforts have shifted towards investing in physical infrastructure to human capital.
Why preparing an effective and resilient future workforce means valuing a diverse range of skills, from formal education to skilled trades.
How effective teamwork between educational institutions and local government balances the disparate needs of the community’s current workforce, students, businesses, and residents simultaneously.
About the interwoven nature of community recovery and workforce readiness.
Watch the recording of the Future of Work Conference at PCC: here
Connect with us:
Visit pasadena.edu/community/economic-workforce-development
Email: EWD@pasadena.edu
Facebook: @PCC EWD
LinkedIn: @PCCEWD
Find the transcript to this episode here
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