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
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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
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