Kimberly Carlson is a Career Development Program Specialist (think facilitator) for Los Angeles County Office of Education for the last 10 years. She is a leader in thinking outside the box when creating local community partnerships for workforce development projects and events. She has helped develop and organize local events such as a Jethawks Job Fair for the whole family to Short-term Trainings in Customer Service, CDL A, and Manufacturing with local colleges, companies, and service organizations. She provides resume writing, career coaching/counseling, case management, curriculum development, project management, and event planning knowledge to her clients and students. Kimberly enjoys conducting interactive job club classes, professional development soft-skills workshops, High School equivalency programs, Justice-involved/ReEntry events, and has spoken at Workforce Events throughout Los Angeles County.

Rodnesha Hill is a Job Developer/Placement Coordinator for the Career Education Department at Mt. San Jacinto Community College. Hill, who goes by Nesha, brings 10 years of experience working in K-12 and higher education to include instructional and student services within a community college district. She has acquired valuable insights as a Behavior Analysis and Student Services employee, particularly serving students in the Career/Transfer Center department where it was her privilege to be able to support all students. Academically, Hill earned a master’s degree in education counseling and guidance with emphasis in community college counseling at Point Loma Nazarene University, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in ethnic studies from California State University, Northridge. Her mission is to continue being student-centered and allowing voices to be heard.

Christina is an accomplished servant leader with over 25 years of experience in developing transformative education, career technical education/training; and workforce development programs throughout San Bernardino County. Her work has positively impacted diverse populations, including college students, veterans, the long-term unemployed, justice-involved individuals, and at-risk youth, by creating tailored pathways to success through strategic partnerships and targeted support.

Currently serving as the Apprenticeship Program Organizer at San Bernardino Valley College, Christina previously excelled as the One-Stop Operator for San Bernardino County. In both roles, she has forged valuable collaborations with local businesses, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. Her expertise includes managing grant-funded programs for community-based organizations across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, contributing to sustainable workforce solutions.

Christina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Career Technical Education Teaching Credential from the University of San Diego. She has been an active Executive Board member of the California Placement Association for over eight years, lending her expertise to workforce development initiatives across California.

Shelly has been employed with Mt. San Antonio College for the past 6 ½ years. She is currently a Special Project Manager developing healthcare apprenticeships in the School of Continuing Education. Previously she was a Coordinator in the Short-Term Vocational Department. She enjoys volunteering for many campus activities and events and is a proud member of the Basic Needs Committee on campus.

Prior to joining Mt. SAC, Shelly was the School to Career Liaison and Business Development Strategist at La Puente Valley ROP; worked at the SELACO WIB where she administered a State discretionary grant and research project on the long-term unemployed population, and prior to that LA Works, a workforce development agency where she was the Training and Services Manager.

She has over 25 years of workforce development and higher education experience in developing and implementing programs for Adults and Youth, and developing and sustaining employer/community partnerships. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly Pomona.

Lorraine Sepeda is a dedicated and results-driven Job Developer at Fresno City College with over five years of extensive experience in facilitating career growth and advancement for individuals. Possessing a comprehensive background in human resources, coupled with a previous 20-year career as a Deputy Probation Officer, she has honed my skills in workforce development, job placement, and strategic talent management. Her career journey has been shaped by a commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
Lorraine’s multifaceted career journey, encompassing roles in job development, human resources, and law enforcement as a Probation Officer, has equipped her with a unique skill set and a deep passion for helping individuals achieve their career aspirations. She is committed to fostering collaboration, empowering individuals, and contributing to the growth and success of organizations and communities. As a Job Developer at Fresno City College, Lorraine looks forward to continuing her mission of facilitating career advancement and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

As a Board Member of the California Placement Association, Sara Rivas specializes in bridging the gap between Calbright College and workforce partners. Her focus is on creating strategic workforce connections, bringing employers and industry leaders together to inform curriculum development and ensure students are equipped with in-demand skills. Sara Rivas also plays a key role in partnership development, helping foster collaborations across campus and connecting key partners to advance the college’s mission.

In addition to their work in workforce development, Sara serves as the DJ for CPA conferences since 2018, mixing at the President’s Reception Mixer and helping shape the overall event experience for attendees.

Rosa Asencio earned her Master’s Degree in Leadership and Management from the University
of La Verne. She currently works at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC). At Mt. SAC Rosa serves on several campus governance committees. Serving as the Co-Chair on the Campus Equity and Diversity Committee she works with campus colleagues to foster a climate of equal access and opportunity in the campus workforce. As the Co-Chair on the Classified Professional Development Committee she advises the campus Professional and Organizational Development department in providing professional development opportunities for staff. In 2014 she coordinated the first ever Classified Professional Development-Day. This annual event provides a full day of professional development activities for the entire Classified staff.

Rosa also serves her campus colleagues as the 1st Vice President on her local Chapter. On the State level she is the Area G Representative on the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Community College Committee addressing concerns at the community colleges.

Rosa has served on the California Placement Association for over 14 years. She has held executive board positions as the President, Past President, Vice President South, Treasurer and is currently the Education Partner Representative for the Southern Section. Rosa is also the hotel liaison for the CPA annual conference and board transition meeting. She received the Joan Crocker Service Award for Leadership in 2014.

Jackie Kennedy Harris is a specialized career coach and HR consultant. JKH Career Coaching & Consulting (JKHCCC), is a full-service resource center – dedicated to creating solutions for clients who seek assistance in career guidance, placement, training, planning and development. JKHCCC has built long-term relationships with colleges, universities, and vocational schools, to provide professional coaching and career advising to a diverse student population. Our services have expanded into communities to assist in career achievement and in-house training, by partnering with profit and non-profit organizations. Jackie graduated from California State University, Fresno, with a degree in Marketing/Management. She is the co-founder of the Fresno Area Recruiters Network, and a recipient of the Joan Crocker Service Award for Leadership.

Website: www.jkhccc.com

Josh is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition, spanning the high technology, agriculture, and medical sectors. As a dedicated Talent Acquisition Manager, he has a proven track record of leading teams to source and secure top-tier talent that drives both immediate and long-term organizational success. Josh’s expertise lies in strategically aligning recruitment practices with business objectives, ensuring that talent acquisition efforts directly contribute to company growth and competitive positioning.

Throughout his career, Josh has developed a profound understanding of diverse industries, which enables him to tailor recruitment strategies that attract the most qualified candidates while meeting specific organizational needs. His approach is characterized by an unwavering focus on identifying individuals whose skills and values align with the company’s mission, thereby fostering an environment where excellence and innovation thrive. Josh is deeply passionate about nurturing high-performing teams and cultivating a culture of growth, collaboration, and success, positioning both the employees and the organization for sustained advancement. His commitment to strategic talent acquisition has consistently provided his employers with a competitive edge in an ever-evolving market.

Jaime Valdez Jr. has dedicated 25 years to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, currently serving as the Senior Director of Job Development at Bakersfield ARC since 2020. His extensive experience includes roles such as Instructor, Program Coordinator, and Associate Director, where he manages programs like Tailored Day Services and Supported Employment. Over the past eight years, Jaime has successfully secured numerous internships and job placements for individuals with disabilities in Kern County. He actively participates in the H.I.R.E. committee and helps organize the Mayor’s Luncheon to honor inclusive employers. Additionally, Jaime will join the executive board as Partner Representative for the Central Section of the California Placement Association in July 2024. Beyond his professional achievements, he is also a well-known entrepreneur and entertainer in the community, celebrated as Bo-Bo The Millennium Clown.

Workforce Professional – Certified Motivational Career Coach with over 15 years of experience specializing in employment services, program implementation, and workforce development procedures. Knowledge and expertise in setting up new employment programs under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and other State Grants. Passionate in developing and implementing new workforce programs to improve the livelihood of marginalized communities in a non-profit setting. Currently, Program Manager of 211 Careers for Inland SoCal United Way 211+.

As a professional with over 35 years of various Management, Leadership, Specialist, and accounting work experience; the past 10 years, I have dedicated my career to supporting students at the community college level. Throughout this time, I have held various student facing positions, where I have had the privilege of helping students navigate their educational journey.

In my current position, as Employer Engagement Manager, I work diligently to bridge the gap between employers and our talented students. My passion for connecting people and opportunities motivates me to strive to create meaningful partnerships that benefit both our students and the business community.

Denise Crawford is the current past-president on the CPA board, has served in various capacities on the board, including conference chair, and has enjoyed working with the board and CPA members. Denise has worked at Bakersfield College for the past 26 years as the Program Manager of the Workability III program, providing employment services for students with disabilities. She also serves as the chair of the HIRE Committee of Kern County, a non-profit organization. Denise is married and has three adult children.

Retired December 2018 as Job Placement Director at Antelope Valley College. Has over twenty-nine years’ experience helping people find career driven employment. Has supervised up to 130 people in a 14,000 plus-student population. Directly responsible for the promotion of students and community via semiannual Job Fairs as well as arranged targeted recruitments for businesses.

Created Job Fair 101 workshops, resume workshops, and classroom job search orientations. Support youth employment programs through the local Americas Job Centers. Had written or assisted with the writing of nearly $5M in various state or federal grants. Am the Past President of the California Placement Association for 2004-06 and 2017-18.

Specialties: Managing and creating programs, matching people to jobs, working with companies, organizations, individuals, agencies at finding quality employees. Is able to visualize success; look for the strengths in others and how those strengths can benefit an employer or how a company can benefit with connection to an agency.

For the past 18 years, Nelky Rodriguez’s educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team. Dr. Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Marketing from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico in 2004. She returned to California where she earned her master’s degree in Education in 2006 from California State University, San Bernardino. After several years of working as an Adjunct Professor within both the community college and university setting, while maintaining various leadership roles within Enrollment Management, Registrar/ Admissions/ Records/ Recruitment, and vocational training, in 2021, she obtained her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.

She is currently using her gifts and talents to engage employers into the community college community.