FoundationCCC team members are presenting at the California Workforce Association’s (CWA) Meeting of the Minds 2025 Conference this week, bringing together leaders and innovators committed to shaping California’s workforce culture.

This year’s theme, “Fearless Forward: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity,” highlights the mindset we must embrace to navigate a rapidly evolving workforce landscape. Workforce professionals from across the state will explore new ways to align resources, programs, and partnerships to create lasting, positive change in the communities we serve. 

At the event, FoundationCCC team members are showcasing our mission-driven programs and services and demonstrating their expertise in workforce development through three dynamic sessions. This morning, we are co-hosting the Pre-Conference Session: Executive Edge – CWA Executive Bootcamp, in partnership with CWA, providing executive staff with valuable insights to enhance their leadership skills and effectiveness in navigating complex workforce environments. FoundationCCC’s contributions cover areas such as leadership development, partnership building, business engagement, labor market dynamics, staffing boards, and the intricacies of politics, all of which are essential for today’s workforce executives. 

Our Technical Assistance and Grants Administration team will host Reimagining Workforce Services: Proven Models for Reaching Underserved Populations this afternoon, sharing innovative strategies and successful approaches for expanding access to workforce programs in communities that have historically faced barriers to participation. Specifically, they will highlight how the California Workforce Development Board’s Breaking Barriers to Employment Initiative has created new partnerships with community-based organization providers to reach people facing multiple barriers to employment, expanding the reach and equity of workforce system services.

Tomorrow, our Climate Strategy team will lead Green Jobs in a Time of Changing Policy and Culture, exploring the intersection of climate policy, workforce development, and cultural shifts shaping the green economy. The session spotlights the vital role community colleges play in preparing students for careers that advance environmental sustainability while meeting the evolving needs of California’s workforce.

The conference provides an opportunity to network with colleagues and brings attention to the important workforce development discussions that impact our students and our communities statewide.