The demographic of students in California is changing and education must change with it. Dr. Salvatrice Cummo is joined by Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, to unpack the challenges facing a massive and underrepresented sector of today's learners—students primarily over the age of 25 who are working at the same time as attending school. They cover the impact of outdated educational models, the rapid pace of technological change, and the urgent need for flexibility and employer partnerships. Tune in for a forward-thinking discussion on disrupting tradition and embracing true urgency in reimagining the future of work and learning.

You'll learn:

• How institutions can remain relevant as learners seek education that directly fuels economic mobility.

• What the demographics of higher education students look like today and why constant re-skilling and up-leveling is a requirement for the current workforce.

• How community colleges can better personalize learning experiences to fit the needs of diverse students, rather than relying on "one size fits all" approaches.

• How to address the unique challenges facing working learners who juggle multiple responsibilities along with their education.

About the Guest:

Eloy Ortiz Oakley is an American educator, leader, and advisor. He is the President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation, where he leads California's premiere philanthropic and post-secondary success organization focused on improving economic mobility for underserved learners through the lever post-secondary credential attainment. Previously, he served as Chancellor of the California Community Colleges for six years, leading the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. He is considered a leading voice on improving equity in higher education and positioning institutions for the global shifts in the workforce and the future of learning.

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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

Instagram & Twitter: @pccewd

Find the transcript to this episode here

To connect with us about the podcast visit our website

Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

After the LA fires, how do we move past emergency response and into building sustainable crisis prepared communities who know how to bounce back? At our 7th annual Future of Work Conference, PCC led the conversation with local community leaders and experts on rebuilding after an unprecedented disaster. In this special excerpt from the conference, Dr. Salavtrice Cummo, discusses firsthand insights about building resilience and fostering renewal with Victor Gordo, Mayor of Pasadena. Tune in for an honest look at how thoughtful collaboration, listening to community needs, and investing in people can make a city not just recover, but thrive.

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

Instagram & Twitter: @pccewd

Find the transcript to this episode here

To connect with us about the podcast visit our website

Please be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!