Jan. 8, 2025 | Richmond Memorial Convention Center | |
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Share your ideas for the future of the workforce in our region! The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) is excited to invite you to our Regional Plan Public Input Session on January 8 at the Richmond Memorial Convention Center.
Join us for an interactive session where you can connect with others in the community and help shape the plans for our area. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference!
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WDBCCC is launching its strategic planning efforts and wants to hear from you!
Our community planning session gathers input on how we can strengthen the local workforce system to meet the needs of the community.
We invite all stakeholders to participate in discussions on how we can enhance our system to address poverty, promote income mobility, embed equity, and support environmental sustainability.
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Meet Leslay C. Choy: Championing Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development | |
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The WDBCCC is proud to highlight the exceptional contributions of Leslay C. Choy, Executive Director of the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation (San Pablo EDC) and dedicated WDBCCC board member.
Leslay Choy is a strategic corporate governance professional committed to creating economic opportunities, which promote health equity and economic mobility. As the Executive Director of San Pablo EDC, Ms. Choy leads a forward-thinking nonprofit organization focused on empowering small women- and minority-owned businesses through innovative initiatives such as nano loan programs and managing new markets tax credit interests. Under her leadership, the EDC continues to drive sustainable growth and equitable economic development in the region.
With a career spanning governance strategy, healthcare, and economic development, Ms. Choy has a proven track record of fostering partnerships and designing programs that address workforce challenges. Prior to her executive role, she served as the EDC’s general manager for five years, where she honed her expertise in advancing community-centric initiatives.
Leslay’s dedication extends beyond her role at San Pablo EDC. She is an active member of the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and serves on the Equitable Economic Recovery Task Force, where her insights help shape policies and strategies to benefit the workforce and economy of Contra Costa County.
Her educational background includes a Master’s in International Relations from the Université catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve, supported by a Rotary International Scholarship, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and French from California State University, Chico. A California native, Leslay currently resides in El Cerrito with her family.
We are honored to have Ms. Choy as a vital part of the WDBCCC, leveraging her expertise to drive equitable workforce solutions and empower our community.
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End of the Year Message from
Marissa Sison, Site Coordinator, America's Job Center of California (AJCC)
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Dear Colleagues and Community Partners,
As we conclude 2024, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible work we have accomplished together. From conducting workshops and hosting informative sessions that have reached a broad audience across the East Bay to successful on-site recruitments, your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in the success of our shared mission.
Thanks to your partnership, we have made a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. Your contributions in creating opportunities—whether through workforce development, internships, or fostering connections with businesses—have been invaluable. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in 2025.
I have attached the January 2025 Events and Activities Calendar to start the new year. We are eager to collaborate with you as we expand our reach and strengthen our partnerships in the coming year.
From all of us at AJCC Concord, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, happiness, and continued success. We look forward to your continued support and collaboration in the upcoming year. Thank you for being such an integral part of our journey—here's to a productive and thriving 2025!
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Future Build Honored by Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors | |
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On December 17, 2024, Future Build, a key program of Richmond Works, received well-deserved recognition from the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for its commitment to public service and alignment with the County's mission, vision, and values.
Outgoing Chair Glover presented the award, commending Future Build for its remarkable contributions to workforce development in East Contra Costa County and its positive impact on the County as a whole. "Future Build exemplifies the power of investing in public services and partnerships that change lives," Chair Glover remarked.
The award was accepted on behalf of Future Build by Assistant City Manager Maria Aliotti, Director of Community and Economic Development Jordan Davis, and Open Opportunities Inc. Board President Debbie Neely, who expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed Future Build's dedication to uplifting communities through skill development and career opportunities.
This honor underscores the essential role Future Build plays in strengthening the local workforce, fostering economic resilience, and advancing equity across Contra Costa County.
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WDB Helps Supe. Ken Carlson Ring in the Holiday Season | |
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District IV Supe. Carlson had a lot to celebrate, as the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in November 2024 to adopt the County's 2045 General Plan and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 2024 Update.
The Dept. of Conservation and Development, with whom the WDB has been partnering closely on climate change mitigation grant applications, was instrumental in this effort.
Maureen ran into many old friends at Supe. Carlson's gathering, including Kristin Connelly, former WDB member, now County Clerk-Recorder.
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Maureen Nelson, WDB Administrator, and Supervisor Ken Carlson | |
WDB at Hope Village Ribbon-Cutting | |
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Continuing WDB's support of person experiencing homelessness (PEHs) and efforts to address the housing crisis, Administrator Maureen Nelson was on hand to celebrate the grand opening of Hope Village.
Hope Village is a project of WDB partner Hope Solutions, as well as Firm Foundation Community Housing, HomeAid Northern California, the City of Walnut Creek, and Grace Presbyterian Church, on whose property the project is built.
The six high-quality cottage homes are enhanced by shared amenities, including a patio/deck, laundry room, and an on-site social worker.
Click here to view photos from the ribbon cutting: A New Beginning: Celebrating the Grant Opening of Hope Village in Walnut Creek.
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Deann Pearn, Executive Director of Hope Solutions, and Maureen Nelson, WDB Administrator | | |
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The 2025 East Bay Leadership Series is kicking off on January 29th with renowned journalist Judy Woodruff.
Drawing from over 40 years of covering U.S. elections and her recent project, America at a Crossroads, Woodruff will offer exclusive insights into the nation's evolving political landscape and the shared values shaping our future.
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February 21, 2025 | Location: TBD | |
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The Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades Symposium is presented by Bay Area Community Colleges (BACC) and the Association of Manufacturers Bay Area (AMBayArea). The annual event focuses on best practices for recruiting women into important skilled trades careers (i.e. machining, welding, industrial maintenance, electronics, etc.).
Join fellow manufacturers and educators to discuss how to recruit more women into the manufacturing skilled trades and learn best practices from speakers and panelists. This will be the continuation of a regional conversation to determine how we can improve the recruitment of women into these careers.
The following are encouraged to attend:
• Manufacturers (HR, technical hiring managers, and those who create company strategy for outreach and hiring)
• Educators in community colleges & K-12 schools who develop programs, recruit students or work with students to advise on careers
• Workforce development professionals working with clients to find new careers
This event will be held at a Bay Area community college. Location TBD.
Save the date and watch for more details in early 2025.
This event is sponsored by: Bay Area Community Colleges, Association of Manufacturers Bay Area, and the Workforce Development Boards
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Leadership Contra Costa Panel | |
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Workforce Development Board's Administrator Maureen Nelson participated as a panelist for Leadership Contra Costa. This program trains citizens on how to lead in various areas, including environmental sustainability, arts and education, business and economic development, health and human services, as well as government and political processes.
Maureen presented on the WDB's business services alongside Nayab Siddiqi of SCORE East Bay and Nancy Mangold of East Bay Small Business Development Center.
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The East Bay Data Dashboard offers current insights into key economic metrics like population, unemployment rates, industry employment, top job postings, in-demand skills, and more. Designed for businesses, residents, and policymakers, this comprehensive tool empowers you to make informed, data-driven decisions with confidence.
Supported by the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, the Dashboard leverages trusted sources such as Lightcast Data and Zillow Housing Data to provide a clear picture of the region’s economic and housing trends. Regularly updated, it’s your go-to resource for staying ahead in the ever-evolving economic landscape.
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The East Bay Business Resources Map is your guide to finding current and verified contact information for organizations that cater to a variety of business needs. Whether you’re starting, growing, or sustaining your business, this tool connects you to the right resources.
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Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in October 2024. That's up from a revised 4.8 percent in September 2024. Read the most recent state labor report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division.
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