Transcript -Breaking Barriers: Reimagining Career Pathways for the Next Generation with Jesse Diaz Director of Market Development Los Angeles at Propel America Episode 162

Jesse Diaz [00:00:00]:

I believe these pathways are vital because they can collapse right the distance between learning and earning, allowing people to start working toward a career and income at the same time, which is crucial in this current economic climate.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:00:14]:

Hi, I'm Salvatrice Cummo, Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Pasadena City College and host of this podcast. And we are starting the conversation about the Future of Work. We'll explore topics like how education can partner with industry, how to be more equitable, and how to attain one of our highest goals, more internships and PCC. Students in the workforce. We at Pasadena City College want to lead the charge in closing the gap between what our students are learning and what the demands of the workforce will be once they enter. This is a conversation that impacts all of us, you, the employers, the policymakers, the educational institutions, and the community as a whole. This is the Future of Work. Hi, welcome back to the Future of Work podcast.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:01:03]:

I am your host, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo. Today we're joined by Jesse Diaz, Director of Market Development in Los Angeles at Propel America. A first generation Latino college graduate and lifelong educator, Jesse brings lived experience from his upbringing in Boyle Heights and a career dedicated to expanding access for marginalized communities. His path took him from community colleges to athletics and eventually into nonprofit leadership. In our conversation today, Jesse will share why alternative career pathways are so critical right now. Not only for creating upward mobility for students who want to avoid debt, but also for meeting urgent workforce needs across Los Angeles. Jesse, welcome.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:01:50]:

Thank you for having me. Savagery. Happy to be here.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:01:53]:

Excellent. Excellent. You know, I always like to ask a journey question in the upfront because it's fascinating to me how we get into these roles of leadership and the impact that we create in this ecosystem of workforce development. So help the listener understand a little bit more about the path that hasn't always been a traditional straight line from school to career for you. And if you can share a bit about your journey and what led you to focus your work on expanding opportunities for young adults.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:02:22]:

Yeah, absolutely. First off, I'm a proud Los Angeles native, born and raised in Boyle Heights. And growing up here exposed me both to the energy and inequities that defined our communities. I saw brilliant young people, classmates, teammates, who had all the drive in the world, but lacked access to real opportunity, resources, or even the right people. Those networks that could have opened doors. And for me, athletics was that door. Football gave me structure, discipline, purpose, and eventually college access. But even that wasn't enough.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:02:56]:

I actually struggled after high school and became sort of an institutional nomad when things didn't go how I originally planned, right, gonna get that coveted scholarship and all was gonna go well. That said, even though I didn't have that definite sense of direction, I always knew where the finish line was. Like I knew I had to go to college, I had to go get a degree, no excuses. So I bounced around schools for a couple of years from Cal State to community college to university. And I was fortunate enough, after numerous attempts of reigniting my football career, to earn a spot at Down College, a small liberal arts school in Nebraska where I pursued a degree in kinesiology. But that wasn't easy. There were many moments I thought about giving up. I thought myself as a failure, that I had let down my community.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:03:45]:

And that was my self-perception, you know, kind of just an unfortunate circumstance that I found myself in. And no matter how hard that I worked and doing everything right, success just wasn't in my cards. And I carried that mindset with me, unfortunately for some time after high school. But eventually that all changed when I kind of started looking at, you know, opportunity differently and relied on my coaches, my peers as more as mentors and, you know, have more heavily believed in me and when I didn't really believe in myself. And so after graduation, moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2015, where I lived with an older brother and his now wife. Both are incredible educators in San Antonio. And my older brother is a phenomenal football coach and one of my role models. And so Gina and his wife connected me to City Year San Antonio and AmeriCorps program that works with students in underserved schools.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:04:37]:

And that experience completely reframed my view on education and sparked my passion for serving leadership. And I saw firsthand how systems could be redesigned to meet students where they are in communities similar to mine back home. And so I decided to move back to Boyle Heights after completing my year of service. And the goal was to become a teacher and coach football. That was kind of the path I wanted to travel and becoming credentialed and I was doing so. But in 2019 I was offered a unique opportunity to pursue my master's degree as a graduate assistant at Eastern New Mexico University through an unlikely connection who has since become one of my closest friends and peers. It was an incredible experience that unfortunately was short-lived, but it opened my eyes to how I viewed post-secondary pathways and the various mechanisms available to students to utilize and their viability. So I returned to Los Angeles and eventually COVID hit the pandemic.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:05:34]:

Really gave me time to reflect on my own path and realizing that without football I might have not completed college, let alone had the chance to venture outside of Boyle Heights and started thinking that it shouldn't require athletic ability or luck to earn a degree or even find a stable career. And that realization is what drives my work, especially with Propel America today. I think of those friends of mine back in school, even the students I had the privilege of working with during my time in the classroom. And I've always tried to lead with a sense of impact at the top of my mind and ensuring that young people have clear, supported and affordable pathways into good jobs that lead to long-term careers.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:06:14]:

I love that journey. Thank you so much for sharing that. You mentioned something that triggered a thought for me. You said reimagining our systems. Our systems need to be reimagined so that they are more accessible and serving our, our marginalized communities. And with your experiences and that vision of systems need to be redesigned or reimagined, you know, so that they can serve more and better. What do you think from your perspective, what are the biggest challenges that young adults are facing right now in the market when they're looking at their career pathways or any kind of stable opportun?

 

Jesse Diaz [00:06:58]:

Absolutely. Today I feel young adults face a complex set of barriers as they try to build their stable careers. The cost of College continues to rise and traditional four year degrees. They often leave students in significant debt without guaranteeing stable employment. And at the same time, many of our young people, particularly those from low income and historically marginalized communities, they're balancing work, caregiving and school, among other things. And on top of that, we have to consider the financial barriers and other real life challenges like childcare, which is becoming incredibly costly. Transportation, which we know right here in Los Angeles. Having a car is vital merely to be able to move around Los Angeles.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:07:43]:

And that's when you're not stuck in traffic and commuting on public transit that could easily eat up hours each day. And then not to mention housing, right. Rent in Los Angeles is among the highest in the country. And I think as of late of this year, the average rent is around 2,200 per month for a one bedroom apartment. And so these factors, I feel lead to high dropout rates and interrupted education. And many young people have to juggle multiple responsibilities. And it's not uncommon for students to have to work either part time, full time while in school to help support their family, or even young parents trying to finish a certificate when they're raising kids. So time becomes a huge constraint.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:08:27]:

And I think 17% of student parents manage to actually attend college full time. And while 40% of those actually have to work full time, that's a recipe for burnout. And so on top of work, potential family responsibilities, lack of guidance and mentorship is another issue we have to consider as well. Especially first generation college students or those from under resourced schools that may not have those networks or connections to adequately help them navigate career paths. And so without consistent support, it's easy for a young person to lose direction when challenges arise. And so this is why coaching and mentorship can be pivotal. Having someone to check in and encourage you when things are tough and help you problem solve challenges when they arise, it can make all the difference in the world, especially when it comes to persisting through a program. And so for many of these young adults, it's mostly not even a lack of ambition or drive or even ability that's holding them back.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:09:26]:

It's a lack of access, lack of access to consistent support systems and a clear pathway, which feels like an all too common narrative for our young folks here within our communities. An accessible education or training program, clear direction, financial support and caring mentorship, our students can truly thrive. And ultimately it's really about creating a world where a young person's success isn't determined by their zip code, but by their potential and effort that can be unlocked with the right support. And we don't need to continue finding ways, we need to continue finding ways, excuse me, to bridge that gap so they could focus on building skills, completing these education and training programs and stepping into a meaningful family sustaining career.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:10:08]:

Yeah, I love that you said that. You know, I was a first generation college student as well, first gen college student and I remember feeling completely lost, just absolutely lost. I didn't know, I didn't know anything. And it was at the time, knowing what I know now, I think that this, the system could have done better. Right?

 

Jesse Diaz [00:10:29]:

Yeah.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:10:29]:

And why organizations like Propel America are critical to the student pathway because you know, this organization focuses on tuition free and debt free options. Very know it's nontraditional. Right. Would you agree? It's nontraditional. Right. And there's you know, these alternative pathways like and I, if, correct me if I'm wrong, train to earn in a first and then you have apprenticeship. Those are kind of like your two biggest alternative pathways in the organization. Yes, yes.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:11:04]:

And, and you know all that to say I think that we have a lot to learn. We as a system of community colleges have a lot to learn about how organizations like Propel America can be great partners to, to the work of foreseeing, like just seeing the student through their process, through their academic journey, through their career journey. And I'm wondering, you know, if, if you can give me like, your perspective on why it's so important that these alternative pathways exist. Like, you know, we've had our own relative, you know, we've had our own experiences about college and, and how that kind of played out for us. And you know, it was, it was rocky for me too, you know, and we, we don't have time to go into that. But, I mean, but I, but I sympathize and I emp. I get it, I feel it. I like all the things that you said about your journey.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:11:51]:

I'm there right with you. So maybe just share a little bit about how Propel America with their alternative pathways is something that, why it differs so much like traditional college route.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:12:04]:

Absolutely. And that student. Right. I think of that student myself and thinking about how I felt like I was in the middle of the ocean, just floating and kind of siloed. Right. And it amazes me to think about the evolution of post secondary education and training and how much things have changed. And so traditional college routes, they often ask students to spend two, four or more years in school and usually accumulating steep debt in the process before they can even start earning an income. And that's not completely feasible or realistic for many of the young adults that we serve today.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:12:38]:

And so this may be slightly dated, but I think in California alone, about 3.8 million people collectively owe over 140 billion in student loans and college tuition and living expenses, especially in high cost areas like Los Angeles. They can force students to take significant debt, which the average borrower, I think in California owes nearly $40,000. And so despite the investment, a four year degree is no guarantee to employment. And I think as of mid-2025, 41% of recent college graduates are underemployed, meaning they band up in jobs that don't even require a degree. So the conventional college model, pay tuition now and maybe get a job later. It isn't working for everyone, especially in places in California where the cost of living is high and economic mobility can't wait. Go back into the question. I believe these pathways are vital because they can collapse the distance between learning and earning, allowing people to start working toward a career and income at the same time, which is crucial in this current economic climate.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:13:45]:

Our state recognizes this urgency. Right. California has set an ambitious goal of enrolling 500,000 apprentices by 2029 because they see apprenticeships and similar programs as a way to remove barriers to good jobs. Expanding tuition free, debt free training pathways is a direct response to that problem and creating access to jobs and high growth industries without the traditional college toll. So, and this is where an organization like Propel America is stepping in to help change that narrative and complement the great work already happening across the region. Our model focuses on, you know, both access and wraparound support designed to address these barriers. We work with young adults, we like to call them fellows, who are typically 18 to 26 years old, the vast majority of whom are youth of color and come from low income backgrounds. And our approach is to meet them where they are and help them remove these obstacles that historically held back our underserved communities.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:14:40]:

So career pathways like apprenticeships and train to earn programs, they're crucial right now because they open doors for those who can afford that traditional college route. And these models cut years off that journey to a good paying job and remove financial roadblocks. So instead of accumulating debt and hoping for a job down the road, students and programs like Propels are engaged in career connected learning or gaining practical skills, skills and experience. And at the same time, it serves the immediate needs of our workforce. So helping fill critical roles across growing industries without making employers wait for the next graduating class. Ultimately, I think it comes down to time, money and certainty. Young adults who decide to pursue alternative pathways don't necessarily have to put their lives on hold or go into debt to build a career. They can get into the workforce quickly, equipped with skills, supported by mentors, and at no cost.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:15:39]:

And they can achieve stability and upward mobility faster. Which isn't just a win for the participant, but also the communities across Los Angeles that benefit from a homegrown workforce that is ready to meet demand. And so this kind of proves right, there is more than one way to a successful career. And right now it's more important than ever that we have these types of avenues to upskill.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:15:59]:

I love it. I read somewhere your organization calls it a jobs first higher education model.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:16:06]:

Yes.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:16:07]:

Yeah, I love that. I love that. You explained it beautifully. And speaking of workforce demands, you know, workforce demand, specifically in the health care sector. We all know, we all know there's an incredible amount of demand there. There's massive gaps. I wanted to, you know, hear a little bit about how Propel America is helping those young adults connect to those opportunities in the healthcare sector.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:16:30]:

Yeah, I agree. Healthcare is facing one of the most urgent workforce gaps, especially in California and In frontline roles like medical assistants, Allied health professionals like MAS, they comprise nearly 60% of the healthcare workforce. And yet there's a massive shortfall. In fact, annual demand for allied health workers in California is estimated up to 65,000 opening statewide. So medical assisting jobs in California as well are projected to grow about 20% this decade and adding roughly 19,000 new positions by 2028. At the same time, more than 4 in 10 Californians are saying that, you know, in their communities they don't have sufficient nurses, primary care providers or behavioral health professionals to meet local needs. And so employers urgently need trained staff now, not years down the road. And the pandemic has only exacerbated shortages through burnout, early retirements and reduced training capacity.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:17:30]:

So Propel America's approach is to bridge this gap by connecting young people to fast growing healthcare careers through tuition free train to earn programs and apprenticeships in Los Angeles. Our medical assistant pathways, they provide comprehensive supports so that within months, not years, a young person can go from potentially high school to the hiring opportunity. And the key components integrated to support each participant, they include a few things, career navigation and coaching, right? One on one guidance that includes either resume writing, interview practice, just consistent mentorship to keep fellows on track with coursework, help tackle any life challenges that might derail their progress as well as employability skills training, you know, emphasizing professional higher ready skills from workplace etiquette to communication, time management so that participants understand workplace expectations. Finally, hands on clinical training, right? Our fellows, our participants are engaged in in person skills labs and just giving them the opportunity to gain those real world experiences with patients and clinical procedures.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:19:08]:

So and finally credentialing and directly direct hiring connections as well is important. So participants, they complete their online coursework and upon finishing the program they transition into job interviews. And many of them are hired immediately after their externship. And so we have the privilege of working with an incredible employer partner here in Los Angeles, the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, CC LAC for short, who has supported us in building and expanding these programs and career pathways. And so in our faint to earn model medical assistant program, students complete online coursework. They practice hands on in person skills and transition into a clinical externship with CCLHC. And after externship, they're hired on full time. And our medical assistant apprenticeship builds on that.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:19:52]:

Foundation apprentices are paid employees from the start, from day one receiving online training through Loyola Marymount University, structured on the job learning under supervision of a mentor and increase the wages once they earn their MA credential and master new competencies along the way. So the impact of apprenticeships in healthcare is game changing for employers. A program like this creates reliable talent and creates a pipeline of locally trained entry level clinicians who understand the community. Most importantly, it also helps clinics fill urgent staffing needs faster by sometimes training their own mas who already are embedded within the workplace culture. And so and for young people, the apprenticeship is transformative. It's a debt free pathway that offers an immediate paycheck, a nationally recognized credential and a foot in the door into a healthcare career. So ultimately propel America's healthcare career pathways. Our jobs first higher education model that is helping tackle California's staffing crisis and create economic mobility for young adults.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:20:52]:

Each graduate who steps into a medical assistant role not only fills a critical workforce gap, but also begins a promising career. And by focusing on underrepresented youth in Los Angeles, we're building a health care workforce that reflects and serves a community. And apprenticeships are a vital part of that solution. They're fast track skilled talent into the field without the burden of college debt and they empower employers and trainees alike. It's not just plugging holes into the workforce. It's about being intentional and developing homegrown healthcare professionals who have a support training opportunity to thrive. And in doing so propel America. I feel like we're helping transform a cycle of limited options into one of long term family sustaining careers, strengthening both our young people and our healthcare systems for the future.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:21:41]:

Yeah, there's no doubt that the more we could do more together with that gap, I mean the demand is absolutely, I mean you said it, you gave all the stats. I mean it's just absolutely amazing how much of a need that there is. And it's almost like we can't produce the talent fast enough. Yeah, that's what it feels like.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:22:00]:

Yeah, something consistently that employers are speaking to as well.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:22:05]:

So that said, like the Future of work in Los Angeles. Right. I mean, whether it's healthcare or anything or a different sector, what role do you see community colleges and organizations like Propel America playing in building equitable opportunities?

 

Jesse Diaz [00:22:22]:

Yeah, that's a great question. And in Los Angeles, Propel America's impact is powered by strong community partnerships. And I believe the Future of work in LA and across California will be built on accessible education, meaningful training pathways and genuine collaboration. As you well know, right, California is 116 community colleges, right? They're the largest higher education system in the Nation, serving over 2.1 million students annually. And community colleges, they're versatile engines of workforce development and social mobility, offering affordable programs that lead to degrees, certificates and transfer opportunities in high demand fields. I think nearly half of jobs in California require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four year degree. Yet only 39% of Californians have that middle skill training. And so without expanding access to career connected education, I feel like California risks deepening its skills gap.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:23:21]:

So by 2031, I think it's an estimated 72% of US jobs will require some form of post secondary education or training. And that's where community colleges come in. They're key to closing this gap, right? By continuing to deliver industry aligned programs at the lowest tuition in the country. And so, looking ahead, California's community colleges are doubling down on workforce development to meet these demands of a change in economy. The state's 2030 Vision Initiative emphasizes partnerships with employers, community organizations to bring college directly to more Californians and prepare them for emerging sectors like healthcare, clean energy and tech. So this worker center collaboration, especially in Los Angeles, it's vital. It's where, you know, labor market is ever evolving. It's evolving rapidly regionally.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:24:13]:

Colleges are expanding programs in growth industries and integrating on the job training through apprenticeships. So organizations like Propel, they complement these efforts by providing wraparound support, right. Career coaching stipends and direct connections to employers. So students don't just gain skills, they move smoothly into good jobs. And together, community colleges and organizations like Propel, they can continue building equitable opportunities by focusing on underrepresented talent and keeping education affordable. Most importantly, and aligning with training and real careers. Real careers, real time. The future workforce in Los Angeles, in my opinion, will thrive through collaboration, not competition.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:24:54]:

And with community colleges at the center of that, working hand in hand with mission aligned partners. And none of this progress happens in isolation. You know, California's leaders understand that collaboration drives the Future of work, which is why, right, the state continues to invest in initiatives linking education to employment. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been directed toward expanding dual enrollment program, right. Career pathways and apprenticeship programs including California, the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program. COYA for short. Right. It's designed to create pre apprenticeships and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:25:31]:

As a matter of fact, Propel America, we received the ACOIA Planning grant that helped us lay the foundation for our medical assistant apprenticeship in Los Angeles. And these funds designed help design customized talent pipelines. Excuse me, with local healthcare employers like CCLAC and strengthen our partnerships with accredited education providers like Loyola Marymount University. And we're also leveraging state investments through partnerships with agencies like the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity which recently awarded Propel a High Road Training Partnership grant to sustain and scale our programs. And so these sort of collaborations, they show how public agencies, education institutions and community-based organizations can align and build lasting workforce equity. So in 2025, Propel like we'll launch our first medical assistant apprenticeship in Los Angeles. To date we've enrolled 90 fellows locally with 60% higher rate among program completers that we expect to rise to 90% as the apprenticeship model expands. And our fellows, primarily Opportunity youth from underrepresented communities are now stepping into healthcare careers that offer living wages and real growth potential.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:26:49]:

Those are impressive numbers. I'll tell you what, and I think that you're right. I love what you said. You said collaborative approach, not a competitive approach. Yeah, I love that. I love that. I'm going to switch gears just a little bit and, and ask you if you are able and willing to share a story of a student's journey or a fellow through propel. And that really illustrates all the things that you were talking about today about these alternative pathways, about the value in mentorship and providing access to our students.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:27:18]:

Yeah, absolutely. I started with Propel actually in, in a different role, focusing more on partnerships and recruitment and being an educator and servant leader. I love connecting with our youth any opportunity, especially for pathways such as these. And so anytime I get to get in front of students, it's been great. And so thinking back to even one of our first cohorts here in the region, one fellow in particular comes to mind and one story that really just stands out to me, Lucia Escobar from Los Angeles. She is a mother of two who needed a program that fit her family's schedule and financial situation. And our Medical Assisting Train to Earn program pathway, it gave her that flexibility not only to complete her coursework online, but also balance, right those real-life responsibilities like child care, household responsibilities, among others. You know, she's now actually certified and recently was hired on working full-time at El Puerto Health Clinic.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:28:19]:

One of our employer partners through CCLAC. And she often says, and connecting it to that vital mentorship piece. Right. My Propel coach, Stella Pascual, always was there. She listened to all her challenges, her worries, and most importantly, celebrated every victory, even those small ones. And she never felt alone throughout that process. And so, and that's what our model is built on. Connection, community and confidence.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:28:46]:

And so fellows like Lucia not only are earning certificates, but they're also stepping into stable healthcare roles. Right. And so, and also employers like CCLAC, their team have told us that, you know, Propel has become a vital source of local, well-trained talent at a time when clinics are struggling to recruit and retain staff. And so, and I feel like Lucia's story just shows how opportunity, when paired with mentorship and structure, can transform entire families.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:29:13]:

That is an awesome story. It's a beautiful story, in fact. And you know, multiply that by 10, 20, 30. It's like all those fellows, I mean, I'm really actually super excited about the fellows that are going through the healthcare program right now. And I'd love to hear back like in a year from now to see where they're at. That would be super awesome.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:29:34]:

Excited. And I remember when we first got to Los Angeles too, we had such a small cohort of four and to see it blossom to the amount of know opportunities that we're serving now, it's. That's what it's all about.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:29:45]:

Yeah, for sure, for sure. Well, speaking of, that's what it's all about. This is the Future of Work conference. What's one piece of advice or encouragement that you would like our listener to kind of walk away with when it comes to thinking differently about career pathways?

 

Jesse Diaz [00:30:04]:

I love this question. And my, my advice is simple. Stop thinking of it as colleges or career. It could be both for far too long. Right? High school graduates have had to face this false choice between jumping straight into the workforce or pursuing a traditional college degree. I was there. I can totally understand that. But in reality, you don't have to wait four years to start your future.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:30:30]:

You could earn while you learn, gaining real-world experience and income now, while still keeping the door open for further education down the road. This combined approach isn't just possible. It's becoming increasingly necessary, especially in California where half of all jobs are middle-skill roles that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree. And again, only about 40% of Californians have that training to land them that middle-skill level position. And so this means that there are thousands of well-paying opportunities for young adults to pursue short-term credentials, to pursue apprenticeships or even community college programs at that. And so you can launch a great career now in fields like healthcare, in tech or the trades, and still earn college credits or even return to school later to, you know, further advance your education and training. And so most importantly, to do this without having to take on massive debt as well. And so at Propel, we built our entire model around this philosophy, right? A jobs-first higher education philosophy.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:31:41]:

Nearly 80% of our fellows plan to pursue additional degrees or credentials after they start working. And the key is that they've gained, right, a foothold in a living wage job without debt and with the flexibility to continue their education on their own terms. This jobs first higher education model, it gives young adults in California a fast, affordable route to a career and college education potentially truly holding the best of both worlds. And so, and the last thing I like to probably say is to remember that there's, you know, incredible dignity in all forms of work and every pathway can lead to purpose. You know, follow your curiosity, build your skills, and don't worry if the journey looks a little funky, if it looks different from someone else's. Whether you start in an entry level job, in an apprenticeship, a community college or a university, your path is your own. Something my dad always told me and my siblings was, you know, siempre echo leganas. You know, always give it your all.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:32:42]:

What matters is that you keep moving forward without limiting yourself into an either or choice. When you think differently about career pathways, you'll realize that your education and your career can grow together and that real success is something that you define for yourself.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:32:57]:

I love that. What a beautiful way to sunset this conversation. Always give it your all. I'm not going to attempt to say it like your parents said it, because I will. It's not going to come out right, but thank you so much, Jesse. This has been a beautiful conversation, a valued conversation not only for the student, but for organizations like yours. And then also listeners are community colleges practitioners who are listening that together, regardless of what we are offering, if we offer it together, if we try to align organizations together, we can create greater impacts. Going back to what you were saying, a collaborative approach versus a competitive approach.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:33:40]:

And I, I just loved that. I loved it very much. Thank you so much, Jesse. And if one of our listeners or listeners wanted to connect with you or learn more about Propel America, what's the best way to that one? Be sure to enter it into the show notes.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:33:52]:

Yeah, absolutely. Navigate to our website, Propel America.org we also have a number of social media channels on LinkedIn, Instagram and Tik Tok Propel America. Type it in. It's probably on the first page that pops out and if you have any questions, direct them to me and reach out to me via email. [e-mail].

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:34:12]:

Excellent. Thank you so much Jesse and I. I definitely see a part two to this conversation in the future. I hope you're up for it.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:34:19]:

Yeah, count me in. Absolutely. The conversation and of course, right highlight the success, hopefully you know, of future cohorts down the line as we continue to roll out, you know, both pathways and medical assistance.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:34:31]:

Excellent. Thank you so much.

 

Jesse Diaz [00:34:33]:

Thank you so much for the time. Salvatrice. I really appreciate the conversation.

 

Salvatrice Cummo [00:34:38]:

Thank you for listening to the Future of Work podcast. Make sure you're subscribed on your favorite listening platform so you can easily get new episodes every Tuesday. You can reach out to us by clicking on the website link below in the Show Notes to collaborate, partner or just chat about all things Future of Work. We'd love to connect with you. All of us here at the Future of Work and Pasadena City College wish you safety and wellness.