This breakout session will be a moderated discussion with Bakersfield College / Kern CCD and their governmental and community partners on the work developing the Kern Energy Innovation Workforce coalition. The session will explore how broadening and deepening partnerships has resulted in greater trust, collaboration, and a heightened ability to attract state and federal resources. Discussion will include approaches to intentional outreach to ensure that disadvantaged communities are included in the discussions and how a broad representation from industry, labor, nonprofits, and government helps to break down silos and lead to strategies developed by the community with workforce and inclusion as a central focus. The session will address challenges presented in forming the coalition, and climate action initiatives that are underway arising from the development of the partnerships. Participants will be asked to think about their communities and develop a list of 3-5 potential community partners for outreach.

Speakers

• Traco Matthews (He/Him), Community Action Partnership of Kern, Chief Program Officer
• Christine Viterelli, City of Arvin, Grants Manager
• Norma Rojas-Mora (she/her/ella) (Moderator), Bakersfield College, Executive Director, Government Relations and Development
• David Teasdale (he/him/his), Kern Community College District, Executive Director, Economic and Workforce Development Programs