Faces of Workforce

After losing custody of her children due to substance use, Riki Corley was resolute in her goal to reunite with them. When her son was taken from her at birth, it became a wake-up call she could not ignore, but she had also lost custody of her daughter, who is older. She committed herself to recovery, which helped her achieve stability, purpose and a career in assisting others facing similar struggles.

When Ashley relocated to San Diego from the Bay Area with her wife, she was seeking a new direction. After years of managing her own dog-grooming business, she wanted something different. Through the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program, Ashley discovered a new career path in the trades.

We interviewed Nashid Mateen in 2023, and since we last spoke with Nashid, he has gone from rebuilding his life to helping others rebuild theirs. Starting in technology, he has expanded his role to workforce development, higher education, and systems change. Now a program associate at Resilience Education, he engages in policy work and leads a documentary that challenges perceptions of incarceration.

After years of looking for stable work, Margaret Schneider found new purpose and support through the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s Older Adult Workforce Program. This initiative helps individuals aged 55 and above reenter the workforce confidently. Thanks to this program, Margaret regained her confidence, improved her job search skills, and ultimately secured a position as an Account Clerk with the City of San Diego.

Byran, a 24-year-old native of National City, California, has navigated a winding path to find his professional calling. After high school, he faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty about his academic and career pursuits. However, with the support of San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), Byran discovered a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), empowering him to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Dr. Gloria Vega Becerra’s remarkable journey, from her roots in Chula Vista to her historic leadership in public service, is explored, along with the lasting impact of her commitment to equity, access and empowerment, which continues to inspire the community today. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions and enduring impact, the Learning Center at the South Bay Career Center has been named the Gloria Vega Becerra Learning Center. 

At 62, San Diego native Debra sought stability and purpose after personal loss. Through the San Diego Workforce Partnership, she gained skills in medical transcription and coding, accessing training, coaching and support tailored to her. With determination, she turned uncertainty into opportunity. 

Sandra, a 33-year-old former immigration lawyer from Mexico, relocated to San Ysidro with her husband and started a new career by enrolling in a dental assisting program through the San Diego Workforce Partnership. After finishing her training, she quickly moved up from third assistant to lead assistant and is now working toward earning her RDA certification.

Many foster youth face unimaginable challenges and often feel alone. Domenico, a former foster youth, experienced many hardships but, with support from a caring home and the San Diego foster system, overcame them. He now aims to get an education and improve his future.

After serving over 16 years in prison, Bernard was released on parole and arrived in San Diego ready to start anew. He connected with the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s services and quickly engaged in the Peer Support Specialist program and Prison to Employment (P2E) services. With housing, career and emotional support, Bernard rebuilt his life with purpose. Today, he keeps giving back to his community, building on the transformation he started during his time in prison.