Committees

Career Services has several committees that support initiatives, programs and operational activities. Members of these committees include staff and campus and community partners.

Career Fairs

The career fair committee is responsible for coordinating all career fair activities across the campus and the broader metropolitan region, ensuring the achievement of annual goals related to attendance of job seekers and employers. Serving as an advisory body to the department's staff and leadership, the committee provides strategic guidance and support. Its duties include planning and executing events, managing logistics, liaising with industry partners and evaluating outcomes to enhance future initiatives.

DEI

The DEI committee is dedicated to ensuring that all departmental services and resources are accessible to every stakeholder. Functioning as an advisory body to departmental staff and leadership, the committee identifies areas where disparities exist and develops targeted interventions to address and close achievement gaps. By promoting inclusivity and equity, the committee plays a pivotal role in guiding the department toward more equitable outcomes for all.

Co-Leads: Ramona Valdez ([email protected]) and Susan Pace ([email protected])

Employee Relations

The employee relations committee serves as a collaborative forum where employees can plan team activities and discuss topics related to morale, professional development, onboarding and retention. Acting as an advisory body to departmental staff and leadership, the committee provides valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the overall employee experience. By fostering open communication and promoting a positive work environment, the committee plays a crucial role in supporting employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Co-Leads: Cynthia Esparza ([email protected]) and Esmeralda Cortes ([email protected])

Finance and Operations

The finance and operations committee oversees the department's financial activities and operational processes, ensuring transparency, fiscal compliance and efficient resource allocation. It serves as an advisory body to departmental staff and leadership, providing a platform for staff to voice opinions on financial and operational matters. The committee discusses operational efficiencies related to standard business operations and ensures that all services and resources are managed effectively.

Co-Leads: Jesus Jimenez ([email protected]) and Cynthia Esparza ([email protected])

Grants

The grant development committee is an ad hoc, action-oriented group formed as grant opportunities arise. It supports the identification of funding prospects and the development of competitive proposals that align with institutional and regional priorities. Serving as a task force, the committee offers a platform for staff to actively participate in grant writing and submit proposals to external funders. Due to its time-based, high-involvement nature, the committee is convened for specific projects and is dissolved upon the completion of its objectives.

Co-Leads: Daniel Newell and Susan Pace ([email protected])

Marketing

This committee oversees the strategic brand, design and marketing communications priorities of the department. It serves as the advisory body to the department staff and leadership providing a platform for staff to voice opinions on areas under its purview. The committee discusses topics such as branding, public relations, design, outreach and engagement, digital media and social media strategy as it pertains to career development and workforce development.

Lead: Lana Bautista ([email protected])

Data and Policy Trends

This committee serves as the guiding body of workforce and economic trends to keep the department and campus community current on data, policy and outcomes. It serves as an advisory body to staff and leadership of the department. This committee discusses regional and national trends, student and employer outcomes, and existing and proposed legislation impacting workforce and economic development.

Co-Leads: Dannie Schwarz ([email protected]) and Vivian Jin ([email protected])

Research and Development (coming soon)

This committee creates frameworks for the adoption, execution and assessment of department research projects and funding. It serves as an advisory body to staff and leadership of the department. This committee discusses proposed research projects, funding availability, and ongoing departmental R&D projects related to education, workforce and economic development.

Co-Leads: Lorenzo Sianez Jr. ([email protected]) and Daniel Newell