The Future Of Work

What will it take to prepare today's students for leadership in a workforce that's evolving faster than ever before? Jasmine Star, CEO of Social Curator, challenges educators and leaders at the Pasadena City College Future of Work Conference to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace a paradigm shift. She underlines the importance of equipping students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to navigate rapid technological and cultural transformation. In a world where resilience, belief in one's vision, and a willingness to embrace change are key, she highlights how the pursuit of success—and the sacrifices it demands—can inspire future generations to dream bigger and achieve more.

You'll learn:

• The key to preparing students isn't academic achievement but teaching them how to adapt and lead with vision.

• What it means to empower students to borrow belief from those who guide them.

• Why embracing storytelling is essential for connecting across generations and building trust in the workplace.

• What role delayed gratification plays in shaping visionary leaders for the future.

• How teaching "how to human" skills revolutionizes workforce readiness.

About the Guest:

Jasmine Star, a world-class speaker, thought leader, podcast host, CEO, and entrepreneur, is dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential. Beginning her entrepreneurial journey as an internationally recognized wedding photographer, she transitioned into a sought-after speaker and business strategist for creative entrepreneurs, spending nearly a decade empowering business owners worldwide to take risks and live boldly. She later founded Social Curator, a tech company offering a monthly subscription service that functions as a digital marketing agency, complete with an AI-powered social media manager providing customized marketing content. As a top podcast host and keynote speaker, Jasmine's mission is to inspire professionals to transform how they approach their ambitions. Her approach focuses on helping individuals build the future they desire by recognizing and unlocking their own potential, no matter the obstacles in their path.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Jasmine Star & Social Curator

Website: https://www.socialcurator.com/

Listen: The Jasmine Star Show

LinkedIn: @jasmine-star

Instagram:@jasminestar

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we'd love to hear from you!

What if the 2028 Olympics didn't just bring medals, but a housing revolution? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo sits down with Kurt Peterson, Co-President of Unite Here Local 11, to explore the mounting pressures facing hospitality workers in Los Angeles, and the explosive opportunity that the 2028 Olympics might represent. Peterson doesn't mince words. From natural disasters like wildfires to economic disruptions like COVID-19, hospitality workers have repeatedly borne the brunt of crisis after crisis. And while tourism is rebounding, the industry's recovery has largely left workers behind. Peterson argues that the real crisis now isn't just wages, it's housing. As the world turns its eyes toward LA in 2028, Peterson makes one thing clear: if the Olympics can afford luxury, it can and must afford dignity, equity, and a place for workers to call home.

You'll learn:

• What mega-events like the Olympics could mean for Labor Rights.

• How employers use crises to cut labor and what unions are doing about it.

• How housing became the central fight for LA workers.

• Why the decommissioned Santa Monica Airport could be LA's housing lifeline.

• Learn why Unite Here Local 11 is prepared to stage an unprecedented strike during the 2028 Olympics.

About the Guest:

Kurt Petersen is Co-President of UNITE HERE Local 11, representing over 35,000 hotel and food service workers across Southern California and Arizona. A Notre Dame alum with studies in theology and philosophy, Kurt nearly joined the Jesuits before earning his law degree from Yale and organizing with the United Farm Workers, where he helped secure Washington State's first farm worker union contract. Since 1995, he has led efforts that brought over 25,000 workers into UNITE HERE and helped transform Local 11 into a major political and labor force. He's currently leading the largest hotel strike in U.S. history, with over 10,000 workers striking 175 times at 54 hotels. The resulting contracts include historic wage increases and are set to expire just before the 2028 LA Olympics. Kurt was recently named to the Los Angeles Times 2024 LA Influential list alongside Co-Presidents Ada Briceño and Susan Minato.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

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Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Kurt Petersen & UNITE HERE Local 11

Websites: https://unitehere.org/

Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram: @UNITEHERE YouTube: @uniteherevideos

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

Understanding women entrepreneurs' diverse funding needs is essential and women's business centers play a vital role, especially in times of crisis. More than just financial support, these centers offer guidance, community, and critical resources to help women navigate challenges and grow their businesses. Corinne Goble, CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC), brings a personal passion to this work, inspired by her mother's success in a male-dominated field. She champions boldness, strong support networks, or "bail teams," and access to tailored programs like AWBC's Hope2Women. Goble also emphasizes the role of inclusive education in opening doors for women across traditionally male-dominated industries.

You'll learn:

• The role women's business centers play in helping women entrepreneurs thrive against the odds.

• Why promoting inclusivity in male-dominated industries matters.

• Why women entrepreneurs' ideas deserve investment and how their leadership shapes the future of business.

• How women's business centers offer resources specifically designed to support and elevate women-owned businesses.

• Why understanding the diverse funding needs of women entrepreneurs is essential to building an inclusive and dynamic economy.

About the Guest:

Since becoming CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC) in January 2019, Corinne Goble has focused on strengthening the network's sustainability and capacity. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, she and her advocacy team quickly mobilized to secure vital resources for Women's Business Centers (WBCs), helping them support small businesses on the front lines. Goble's current priorities include modernizing and reauthorizing the WBC program while expanding the now 145-center network. She also engages in broader small business initiatives, from digital skills to international trade, and is a founding member of the USMCA SME Counselor Network, supporting export growth across North America.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Corinne Goble & the Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC)

Websites: https://awbc.org/ & https://hope2women.org/

LinkedIn: @corinne-goble

Facebook: @awbc.org

LinkedIn: @awbc

TikTok: @awbcofficial

Twitter/X: @AWBC_USA

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

How can work-based learning shape the future of education and careers? Tim Aldinger, Vice President of Workforce and Climate Innovation at Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC), explores how combining real-world experience with classroom learning boosts talent development, retention, and industry collaboration. Initiatives like the Work-Based Learning Planning Pilot demonstrate that education and industry can work together effectively. Community colleges play a key role in creating accessible, affordable pathways, especially in emerging fields like climate resilience. By offering solutions like credit for prior learning and stackable credentials, they ensure more equitable workforce opportunities for underserved communities.

You'll learn:

• How work-based learning benefits students.

• Key ways for creating equitable workforce pathways.

• How industry partnerships can create thriving work-based learning programs.

• The role of community colleges in workforce preparation.

• Why reflective learning is important in professional development.

About the Guest:

Tim has spent two decades championing work-based learning, leveraging his firsthand experience to enhance programs for diverse learners across California. He has worked locally and nationally in the public workforce system, co-founded the California Workforce Association's Executive Bootcamp, and dedicated the last ten years to supporting California community colleges. Before joining FoundationCCC in 2013, Tim served as the Manager of Training and Special Projects for the National Association of Workforce Boards, offering strategic planning and consultation. His career began as a Youth Program Officer at the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh, PA, after his first job detasseling corn in southeastern Wisconsin.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Tim Aldinger & Foundation for California Community Colleges

Website: https://foundationccc.org/

LinkedIn:@tim-aldinger

Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn: @foundationccc

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

What does it take to build a clean energy economy? Kate Gordon, CEO of CA FWD (California Forward), believes it's about more than just new technology—it's about putting communities first, preparing for the emerging career opportunities, and making sustainability a part of everyday decision-making. Creating a greener, more resilient future requires everyone to play a role, from policymakers to local businesses to individuals. CA FWD invites people to share their thoughts and questions on the clean energy transition because real progress happens when we work together.

You'll learn:

• Why community benefits plans are important for large-scale energy projects.

• How job opportunities in regenerative agriculture, adaptation planning, and wetland restoration contribute to sustainability.

• Why zoned industrial land is crucial for manufacturing growth in the clean energy sector.

• Why partnerships between educational institutions, industries, labor, and government are essential for workforce readiness.

• What job opportunities are emerging in the clean energy economy, and how individuals can prepare for them.

About the Guest:

Kate Gordon, CEO of CA FWD, has spent over two decades at the intersection of climate change, energy policy, and equitable economic development. She previously served as Senior Advisor to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, leading initiatives like the Community Benefits Plan under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative. Before that, she was Director of California's Office of Planning and Research and Senior Climate Policy Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, spearheading programs like California Jobs First and the state's first integrated climate budget. Gordon also founded the Risky Business Project, assessing the financial risks of climate change, and held leadership roles at think tanks like the Paulson Institute and the Center for American Progress. She holds a J.D. and a master's from UC Berkeley, teaches at UC Berkeley, and serves as a Non-resident Scholar at Carnegie California.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Kate Gordon & CA FWD

Website: https://cafwd.org/

LinkedIn: @kategordonconsulting & @california-forward

X/Twitter & Instagram: @movecafwd

YouTube: @caforward

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

What drives innovation and diversity in sports and technology? Albert Basilio, founder of Launchball, is merging these industries to create immersive experiences while championing inclusion. He sheds light on the barriers Latino founders face in securing capital and discusses the power of support networks in entrepreneurial success. Basilio also explores how community colleges and universities can bridge the gap between education and industry, fostering the next generation of diverse sports professionals. Discover how collaboration and community can shape the future of sports and tech.

You'll learn:

• How Launchball is shaping the future of work in sports and technology through diversity and inclusion.

• The challenges Latino founders face in accessing capital—and how to overcome them.

• Why equity is a priority for PCC in expanding student opportunities.

• How Launchball enhances participant experiences by merging sports and technology.

About the Guest:

Albert Basilio, a 29-year-old Mexican American entrepreneur, is the founder of Launchball, a pioneering company at the intersection of sports and technology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Albert's journey showcases the challenges and triumphs of leading a Latino-driven startup in the competitive sports tech industry. Albert's commitment to innovation and diversity is exemplified through his efforts to create a more inclusive workplace, reflecting his personal experiences and dedication to empowering underrepresented communities in tech.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Albert Basilio & Launchball

Website: https://launchballsport.com/

LinkedIn: @albert-basilio

Instagram & TikTok: @launchballsport

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

How can small businesses rebuild after a crisis like the recent LA fires? The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a crucial role in recovery; offering financial assistance, business counseling, and disaster relief. Many independent contractors and home-based businesses don't realize they qualify for SBA loans, but resources are available for a wide range of business types. Julie Clowes, Director of SBA's Los Angeles District Office, joins us to discuss how the SBA provides critical support, especially in times of rebuilding after disaster. From financial assistance to business counseling, the SBA helps entrepreneurs access vital aid. Their local assistance tool on SBA.gov connects businesses with nearby advisors and recovery services. In response to the fires, the SBA is actively providing financial relief and guidance to help businesses, homeowners, and communities rebuild—while also emphasizing policy changes and mitigation efforts to strengthen future resilience.

You'll learn:

• How small businesses can access resources like district offices and business centers.

• What kind of assistance the SBA has to offer in response to the recent LA fires.

• Who is encouraged to apply for SBA loans and aid.

• Learn critical strategies for small businesses to prepare for and recover from future disasters.

• Where individuals can locate resources based on their zip code for small business assistance.

About the Guest:

Julie Clowes is the Director of SBA's Los Angeles District Office where she oversees delivery of SBA's programs and services within Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Prior to joining the LADO Julie held numerous positions within SBA including Acting Deputy Associate Administrator -Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Director of the San Francisco District Office, Deputy District Director of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Chief Marketing & Outreach attorney in the Office of General Counsel and Public Affairs Specialist with the Michigan District Office. Julie also volunteers her time for colorectal cancer advocacy efforts and was a Board member of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Julie Clowes & U.S. Small Business Administration

Website: https://www.sba.gov/

LinkedIn: @julie-clowes & @us-small-business-administration

Facebook & X (Twitter): @sba.gov

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

What does it take to transform higher education and create lasting change for underrepresented students? Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, shares his passion for equity, detailing how initiatives like Black Student Success Week and Senate Bill 1348 are redefining what it means to support Black and underrepresented students across academic and workforce landscapes. With his signature "Unapologetic Leadership," he challenges educators, policymakers, and community partners to rethink traditional approaches and build systems that not only promote academic achievement but also pave the way for livable, rewarding careers.

You'll learn:

• The importance of establishing a support system for Black and underrepresented students in higher education.

• How bipartisan initiatives like voter registration can help in driving positive change.

• Why it is crucial to establish partnerships between education and industry for providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.

• The role of grant programs in supporting Black-serving institutions and enhancing student success.

• Key objectives of Senate Bill 1348 in transforming institutions to better serve Black students.

About the Guest:

Dr. Keith Curry is the President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, overseeing all departments and serving as secretary for the Board of Trustees. Known for his energetic and innovative approach in higher education administration, he has led multiple ACCJC Visiting Teams as Accreditation Team Chair since 2017. In June 2020, he was invited by Governor Newsom's Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education to join the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Task Force.

A champion for equity, Dr. Curry co-founded and chairs Black Student Success Week, and he leads national panels and advisory committees focused on Black student enrollment. He also contributes to the California Alliance for Open Education Steering Committee and the USC Racial Equity in Guided Pathways Commission Taskforce. Since 2021, he has served as a Distinguished Research Fellow/Adjunct Faculty at CSU Los Angeles Charter College of Education. Dr. Curry earned his doctorate in educational leadership from UC Irvine and his bachelor's degree in American studies from UC Santa Cruz.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Dr. Keith Curry & Compton College

Websites: https://iamkeithcurry.org/

https://www.compton.edu/index.aspx

LinkedIn:@keith-curry

X/Twitter, Instagram: @IamKeithCurry

Facebook: @comptonedu

X/Twitter & Instagram: @compton_college

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

What skills will students need to lead the charge for events like the LA28 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup? Monique Reaves, Chief Revenue Officer of the iconic Rose Bowl stadium and the first Latina in an executive role at the Rose Bowl Operating Company, discusses the importance of aligning educational programs with industry demands to prepare future leaders. She advocates for incorporating creativity, sustainability, and diversity into workforce development while emphasizing accessible, community-centered hiring practices. Through innovative collaborations, such as the Rose Bowl's partnership with AEG Golden Voice, Reaves illustrates how blending tradition with modern strategies can drive economic growth, elevate event management standards, and empower communities to meet the challenges of global events.

You'll learn:

• Why educators and institutions need to collaborate with industries for workforce needs.

• The role of workforce diversity in serving communities during significant events like the LA28 Olympics.

• What new requirements in event management educational programs should address.

• How the event management industry can balance tradition and innovation.

• Why it is crucial to emphasize diversity and inclusion in leadership roles for workforce development.

About the Guest:

Monique Reaves is the Chief Revenue Officer for the Rose Bowl Operating Company and is responsible for all concert and sporting event bookings. Leading the charge on revenue management and generation for Americas Stadium, she oversees and supports stadium sponsorship, premium seating, enterprise events, and tours sales departments. Most notably, she booked the Rose Bowl Stadium's first sellout concert of two consecutive nights by a female artist of Latin-American descent, Karol G. She has been a part of the sports and entertainment industry since 2009, following a successful internship with America's Stadium, where she has since received several national accolades for her risk-taking revenue ventures.

Before joining the Rose Bowl Stadium full-time, Monique held positions with American Golf and Lucky Strike Entertainment.

Monique graduated from Long Beach State and resides in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, with her family.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Monique Reaves & the Rose Bowl Stadium

Website: https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/

LinkedIn: @moniquemreaves & @rose-bowl-operating-company

Instagram, X/Twitter, & Facebook: @RoseBowlStadium

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!

What will it take to prepare today's students for leadership in a workforce that's evolving faster than ever before? Jasmine Star, CEO of Social Curator, challenges educators and leaders at the Pasadena City College Future of Work Conference to rethink traditional teaching methods and embrace a paradigm shift. She underlines the importance of equipping students with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to navigate rapid technological and cultural transformation. In a world where resilience, belief in one's vision, and a willingness to embrace change are key, she highlights how the pursuit of success—and the sacrifices it demands—can inspire future generations to dream bigger and achieve more.

You'll learn:

• The key to preparing students isn't academic achievement but teaching them how to adapt and lead with vision.

• What it means to empower students to borrow belief from those who guide them.

• Why embracing storytelling is essential for connecting across generations and building trust in the workplace.

• What role delayed gratification plays in shaping visionary leaders for the future.

• How teaching "how to human" skills revolutionizes workforce readiness.

About the Guest:

Jasmine Star, a world-class speaker, thought leader, podcast host, CEO, and entrepreneur, is dedicated to helping individuals reach their fullest potential. Beginning her entrepreneurial journey as an internationally recognized wedding photographer, she transitioned into a sought-after speaker and business strategist for creative entrepreneurs, spending nearly a decade empowering business owners worldwide to take risks and live boldly. She later founded Social Curator, a tech company offering a monthly subscription service that functions as a digital marketing agency, complete with an AI-powered social media manager providing customized marketing content. As a top podcast host and keynote speaker, Jasmine's mission is to inspire professionals to transform how they approach their ambitions. Her approach focuses on helping individuals build the future they desire by recognizing and unlocking their own potential, no matter the obstacles in their path.

Engage with us:

LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD

Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com

Visit: PCC EWD website

More from Jasmine Star & Social Curator

Website: https://www.socialcurator.com/

Listen: The Jasmine Star Show

LinkedIn: @jasmine-star

Instagram:@jasminestar

Partner with us! Contact our host Salvatrice Cummo directly: [email protected]

Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking

Find the transcript of this episode here

Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts, we'd love to hear from you!