The PCC EWD 2024 Future Of Work Conference – Part 1: Hosts and Moderator

The house was full for Tuesday’s Future of Work Conference (FOW), hosted by the Economic and Workforce Development division of Pasadena City College (PCC EWD). The theme of the event was “Championing a Transformative Future,” with the primary focus being on ‘Sports,’ as those activities – both professional and amateur – impact Los Angeles and its constituents. Panelists, speakers, and audience members expanded the scope of the conversation to include equity, opportunity, and emerging workforce demands in the city and region. Not least, the status and accomplishments of the 2024 Los Angeles ChangeMaker of the Year recipient, Dr. Jim Lancaster of the Los Angeles Community College District, reminded everyone that anyone can improve their lot in life and their neighborhood, one car engine at a time.

Sports – Always Drawing a Crowd

It may have been the Sports theme that attracted 240 in-person guests to PCC’s Westerbeck Hall (with an unknown number attending online), or it may have been the excellence of the speakers and panelists who graced the stage. The PCC EWD FOW Conference team had gathered a notable roster of ‘who’s who’ in their sporting field, and everyone brought their best game (pun intended). No matter the personal reasons for attending, all guests were entertained and enlightened by the conversation and were given much to think about as they headed back to their world.

Speakers and Hosts

Host Dr. Salvatrice Cummo, Vice President, PCC EWD division, opened the day, welcoming guests and introducing participants.

Dr. Jose Gomez

The first to speak was the new President/Superintendent of PCC, Dr. Jose Gomez. Dr. Gomez arrived at PCC in early 2024, bringing with him decades of educational leadership excellence. In his most recent position as COO at Cal State University – LA (among many, many significant accomplishments), he championed higher education in prisons, promoted inclusion in the biosciences sector, and helped to found Achieve LA, a partnership with the YMCA to support youth in under-resourced, communities.  

Dr. Gomez also pointed out Pasadena’s notable presence in the region:

• The Rose Bowl hosted its first football game in 1922.
• The New York Yankees stayed at the Langham Hotel while in town for their first World Series game.
• Even Albert Einstein spent time in Pasadena!  

He is very enthusiastic about his new role at PCC and about the prospects of PCC students pursuing careers in the sports industry.

Assemblyman Mike Fong

Assemblyman Mike Fong also took the stage. As the Representative for District 49, Mr. Fong has pursued initiatives to reduce homelessness, add jobs, and expand access to education. From his perspective, the sports industry provides a broad scope of career opportunities unrelated to games or playing. Logistics, hospitality, and marketing are just three industry sectors that play an immense role in the success of any sports team.

Stephen Cheung, CEO LAEDC & WTCLA

Acting as host and moderator of the panel discussion was Stephen Cheung, the President and CEO of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), as well as the President of the World Trade Center of LA. Mr. Cheung’s involvement in and influence on economic development has been exceptional:

• Currently, he oversees eight LAEDC departments, including Industry Cluster Development and Applied Economics. The work done by the LAEDC and WTCLA touches virtually every industrial sector in the LA region and the State of California.  
• Earlier, he was Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for two LA mayors, developing programs for LA’s port systems (including LAX and the Port of Los Angeles, which includes both LA and Long Beach ports and is the largest port system in America), green technologies, and international trade.

Not surprisingly, Mr. Cheung proved to be an excellent moderator of the Panel discussion, which is covered in this edition’s second article.

The 2024 Change Maker Award – Dr. Jim Lancaster

The Economic and Workforce Development division of Pasadena City College (PCC EWD) is honored to announce Dr. Jim Lancaster as the recipient of its 2024 Change Maker Award. Dr. Lancaster is the Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development for the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCCD). The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the 6th Annual PCC EWD Future of Work Conference.

Dr. Lancaster’s dedication to his industry and his students led to his selection as the recipient of this year’s award, which highlights the activities of notable participants in LA County’s EWD sector. Dr. Lancaster’s Associate in Science (AS) degree in Automotive Technology from Cerritos College launched his automotive mechanic career, and he used his experience as a Master Chevrolet Technician to pursue higher education in the automotive field. He began teaching automotives at Cerritos as he worked through his academic goals, achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education from CSU Long Beach, an MA in Industrial and Technical Studies from CSU Los Angeles, and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Community College Specialization from CSU Fullerton. Time spent at Citrus College as a faculty member (and President of the faculty association) and at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College as Vice President of Instruction facilitated his eventual appointment as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles City College. That role was quickly followed by his current assignment as Vice Chancellor, Workforce and Economic Development for the LACCD.     

Throughout his career, Dr. Lancaster continuously forged partnerships between academia and industry.

• He recognized the value of hands-on learning and developed pathways to career success based on individual student goals and the industrial demands of the evolving automotive sector.
• He’s also been very effective at ensuring learners gain insights into equity principles in the workplace, so their participation includes both excellent work skills and civic responsibility.
• His contributions added substantial value to the Advantage LA Plan, which helps older students and workers find the unique support they need.

Across his years in the industry, Dr. Lancaster has fostered relationships between businesses, educators, and industry leaders, connecting market demands to student career objectives. His efforts have secured the success of both student success and workforce development initiatives, empowering learners to engage more closely with their careers while facilitating innovation and evolution within industrial sectors.

Congratulations, Dr. Lancaster!