October 19, 2026
Education & Workforce Development
Seminar 2 of LEAD Impact brought together regional leaders in higher education and workforce development for a behind-the-scenes look at how the two can join forces to make a real impact on people, starting as early as 5th grade, teaching the cohort about the importance of collaboration and mentorship.
The Impact program wouldn’t be possible without our amazing partners. Thank you to Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA) for hosting us, National University, our CEU provider, SDGE, our series sponsor, and Hunter Industries, our scholarship sponsor.
We kicked off the day with a warm welcome from LEAD Executive Director Veronica Perondi, who walked the cohort through the agenda and framed the day. She then introduced Hanna Jensen (22), Chief Impact Officer at JA, who shared how the organization has become integral to San Diego’s education system. This simulation-style experience gives kids the autonomy to hold a job, budget, spend, and manage their time, along with many other real-life skills.
Our first presentation featured Shannon Coulter, Ph.D., Director of Research & Evaluation at the San Diego County Office of Education, who gave the class a broad view of the region’s schools through current data. He noted that test scores are falling worldwide, though San Diego Unified is leading the way in certain subjects, including math and reading. He also touched on the looming effects of AI and social media, and how schools are pivoting their curriculum in response. Shannon also highlighted the intersection of economic disparity and education: absences spike in high-poverty districts, and those absences disrupt learning more than one might expect. He closed with ways our cohort can help, including reinforcing the idea that every school day counts, backing what’s working, building AI fluency in educational roles, and keeping the ladder open by offering internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships that help students finish their credentials, not just start them.
We were then joined by U.S. Representative Scott Peters (95), CA-50, who shared the federal perspective on workforce development, including what’s happening at the state and federal levels and which policies are helping move the needle. He discussed the Employer Participation in Repayment Act, which would make employer-provided student loan payments tax-exempt up to $5,250 per year, as well as his ongoing efforts to support military families and veterans as they pursue education and transition to civilian life. He also emphasized the role of tourism in fueling our economy and bringing more funding into the region.
Next came an insightful panel moderated by Jeff Sullivan (25), Dean of Health & Human Services at PLNU. He was joined by Cristina Alfaro (22), Associate Vice President of International Affairs and Professor of International Affairs and of Multilingual and Global Education at SDSU, and Dr. Joel Pilco, Binational Programs Director at SWCCD. Together, the three leaders offered perspectives from the private university, public university, and community college sectors.
The conversation centered on cross-border education. The biggest challenge students face is the border itself, with crossing times sometimes reaching 5 hours, making it extremely difficult for students and employees living in Mexico to attend classes. The panelists also stressed that although their institutions coexist in the same sector, increased collaboration could drive significant positive change for the region. They shared encouraging developments in Tijuana, where new partnerships have led to student visas being issued in 2-3 business days, and a new border lane for students and educational employees will save students 380 hours, or 16 days, over just 2 semesters.
After a wonderful lunch, Rachel Bereza, Psy.M., President & CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), gave an in-depth look at how SDWP supports the region’s businesses and employees and the programs driving growth and sustainability. She highlighted the 36 training providers and 170 courses available to participants, how providers keep their information current and maintain status on the Eligible Training Provider list, the region’s Career Centers, and the many business services SDWP provides.
Our final presentation came from our hosts, Hanna Jensen (22), Chief Impact Officer, Madeline Bowen, Director of Workforce and Education Initiatives, and Sidd Vivek (22), President & CEO of JA. The cohort learned about JA’s fellowship program, which gives high school students an inside look at real-life careers through full days shadowing a mentor at work, along with BizTown, summer camps, and financial literacy courses. The cohort then explored BizTown, heard more about the Finance Park, and got the inside scoop on the personas students develop, the curriculum they study beforehand, and the lessons they carry with them afterward.
Seminar 2 showed us that you are never too young to start preparing for a future career, and that knowledge truly is power. Giving the next generation the tools to succeed is essential, and we can all be part of that journey!