On July 21, IECF convened our second Inland Empire Legislators’ Roundtable. Led by IECF’s President and CEO, Michelle Decker, the roundtable continues to be a powerful space for aligning policy, philanthropy, and community voice to drive meaningful change in the Inland Empire. District directors, legislative staff, and regional leaders joined us for a focused conversation on workforce development and how state investments are showing up in our region.
San Bernardino Valley College hosted the roundtable in their new 114,000-square-foot Applied Technology Building. It’s a state-of-the-art space designed for hands-on training, and it reflects how California’s Community Colleges are responding to regional demand. These institutions are California’s largest workforce engine, and they’re instrumental in building a talent pipeline to meet both local industry demand and statewide goals for economic mobility.
Guests toured the new facility and heard from education leaders, including Dr. Linda Vazquez, Assistant Vice Chancellor at California Community Colleges; Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District; Dr. Golvert Contreras, President of San Bernardino Valley College; and Dr. Vanessa Thomas, Dean of Applied Technology, Transportation, and Culinary Arts.
Following the presentations, legislative staff and community leaders talked about what’s needed across the Inland Empire to close workforce gaps and expand opportunity. From equity challenges to career pathways, the conversation focused on what it takes to align public investment with community-driven solutions. These types of exchanges help connect Sacramento’s policy direction with the day-to-day experiences of communities throughout our region.
IECF launched the Legislators’ Roundtable Series to strengthen that connection. When policymakers, educators, and community partners are in the same room, it becomes easier to align funding and strategy around shared priorities. Our region holds distinct opportunities and complex challenges. The Roundtable sessions are designed to help legislators recognize and respond to the full scope of what the Inland Empire contributes, and what it needs to thrive.
We’ll keep convening spaces like this to make sure the Inland Empire’s voice is clear in the decisions shaping our future. IECF’s next roundtable will take place this fall to continue the conversation around workforce and education. We’re grateful to everyone who is helping us build these connections and bring more attention to what matters here. To learn more, contact Graciela Moran, Manager, Office of Policy & Engagement.
This roundtable series is part of IECF’s broader commitment to bridging policy, philanthropy, and local priorities. When we lead with collaboration, we move the region forward.
Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.
