UNITE-LA was thrilled to host a session on Exploring Apprenticeship Programs: A Pathway to Business Growth and Success at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) Statewide Conference in August.

UNITE-LA’s Edgar Castillo, senior manager of Workforce Development Systems & Policy, presented at the Valley Industry & Commerce Association’s (VICA's) Labor & Employment Committee meeting to discuss updates on the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA).

In August, UNITE-LA had the privilege of co-hosting a webinar with the National Association of Women Business Owners – Los Angeles (NAWBO-LA), highlighting the critical intersection of child care policies and women-owned small businesses.

UNITE-LA provided input in a recent LAist article, “Why flawed maps showing internet access may cost L.A. millions of dollars in public funding.” Be sure to check it out to see why it is critical internet access maps are accurate.

During the 2023-24 legislative season, UNITE-LA advocated for AB 2239, a State of California digital discrimination ordinance.

LA DEAL was able to help secure a total of $200,000 for 10 municipalities in Los Angeles County, from the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF).

Our partners at New CA Coalition featured an interview with UNITE-LA's Senior Vice President of Policy, Sonia Campos-Rivera, in their publication showcasing our work to uplift young Angelenos and promote economic mobility in the region. Key focus areas include collaboration between businesses, community leaders and advocacy groups to drive positive changes. The full interview may be viewed here.

UNITE-LA worked closely with Child Care Resource Center (CCRC) and Valley Industry Coalition Association (VICA) to develop an op-ed around the need to maintain state ECE/child care investments to ensure a thriving economy. The op-ed was published by the Los Angeles Business Journal making the case that child care is critical to working families, particularly women of color and that business agrees these investments are key to ensure a thriving economy. The op-ed is viewable here.

UNITE-LA supported business organization partner the North Bay Leadership Council to advance an op-ed in the Press Democrat, focused on the crucial need for Cal Grant reform. The North Bay Leadership Council has been a staunch supporter of the effort since 2021. UNITE-LA, in partnership with the CA Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and a dozen other advocacy organizations led a renewed effort this year to fully fund Cal Grant Reform in the budget. The article may be viewed here.

The UNITE-LA Postsecondary Systems team recently completed a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on student-centered transfer pathways with Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) and their feeder community colleges. Cal Poly Pomona, a key partner in the L.A. Region K-16 Collaborative and the L.A. Compact, has been a part of UNITE-LA’s broader transfer pathways work since 2017. This CoP was dedicated to refining transfer pathways and addressing regional equity gaps, with a strong focus on supporting underrepresented student populations.