UNITE-LA represented at the Snap Academies' final showcase to support the graduating scholars—specifically two of our Step into Tech alumni, Joshua Pastelin, for his insightful presentation and work with Team Inclusive Identity, and Elijah Sayres, for his insightful presentation and work with Team Foster Youth.

In late August, UNITE-LA co-hosted the Southern California Apprenticeship Network (SCAN) mixer alongside Jail Guitar Doors and The C.A.P.O. Center.

UNITE-LA is deeply grateful to Avantus for their transformative support that helped us launch the Cleantech Academy over three years ago.

Last month, UNITE-LA's Sonia Campos-Rivera and Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez joined Abby Raisz of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, to present findings from UNITE-LA’s Business Perspectives on Immigrant Talent and Economic Growth report alongside the Council’s newly released immigration report at the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce’s 46th Annual Convention in Pomona.

Last month, UNITE-LA's Sonia Campos-Rivera, senior vice president, Policy & Public Affairs, presented findings from UNITE-LA’s Business Perspectives on Immigrant Talent and Economic Growth report to the New California Coalition at their partner meeting alongside the Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

Last month, UNITE-LA and partners from RALLY had the opportunity to spotlight the significant economic impact of child care in our region and to elevate the Golden State for Kids Campaign at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education and Workforce Committee meeting.

In August, UNITE-LA's Edgar Castillo, senior manager, Workforce Development Policy and Systems, spoke before the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee to request their support in signing the National Skills Coalition’s Business Leaders United Appropriations sign-on letter.

Since 2019, UNITE-LA has worked with L.A. area community colleges and California State University campuses to learn about what barriers exist that hinder students’ abilities to transfer from one institution to another. In partnership with numerous philanthropic organizations, UNITE-LA has collected and analyzed data from 20 regional institutions; brought campuses together to explore data, policies and relationships; and ideated solutions to problems identified in the process.

On Aug. 14, UNITE-LA had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Cleantech Academy Summer 2025 Graduation Ceremony, held at the John Ferraro Building in Downtown L.A. The event was an opportunity for UNITE-LA and LADWP to celebrate four Cleantech alumni, Princess Leus, Felix Peng, Jocelyn Mungia and Vivian Morales, successfully completing their 10-week summer internship program. The lively celebration featured a full agenda organized by LADWP, including a group photo, lunch, a presentation from recruitment services, intern presentations, mentor remarks and certificate presentations.

Last month, UNITE-LA's Geraldine Contreras-Jaimerena, associate director, Career Pathways and Talent Development, and Daniel De La Luz, case manager, LA Regional Cleantech Career Academy, attended the Building Resilient Futures Career Fair hosted by West Los Angeles College's (WLAC's) Center for Climate Change Education and Career Center. The event, attended by close to 300 community members, was an opportunity for UNITE-LA to engage with employers and young adults interested in pursuing careers in sustainability. Our team shared information about UNITE-LA's upcoming fall programming, including the Cleantech Academy, Step into Tech and the Tech and Health Care Career Fair.