UNITE-LA is thrilled to announce that our partner and friend Luis Sandoval, executive director of Building Skills Partnership (BSP), has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award by the National Skills Coalition (NSC). The Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award was established by the NSC’s board of directors in 2021 in memory of their beloved, fellow board member and one of the most important leaders in the organization’s history. Alma served as the executive vice president of UNITE-LA before her passing in 2020. Alma was a spectacular colleague and human who spent her career fighting for high-quality education and training for students and workers.

The award is given annually to a member of NSC’s network who exemplifies Alma’s commitment to bringing together uncommon allies in support of inclusive skills policy. This recognition is a testament to Sandoval's exceptional efforts in fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and advancing policies that uplift immigrant workers and their families across California. Under Sandoval's visionary leadership, we are excited to further strengthen our collaborative efforts with the BSP team, aiming to create an inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Furthermore, UNITE-LA is pleased to serve alongside Sandoval in a targeted workgroup designed to develop and implement the Jobs@LAX Academy, which helps prepare individuals for jobs at the airport.