Collective Vision, Measurable Impact: Advancing Workforce Equity in San Bernardino County

Written by Russell Degnan, CEO — Operation New Hope

This past week, I had the honor of joining the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board's Annual Retreat as a committee member of the Special Populations Committee. It was a meaningful day of reflection, alignment, and forward-looking strategy — one that reaffirmed the power of collaboration in advancing equitable workforce opportunities.

The Special Populations Committee is tasked with identifying and aligning resources for customers who may include, but are not limited to, justice-impacted individuals (reentry), people with disabilities, veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and Native American communities. Each year, we come together to assess progress toward the prior year's goals and to collaboratively propose strategic goals for the upcoming program year.

Our focus this year centered on setting clear, actionable goals for San Bernardino County's three America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) — goals that ensure community members from special populations are met with client-centered services that lead to meaningful outcomes.

What made this retreat so impactful was the collective wisdom and energy in the room. I had the privilege of spending the day alongside representatives from the Workforce Development Board, Workforce Development Department staff, and fellow committee members representing key stakeholders — including County departments, school districts, and community-based organizations. These partners are on the ground every day, delivering high-quality, life-changing services to communities that have historically been underserved.

Together, we worked to design goals that do more than meet compliance requirements — they create pathways.

The outcomes we shaped are designed to ensure San Bernardino County job seekers receive:

• Clear goals and measurable objectives
• Supportive, individualized services
• Access to certified training opportunities
• Pathways to median- and high-wage employment

We aligned our strategies with the County's in-demand career sectors, including:

• Health Care
• Skilled Trades and Union Apprenticeships
• Logistics and Transportation
• Utilities
• Construction
• Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies

This approach recognizes that workforce development must evolve with labor market demand while remaining rooted in equity and access.

The Special Populations Committee is led by Mr. Lowell King, Chair of the Committee and Regional Operations Manager at Goodwill of Southern California, whose leadership continues to anchor this work in both compassion and accountability. We are also grateful for the partnership and guidance of Mr. Robert Chavez, Assistant Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department, whose commitment to systems-level impact is evident in every discussion.

At Operation New Hope, our mission centers on restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity — particularly for individuals navigating reentry and other systemic barriers. Participating in spaces like this retreat reminds me that real change happens when public agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders move together with intention.

I left the retreat energized and confident that the goals we've put forward will help ensure San Bernardino County job seekers — especially those from special populations — are supported, prepared, and positioned to thrive.

Grateful for the opportunity to serve, collaborate, and help build pathways that lead from potential to purpose.