Imperial County, CA — The California Workforce Development Board convened in the Imperial Valley for a full day of meetings, discussions, and site visits focused on workforce development, education alignment, and the region’s legacy and emerging industries.
The visit was led by Kaina Pereira, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board, alongside senior leadership including Michael Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Director, Angela Mendibles, Deputy Director, and Emily Sunahara, Deputy Director, underscoring the State’s commitment to place-based workforce solutions tailored to regional needs.
Local leaders welcomed state and regional partners at the San Diego State University Imperial Valley Science & Engineering Laboratories in Brawley, a newly opened, state-of-the-art facility designed to expand STEM education and directly support workforce development connected to the region’s growing clean energy and Lithium Valley economy.
“Imperial County is showing how equity-focused, regionally based workforce strategies can open doors to good jobs while meeting the talent needs of growing industries,” said Kaina Pereira, Executive Director, California Workforce Development Board. “By aligning education and training with regional priorities – from agriculture to clean energy – we are strengthening collaboration among local partners to expand opportunity and grow the regional economy.”
The day began with guided tours of the Science & Engineering Laboratories, officially opened in August 2025. The facility represents a significant public investment in place-based talent development, providing hands-on instructional and research space that supports aligned STEM pathways, applied learning, and regional economic growth.
Workforce conversations throughout the day were grounded in the realities of the Imperial Valley. A legacy industry spotlight highlighted agriculture and food systems, focusing on workforce needs across production, research, and ag-technology, as well as strategies to support innovation, irrigation efficiency, and workforce transitions into emerging ag-tech roles.
The visit also included a stop at the Imperial Valley Research Center, where participants learned about ongoing agricultural research, innovation, and applied science supporting crop production, sustainability, and workforce training in the region. State leaders expressed strong interest in the Center’s potential to further align research, education, and workforce development, particularly as agriculture continues to intersect with technology, climate resilience, and emerging career pathways.
A working lunch brought together leaders from Imperial County Workforce Development, Imperial Valley College, and San Diego State University Imperial Valley to discuss education and workforce alignment, regional capacity and funding challenges, and opportunities to strengthen coordinated career pathways responsive to current and emerging labor market needs.
“This convening underscores the importance of coordinated workforce solutions that reflect the unique strengths and needs of Imperial County. Through strong partnerships with our local colleges, universities, and employers, we are expanding access to training and careers that support economic growth and community resilience,” said Priscilla A. Lopez, Director of Workforce & Economic Development, Imperial County.
Additional local leaders participating in the discussions included Efrain Silva, Dean of Workforce & Economic Development, Imperial Valley College and Board Member, Imperial County Workforce Development Board; Dr. Gina Núñez-Mchiri, Dean, San Diego State University Imperial Valley; and John McMillan, AVP of Economic Development, San Diego State University.
The afternoon featured presentations and discussions focused on clean energy, geothermal development, and Lithium Valley. Presenters included Vince Signorotti, Vice President of Government Relations for EnergySource Minerals, Mark Gran, Community Relations Manager for CalEnergy, Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley, and Imperial County Assistant CEO Bari Bean, who shared insights on project timelines, workforce demand, training capacity, and the importance of local hiring and wraparound support as large-scale energy and critical minerals projects advance.
Participants then joined Assistant CEO Bari Bean for a guided Lithium Valley driving tour, highlighting existing geothermal facilities, and the region’s geothermal mud pots, while providing updates on planning efforts, community engagement, and workforce opportunities tied to future development. The visit wrapped up with a stop at Westmorland Date Shake, allowing visitors to experience and support one of the areas local small businesses that features both honey and dates from the region.
Imperial County also extends its thanks to Dr. Gina Núñez-Mchiri, Dean of San Diego State University Imperial Valley, for welcoming participants into the campus and laboratory spaces, as well as to the Imperial County Workforce Development team for their coordination, leadership, and ongoing commitment to building a skilled local workforce.
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