District Workforce Development Newsletter - May 2025

Hosted by Seattle Colleges' JobLink College Navigators, the upcoming quarterly Navigator Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th, via Zoom offers a key opportunity for staff and Community-Based Organization (CBO) partners to network, learn about vital programs, and collaborate on providing wraparound support for students. This recurring meeting, typically held once per quarter, continues a tradition aimed at synchronizing efforts across the district and partner organizations. To receive the Zoom link for the May 28th meeting, please contact JobLink College Navigators Galila Getahun or Jessica Alba

The meeting generally features three speakers, either from Seattle Colleges departments or partner CBOs, who share information about their programs, updates, enrollment details, and how they work with students and navigators. Each speaker presents for about 20-25 minutes, followed by Q&A. Topics are often strategically chosen based on the time of year; for instance, spring meetings might feature Career Services to support graduating students, while fall sessions often include the Foundation to discuss scholarships. While speakers for May 28^th are still being confirmed closer to the date, potential topics discussed include Seattle Promise and Career Exploration resources.

Attendees consistently find value in learning about program updates – especially from areas like Financial Aid – and discovering resources offered by community partners. Past meetings have featured organizations like Dress for Success, leading to tangible benefits for students such as connections to interview preparation, professional attire, potential job placement support, and even laptops. As Galila Getahun noted, the goal is "learning about the programs and resources so we are well equipped to help our students," fostering a sense of "community building" for providing wraparound support.

This valuable meeting is organized by College Navigators Galila Getahun and Jessica Alba through the JobLink program, a partnership between Seattle Colleges and the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) supporting SHA residents with their education and employment goals since approximately 2017-18. These quarterly convenings help the Navigators and other student-facing staff stay "resourceful" by sharing updated information and maintaining connections across the complex support network available to students. Invitations are typically sent as calendar placeholders and updated once speakers are confirmed; student-facing staff (advisors, specialists, etc.) and relevant CBOs are the primary audience.

This session offers insights beneficial not only to Seattle Colleges staff and community partners but also to any members of the public interested in learning more about student support resources and educational pathways in our region. The Navigator Meeting is open to all who wish to attend. To receive the Zoom link for the May 28^th meeting, please contact JobLink College Navigators Galila Getahun or Jessica Alba to be added to the invitation list.

The Workforce Education Council (WEC), a key advisory body for Washington's community and technical college system, recently convened for its Spring Meeting on May 8-9 at Yakima Valley College. Representatives from Seattle Colleges attended this important gathering, that brought together educational leaders, representatives from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Centers of Excellence, organized labor, and business to advance workforce training, boost local economic development, and expand services for workers statewide.

The WEC operates under guiding principles deeply aligned with Seattle Colleges' own mission, including a commitment to leading with racial equity, supporting Guided Pathways, and fostering partnerships with business, labor, and community organizations. The council plays a crucial role in promoting high-quality workforce education and provides vital input on workforce issues to key state commissions.

The Spring Meeting agenda featured dynamic sessions, including discussions on "Strengthening Employer Partnerships," updates from "Centers of Excellence," insights on "Labor Market Data on the ESD Website" from Anneliese Vance-Sherman (ESD), and an SBCTC report. These topics directly reflect the WEC's comprehensive strategic work plan aimed at systemic improvements.

This work plan actively tackles critical areas. One key goal focuses on closing equity gaps and strengthening faculty professional development by helping colleges implement new skill standards, which includes developing toolkits with resources on DEI competencies and enhancing tech tools like ProCert. Further strategic efforts include strengthening CTE programs by equipping colleges to use data effectively for closing equity gaps—for example, by creating a library of promising practices from CLNAs and improving access to actionable workforce data. The WEC also champions stronger partnerships to eliminate barriers and improve student transitions, with a focus on areas like enhancing CTE dual credit programs, clarifying infrastructure funding arrangements, and showcasing effective collaborations between colleges, Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), and Educational Service Districts (ESDs).

The ongoing work of the Workforce Education Council is instrumental in shaping the landscape in which Seattle Colleges operates. Statewide initiatives on skill standards, equity, data utilization, dual credit, and partnerships directly inform our program development, faculty support, and our collective ability to prepare students effectively for a dynamic workforce and a more just society.

Seattle Colleges recently had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation of education leaders from seven South American nations on May 1st, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The visit, centered on the theme "Opportunities for Innovation and Partnership in Higher Education: A Regional Project for the Western Hemisphere," provided a valuable platform for international dialogue and showcased Seattle Colleges' commitment to global engagement. Among those representing Seattle Colleges were Sancha Elevado Harrison, Associate Director of Global Engagement for Seattle Colleges International Programs, and Dr. Dalia Sherif, Senior Executive Director of the District Workforce Development Office.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program¹, designed to build mutual understanding and long-term relationships between U.S. citizens and emerging leaders from around the world. Since its inception in 1940, the IVLP has engaged over 230,000 international figures, including more than 500 who later became heads of state or government. Participants are nominated by U.S. Embassies, highlighting the select nature of this initiative.

The visiting delegation included academic deputy directors, university rectors, chiefs of staff, and international office directors from esteemed institutions in Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, Perú, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Their multi-week program in the U.S., arranged by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development, aimed to explore innovative educational practices and foster potential collaborations within higher education across the Western Hemisphere.

During their time with Seattle Colleges, the leaders had the opportunity to learn about our district's innovative programs, approaches to workforce development, and strategies for building impactful partnerships. The engagement facilitated an exchange of ideas and perspectives, highlighting Seattle Colleges' role as a dynamic institution contributing to both local and global educational advancement. Such visits are instrumental in building international relationships, opening doors for future collaborations, and enhancing our district's global reputation.

¹Source: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/international-visitor-leadership-program-ivlp

The energy was palpable at Seattle Central's Unity Fair on May 22nd, one of the campus's biggest events of the year, where our Continuing Education department created a hub of heartwarming engagement and lively interaction.

Showcasing the diverse and welcoming spirit of Seattle Colleges, the Continuing Education team from Seattle Central actively engaged with an estimated 200-300 community members from all walks of life at the lively campus Unity Fair held on Thursday, May 22^nd. The event, spearheaded by Student Leadership and regarded as one of the biggest of the year, filled the campus with food trucks, activities, games, and a palpable sense of community.

For Continuing Education Program Specialist Saori Sampa and Marketing Manager Liza Burke, the fair was a remarkable success. "Our table went even better (and busier!) than Liza and I anticipated," Saori shared. "It was hands-down the most successful and lively fair we have participated in over the past three years!" Their strategically located table near a main entrance became a popular stop. Visitors enjoyed pinning their origins, travels, or dream destinations on a world map and writing "hello" or other positive words in their native languages on a whiteboard. "It was a beautiful and heartwarming way to engage with such a diverse group," Saori added, noting the interactions highlighted the broad reach of the Seattle Colleges community, far beyond King County.

The fair featured a wide array of campus departments and student clubs, including the Library, UMOJA, the M. Rosetta Hunter Gallery, FYCSC, Counseling, Seattle Promise, TRiO, and International Programs, among many others. For Saori and Liza, "visiting others’ tables was also fun and meaningful... to be connected or re-connected with them."

The enthusiastic interactions and successful outreach left the Continuing Education team "certainly energized." Their engaging approach and ability to swiftly answer questions showcased a strong commitment to student and community connection, making their presence a standout success at this year's vibrant Unity Fair.

As part of ongoing efforts to illuminate pathways to in-demand careers, Caroline O’Connell from our Workforce Development Office recently engaged with students at Franklin High School, showcasing the benefits of earning CTE Dual Credit by completing the yearlong SPS Skills Center Nursing Assistant program. This presentation highlighted a direct route for high schoolers to gain college credit alongside industry-recognized skills learnt through HS courses.

The CTE Dual Credit Skills Center for Nursing Assistant  is offered through a valuable collaboration with the Seattle Skills Center, a free Seattle Public Schools program dedicated to providing advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE). Seattle Skills Center prepares students for college, career, and life by offering hands-on technical training to current SPS students. Skills Center sites are distributed throughout the city of Seattle and offer high school credits alongside opportunities for industry-recognized credentials and/or college credits.

The Nursing Assistant program is an example of excellence in hands-on learning and foundational knowledge, as students under 18 are able to take their certification exams and start work as Certified Nursing Assistants before they even graduate from high school. Students learned more about how they can take their hard-earned CTE Dual Credit and apply it towards the next step in their career—the Registered Nurse (RN) program at Seattle Central College. Caroline highlighted some of the post-secondary training options at Seattle Central's Health Education Center, like Medical Assisting, Dental, Respiratory Care, and Surgical Technology programs. These market-demand driven courses are designed to fully engage students academically and practically, aligning with the Skills Center's mission of "Every student, in every classroom, every day... working toward their future."  

By actively presenting such programs, Seattle Colleges' Workforce Development Office plays a crucial role in fostering early connections between high school students and viable, rewarding career pathways. This outreach helps students envision their futures and understand the concrete steps they can take through programs like the CTE Dual Credit Skills Center for Nursing Assistant —an example of Seattle Colleges' commitment to providing accessible, career-focused education from its extensive portfolio of over 130 CTE programs—to achieve their goals in vital sectors like healthcare.

Organized by Dr. Eileen Jimenez, Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, this special leadership event was designed to foster collaboration and celebrate our shared values through the engaging medium of public art. The mural itself, destined to transform a campus breezeway, is a profound piece designed by Indigenous Pacific Islander Artist Toka Valu¹, who drew inspiration from artwork and stories gathered during workshops with South Seattle College students, faculty, and staff, in collaboration with Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe (Upper Skagit and Nooksack). The artwork thoughtfully incorporates creation stories, reflects on the Land that South Seattle College occupies, and includes the yəhaw̓ story, centering on themes of community care, community collaboration, and the importance of carrying knowledge into our lives.

The enthusiasm for the day was palpable, with leaders such as South Seattle College President Dr. Monica Brown, Chancellor Rimando-Chareunsap, and Senior Executive Director of Workforce Development Dr. Dalia Sherif among those seen donning aprons and joyfully participating in the painting. This hands-on involvement beautifully underscored the event's aim. The completed mural will serve as a lasting symbol of leadership unity and South’s deep commitment to equity, creativity, and student-centered transformation.

While this leadership paint day was a highlight, it was part of a larger community effort that also saw public participation on Saturday, May 17^th. Whether participants picked up a paintbrush or came to support, their collective engagement helped bring this meaningful project to life. Thank you for being part of this inspiring moment for our college community!

¹: Source: https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2025/05/12/community-invited-help-paint-new-mural-south-seattle-college

Beth Beadling’s path with Seattle Colleges started around 2004 when she decided to pursue a nursing degree. "I had attended community colleges before... and had good experiences there, so I looked into the local options after moving to Seattle," she recalls. Her first courses were prerequisites at North Seattle College, which eventually led to her acceptance into the LPN program at South Seattle College. "I earned my LPN Certificate in 2006, then worked for a couple of years and decided to pursue the RN degree," Beth shares. She was then accepted into the RN program, again at South, earning her Associate of Applied Science degree in 2009. This culmination marked a significant milestone: "My proudest moment was earning my RN degree and shortly after obtaining my RN license in the State of Washington."

Now, as an instructor teaching courses like Behavioral Health Practice, Nursing Practice, and Transitions to Professional Nursing Role, Beth finds immense joy in her work. "What I love about being an instructor here is seeing students learn and grow over the duration of the two-year nursing program," she explains. This passion extends to a profound belief in the power of education for workforce and student development. "I feel strongly about playing a role in helping someone advance intellectually and economically in life," Beth states. "Graduates from our programs go on to obtain great jobs with wages that empower them to move up in their world and do things like build a family, make investments, travel, and have a higher standard of living."

Her connection to Seattle Colleges extends beyond her own academic and professional life. Beth met her life partner of 20 years just as she was starting her LPN program. "I found out later he had also graduated from Seattle Central College (many years prior, 1979) with a Maritime degree," she shares. "When I met him, he was a Captain with the Washington State Ferries. He is now retired after a very successful career with WSF. His career at WSF started after he graduated from Seattle Central with his Marine Deck Technology degree, and over the years he worked his way to the top role of Captain." This highlights another inspiring Seattle Colleges success story within her own family.

Ultimately, Beth’s commitment to her students and Seattle Colleges is rooted in her own transformative experience. "I believe Seattle Colleges empowered me to build a very satisfying career that is truly a dream come true," she reflects. This personal conviction fuels her dedication to guiding the next generation of nursing professionals toward their own fulfilling careers.

North Seattle College recently welcomed representatives from Boeing to explore a strategic partnership with our Aviation Electronics program. The visit included a robust tour, faculty engagement, and discussions about curriculum alignment, student internships, and long-term talent pipeline development. Boeing is now actively partnering with North and South Seattle Colleges to develop scholarship opportunities, workforce pathways, and bridge programs, as well as VIP tours for students and faculty to Boeing sites in Renton and Everett.

The visiting Boeing team included: Megan Watts, Community Relations, Higher Education – specializing in workforce development and post-secondary partnerships and Terrance Chabot, Senior Program Manager – with over two decades of leadership in manufacturing, supply chain, and business operations.

Handshake & Headshots is an annual event series to spread awareness about Handshake, our student job and internship portal (more info here). These dynamic, district-wide sessions are also designed to boost students' professional development and networking capabilities and provide an opportunity to receive professional headshots – an essential tool for building their online presence.

Overall, an estimated 200 students across the colleges participated directly in the headshot and employer engagement activities. These events were made possible through collaboration with Central's First Year & Career Services department, North's Student Life & Workforce departments, South's WorkSource & Career Services, the Seattle Colleges Foundation, District Communications & Strategic Initiatives department, and the District Workforce Development team.