RCCD Workforce and Economic Development Staff Participate in Congresswoman Norma Torres’ 10th Annual Made in the 35th Congressional District Manufacturing Tour Series

08/29/2025

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Workforce, Economic Development, and Government Relations staff were invited to participate in Congresswoman Norma Torres’ 10th Annual Made in the 35th Congressional District Manufacturing Tour Series. The Workforce and Economic Development Education Roundtable was attended by more than 20 participants on Aug. 19 in the Inland Empire region. RCCD attendees included Director of Workforce and Economic Development Jason Kennedy, Director of Inland Empire Tech Bridge Robert Mason, and Director of Government Relations LaShe’ Rodriguez. Other higher education participants included Director of Strategic Partnerships Preethi Talwar from Chaffey College’s Industrial Technical Learning Center (InTech) and UC Riverside labor and economic development staff. 

 

The meeting brought together community college and university leaders, economic partnership organizations such as the Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) and Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO), and local chambers of commerce for a discussion about the development of the Inland Empire’s workforce and manufacturing base over the last 10 years, a current assessment of the region, and future strategic recommendations. 

Topics discussed included: 

• • • Impacts of federal investments in workforce development and the expansion of the manufacturing industry in the Inland Empire. 

• • • Challenges and successes from 2015–2025. 

• • • An assessment of the current state of the region. 

• • • Policy solutions to strengthen the Inland Empire’s manufacturing sector and workforce. 
      
      

In the Inland Empire, key sectors with potential for growth through workforce training, upskilling, reskilling, and apprenticeships include healthcare, manufacturing, and drone technology. As higher education leaders, employers, and workforce and training staff engaged in discussion, collaboration was emphasized as critical to advancing the region’s skilled manufacturing workforce. 

Jason Kennedy said, “By aligning education and workforce training with industry needs, RCCD is helping ensure the Inland Empire remains a hub for innovation and opportunity in manufacturing.” 

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications