Breaking Barriers: Reimagining Career Pathways for the Next Generation with Jesse Diaz Director of Market Development Los Angeles at Propel America Episode 162

For many students, alternative career pathways are the key to unlocking systemic barriers and breaking through rigid environments that keep economic mobility out of reach. Salvatrice Cummo sits down with Jesse Diaz, the Director of Market Development Los Angeles at Propel America to unpack how to build more equitable career opportunities. As a first-generation Latino college graduate and lifelong educator, Jesse brings a powerful personal journey—growing up in Boyle Heights and navigating nontraditional pathways from athletics to nonprofit leadership. Together, they dive into the challenges young adults face in building stable careers, the impact of rising college costs, and the barriers that marginalized communities often encounter. Join us to discover how reimagining career pathways can create more equitable opportunities and build a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future. You'll learn: Why alternative career pathways—like tuition-free, debt-free training and apprenticeships—are critical for both economic mobility and meeting urgent workforce needs. How mentorship, wraparound support, and innovative community partnerships transform the lives of students grappling with systemic barriers. How educational institutions and community organizations work together to address obstacles keeping marginalized communities out of the workforce. Why it is imperative to challenge conventional views about the connection between education and employment. About the Guest: Jesse Diaz is Propel's Director of Market Development, Los Angeles. He is a proud Los Angeles native from the working-class neighborhood of Boyle Heights. He graduated from Roosevelt High School as a scholar-athlete and went on to pursue his passion for football, earning his Bachelor's at Doane College. Although an injury ended his playing career, it led him to discover his passion for education and supporting our youth facing systemic barriers. Jesse went on to serve as AmeriCorps member with City Year San Antonio igniting his desire to become an educator. He returned to Los Angeles and later earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Administration as a graduate assistant coaching Division 2 football at Eastern New Mexico University. Most recently, he served as a Student Support Specialist with SIATech Academy South, an Independent Studies High School. Engage with us: LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @PasadenaCityCollegeEWD Join our newsletter for more on this topic: ewdpulse.com Visit: PCC EWD website More from Jesse Diaz & Propel America LinkedIn: @Propel America & @Jesse Diaz Instagram: @propel.america Facebook: @PropelAmerica Website: https://www.propelamerica.org/ Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo, directly: [email protected] Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking Find the transcript of this episode here Please rate us and leave us your thoughts and comments on Apple Podcasts; we'd love to hear from you!