PACEing Your Future

Biju Kewalram brings over 30 years of C-level experience across startups and global logistics firms, having served as CIO, COO, CEO, and Chief Transformation Officer. Specializing in digital transformation, he focuses on aligning people, technology, and processes to drive change. In this podcast, Biju dives into his role in the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program at CPaCE, his career journey, and his views on how major technological and workforce shifts could reshape the logistics industry.Check out the GLP program:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs/global-logistics-professionalBiju's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/bijukewalram/

With over 18 years of experience in operations, business development, and strategic leadership across transportation, logistics, and maritime sectors, Samantha delivers innovative, results-driven solutions. At the Port of Long Beach, she led the Commercial Operations Bureau, enhancing the Port’s value proposition and expanding market share through strategic customer engagement. Her background includes key leadership roles at BNSF, where she managed industrial sales and port development strategies across the southern half of the network. More recently, she held executive roles at InductEV and Fleetzero, overseeing commercial operations, customer success, and decarbonization initiatives. Samantha brings deep expertise in rail and port business development, innovation, and electrification strategy — driving sustainable growth and transformation at the intersectionCheck out the Global Logistics Professional Program:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs/global-logistics-professionalLearn more about Rail:https://www.aar.org/rail-facts/Check out Russell Kroese:https://www.russellkroese.com/Learn about all things intermodal:https://intermodal.org/what-intermodal#gsc.tab=0

As Executive Director of the Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN) within the Long Beach Economic Development Department, Jaime Gutierrez leads the Workforce Development Bureau, which operates the City’s Adult Career Services Center and the Youth Career Services Center (aka Future LB), while advancing major personnel initiatives to strengthen talent pipelines. He provides strategic workforce and economic development leadership through planning, resource development, and investments in collaboration with business, industry, academia, federal, state and nonprofit partners. With 25 years in public service, Mr. Gutierrez most recently served as Chief Deputy Director for the California Employment Training Panel, where he managed a variety of complex, specialized programs. While at the State, he also held multiple executive-level positions and brings 13 years of workforce development experience, including five years administering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for California.Check Out the Programs Offered at CPaCE:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programsWorkforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)https://edd.ca.gov/en/Jobs_and_Training/Workforce_Innovation_and_Opportunity_ActLong Beach Workforce Innovation Network:https://www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/talent-workforce/

This podcast was recorded through Zoom. You will hear a Teams chat alert at 43:31 and 44:26.Miia Rasinen (pronounced Raz-uh-nen) is the Director of Education at the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), where she leads both in-person and virtual educational initiatives, including the Future Leaders of Intermodal Program (FLIP) and the Joanne F. Casey Scholarship Program, which proudly includes California State University, Long Beach. A lifelong advocate for learning, Miia has held various roles in the training and education space across sectors such as transportation, accreditation, and real estate, and previously taught middle school math through Teach For America. She holds a Bachelor's degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of West Virginia.Global Logistics Professional Program:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs/global-logistics-professionalIntermodal EXPO, Sept 15 – 17 in Long Beach, CA:https://intermodal.org/intermodalexpoFuture Leaders of Intermodal Program (FLIP):Future Leaders of Intermodal ProgramJoanne F. Casey Scholarship Program:Scholarship Program

Bo is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Long Beach, where he leads five key bureaus: Business Development, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Business Operations, and Waterfront Development. With a distinguished career across major U.S. cities — including Miami Beach, Denver, Broomfield, and Phoenix — Bo has championed initiatives in community revitalization, small business growth, and transit-oriented development. He brings deep expertise in business retention and attraction, public-private partnerships, and talent development, driving sustainable economic growth at both local and regional levels. Recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect, Bo holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Colorado.Learn more about the Grow Long Beach Initiative:https://www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/grow-long-beach/Check out Long Beach's talent and workforce development and resources:https://longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/talent-workforce/Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network (LBWIN):https://www.longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/talent-workforce/lbwin-orientation/Professional and Workforce Development programs at CSULB:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs

Matt Schrap is the Chief Executive Officer of the Harbor Trucking Association (HTA), where he has served since June 2021, leading the organization through a transformative period in the drayage and logistics industry. A recognized voice in transportation policy, Matt has appeared on national platforms such as 60 Minutes, PBS NewsHour, and Bloomberg TV, offering insights on port congestion, regulatory challenges, and fleet electrification. Prior to HTA, he was Vice President of Government Programs at Velocity Vehicle Group and Director of Environmental Affairs at the California Trucking Association. With a Master’s in Public Policy Administration from CSULB and a BA in Government from CSUS, Matt combines deep policy expertise with a passion for sustainable freight solutions. He also lectures part-time at the Center for International Trade and Transportation, continuing to shape the next generation of logistics professionals.Check out the Harbor Trucking Association:https://www.harbortruckers.com/Contact the Harbor Trucking Association for information about internships, scholarships, and more:[email protected] out the Global Logistics Professional (GLP) program:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs/global-logistics-professional

Jason Lee Morgan is a South Central Los Angeles native, 17-year Compton Unified educator, and Founder/CEO of twiGs Creation, Inc., committed to transforming education for historically underserved communities. Having experienced systemic inequities firsthand as a "bussed kid," Jason has dedicated his career to championing culturally sustaining, equitable, and joyful learning experiences that honor the assets of communities of color. His work to close the "Joy Equity Gap" has earned him numerous awards, including the Carlston Outstanding Teacher of America Award, Legacy Champion Educator Award, American Graduate Champion, CA League of Schools Regional Teacher of the Year, and Compton Unified Teacher of the Year. Jason also advocates for educational equity at the local and state level as a Teach Plus CA and Ed-Trust West Policy Fellow and Advisor, while mentoring early career teachers and supporting leadership development through the Above & Beyond Teaching public charity.Get a certificate in Applied Data Analytics for Higher Education through CSULBhttps://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/applied-data-analytics-for-higher-educationLearn more about how Data Science is helping students of colorhttps://edsource.org/2024/data-science-helps-students-of-color-opt-in-for-more-math/707341Watch this video of Jason Morgan talking about Combating Math Traumahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhKSrAbbhlsListen to more of Jason Morgan on Annenburg Learner's podcasthttps://www.learner.org/learnerpodcast/episode-27-la84-foundation-part-ii-with-jason-morgan/Learn about the Department of Defense STEM Ambassador Programhttps://tgrfoundation.org/foundation/tgr-foundation-announces-newest-cohort-of-dod-stem-ambassadors/

Willie Zuniga is a prominent figure in the biopharmaceutical industry, known for his role as the emeritus president of Grifols Biologicals LLC. Starting his career as a manufacturing technician in 1979, he advanced through the ranks while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Under his leadership, Grifols Biologicals LLC has made significant strides in producing life-saving therapies from human plasma. Zuniga is also dedicated to community service, supporting educational and workforce development initiatives in Los Angeles. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Cal State LA's Alumnus of the Year in 2022.For more information about Grifols, check out their Website:https://www.grifolsplasma.com/en/homeInterested in a job with Grifols?https://www.grifols.com/en/careers

Hannah Grieser is a thought leader and influential voice at Lightcast where she aims to start important conversations on workforce development and labor market trends. With an extensive background in both visual and written communication, Hannah now focuses her skills on researching, visualizing, and sharing data on labor market trends that are shaping the future of work. Most recently, she co-authored the insightful new report, The Rising Storm: Building a Future Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage, which sheds light on the demographic shifts, social factors, technological developments, and economic forces that are driving major misalignments and talent shortages across the labor market. Through this report and her ongoing work at Lightcast, Hannah hopes to equip educators, employers, policy-makers, and communities across the U.S. to make data-informed decisions as we face the workforce challenges ahead.Check out Lightcast's Websitehttps://lightcast.io/The Speed of Skill Changehttps://lightcast.io/resources/research/speed-of-skill-changeLightcast's Skills Extractorhttps://lightcast.io/open-skills/extractionThe Rising Storm: A Demographic Drought Reporthttps://lightcast.io/resources/research/the-rising-storm#download-form

Tom Mone is the Chief External Affairs Officer and former CEO of OneLegacy, the largest organ recovery agency in the U.S. Since 2000, he has led OneLegacy to significant achievements, including doubling organ donation and tripling tissue donation. Under his leadership, OneLegacy implemented numerous innovations such as electronic donor records, real-time nucleic acid testing, and the Donate Life California DMV-linked Registry. Tom also spearheaded the creation of the Donate Life Rose Parade Float, which has become a major public promotion of organ donation .Check out the OneLegacy Website to learn more about what they do:https://www.onelegacy.org/wp/Look into the OneLegacy Ambassadors program:https://www.onelegacy.org/wp/ambassadorsIf you're interested with getting involved with OneLegacy:https://www.onelegacy.org/wp/eventsLearn more about Dr. Sómone Washington and her book, The Best Of All Things: A Tapestry of Faith, Hope, Resilience, and the Human Connection:https://csulb.libcal.com/event/14098183?hs=ahttps://www.amazon.com/Best-All-Things-Resilience-Connection/dp/B0DN51423D

Vicki Brannock leverages over 20 years of experience in higher education program development, workforce development, and digital marketing strategy to grow the talent pool in California's life science industry. As a key figure at Biocom Institute, she ensures first-to-market access to top talent through signature programs and strategic partnerships in education and industry. Previously, she held senior roles at Brandman University and the San Diego Workforce Partnership, building deep relationships with workforce development boards and educational institutions across California. Vicki also writes and consults on the future of work, organizational structure, change management, and program design.BioCom Fellowship Programhttps://www.biocom.org/programs/biocom-california-institute/fellowship-programs/Life Science Workforce Symposiumhttps://www.biocom.org/programs/biocom-california-institute/life-science-workforce-symposium/Life Science Career Expohttps://www.biocom.org/event/Greater-LA-Life-Science-Career-Expo-2025/Certificate Programs at the College of Professional and Continuing Educationhttps://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs

Dr. Noel Hacegaba is the Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Long Beach, managing its daily operations and leading key initiatives like the Supply Chain Information Highway. He played a crucial role in addressing the pandemic-induced supply chain crisis with innovative solutions such as the first "pop-up yard" and 24-hour terminal operations. With over 26 years of experience, he holds multiple degrees from USC and a doctorate from the University of La Verne, where he also teaches. Dr. Hacegaba is a Certified Port Executive and serves on several industry boards, contributing significantly to the goods movement sector.The Port of Long Beach:http://www.polb.comInternships and Scholarships at the Port of Long Beachhttps://polb.com/community/education/Global Logistics Professional program at CSULBhttps://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/global-logistics-professional

Dr. Thomas O'Brien is Associate Dean at the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPACE) at Cal State Long Beach and is also the Deputy Director of the METRANS Transportation Consortium. He directs the California Local Technical Assistance Program (CALTAP) Center, or CalTAP, and previously led CPaCE's Center for International Trade and Transportation. His work focuses on logistics, supply chain management, and transportation workforce. Dr. O'Brien holds a Master's and Ph.D. from USC and is an Eno and Eisenhower Transportation Fellow.Come join us as we pick Dr. O'Brien's brain on the subject of Global Logistics and the many career paths anyone can take.IANA Scholarship Information:https://intermodal.org/scholarship-programCPACE Certificate Programs:https://www.cpace.csulb.edu/courses/certificate-programs