Monthly Newsletter - February 2026 | | |
The WDBCCC is proud to recognize Black History Month this February. The annual observance celebrates the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African Americans throughout our community’s history and in the present day. Figures such as Supervisor Federal D. Glover, Judge George D. Carroll, and former Mayor Irma Anderson have been key figureheads and pillars of inspiration for African Americans throughout Contra Costa County, trailblazing a path for future community leaders for decades.
This year, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering economic opportunities and
advancing workforce equity for all, particularly for marginalized workers, businesses, and job seekers. WDBCCC continues to support programs and partnerships that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that Contra Costa County’s workforce reflects the rich cultural and historical diversity of our region.
As we honor the trailblazers who paved the way, WDBCCC also celebrates the leaders of today and tomorrow who are shaping a more all-encompassing and fairer workforce.
| | February 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | | | | |
Join WDBCCC and the California Employers Association (CEA) for a NO-COST virtual training focused on addressing barriers to civility, building inclusive workplaces, and strengthening collaboration.
Bring your questions and gain practical strategies you can use right away.
| | February 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. | Hercules Community Center | | |
Your next career move starts here! Join the WDBCCC on February 18 at the Hercules Community Center to connect with 40+ employers ready to hire. Whether you're looking for a new career path or immediate job opportunities, this is your chance to meet recruiters face-to-face.
When: Wednesday, February 18 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Hercules Community Center, 2001 Refugio Valley Rd., Hercules, CA 94547.
Bonus: Pre-register by 2/18 to be entered into a gift card raffle.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career!
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February 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Ohlone College | |
Join our partner AMBayArea for the Women in Manufacturing Skilled Trades Symposium at Ohlone College on Friday, February 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This full-day event is a chance to meet skilled tradeswomen, manufacturers, educators, and workforce professionals to discuss how to recruit, retain, and encourage more women into the manufacturing skilled trades.
Who should attend:
- Women in (and those interested in entering) the manufacturing skilled trades
- Bay Area manufacturers (HR or technical hiring managers or those who create company strategy for outreach and hiring)
- Educators in the community colleges & K-12 who develop programs, recruit students, or work with students to give advice on careers
- Workforce development professionals working with clients to find new careers
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| Growing the Urban Forestry Workforce | | |
Program Managers Patricia Conley and Maureen Nelson spoke to 80+ Civicorps participants in January on Green Skills Clusters. The State-funded Urban Forest Management Plan grant is paying for 20 trainees in each of two cohorts to learn environmental skills such as community tree care and trails management.
The audience included past graduates interning as contract workers for a variety of employers, including Contra Costa County. After getting a snapshot of WDBCCC’s work, multiple Civicorps teams heard a more in-depth presentation on green skills, from technical clusters — like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental remediation, and green construction —to cross-sectoral skills — like environmental auditing, data analysis, policy development, and management.
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After the presentation, Patricia and Maureen met with leadership from Civicorps and Contra Costa’s Dept. of Conservation and Development (lead on the grant) and toured the maintenance yard, affording them the opportunity to see the tightly organized operation in action and meet several workers.
Patricia and Maureen were impressed with the enthusiasm, discipline and “team first” mindset of the group. The WDBCCC is proud to be a part of the development of these young leaders working for a sustainable future for us all.
| | From Resilience to Achievement: A Journey of Growth and Service | | |
After relocating to Contra Costa County to escape a domestic violence situation, Ms. Trinette Pinson faced the challenge of rebuilding her life and supporting her son. With limited confidence and uncertainty about employment, she took an important first step by enrolling in Opportunity Junction’s Administrative Program, where she gained essential skills and earned multiple certificates.
As Ms. Pinson began her job search, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new obstacles, halting hiring and creating financial strain. This led her to apply for government assistance to ensure she could provide for her son. Through the CCWORKS subsidized employment program, which is available to CalWORKs and Welfare-to-Work participants, Ms. Pinson was connected to Employment Placement Counselor, Ms. Tucker. Ms. Tucker provided more than just career guidance; she restored Ms. Pinson's confidence and encouraged her to pursue her dream of public service.
With this support, Ms. Pinson applied for a CCWORKS position at the Employment and Human Services Department. She was hired on April 1, 2023, and became a permanent Contra Costa County employee just one month later. Today, she serves as an Experienced Level Clerk in the Aging and Adult Services Advocacy Unit.
In late 2025, after persevering through an initial setback, she passed the Eligibility Worker exam and was accepted into the training program. Her journey highlights how resilience, the right mentorship, and workforce opportunities can transform hardship into lasting career success.
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*Business & Economic Development Committee: Wednesday, February 18, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
*Full Board: Wednesday, March 18, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
*Youth Committee: Wednesday, April 15, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
| | Jobseeker Events in February | | | | Contra Costa County's unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in November 2025. Read the most recent State Labor Report for the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley Metropolitan Division. | | Want to stay updated on WDBCCC news and upcoming events in Contra Costa County? Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. | | If this email was forwarded to you, quickly sign up to receive future editions of this newsletter and other communications. | | | | |
