Key Leadership - CCSF Workforce Development Office
I chose to spend my career in the workforce development field because I believe that everyone can achieve career success with the right supports. For over twenty years I have worked with many San Francisco organizations, dedicated to helping people find meaningful employment and advance their skills. I hope to use this experience to continue to serve the San Francisco community and CCSF students in particular. I am grateful to my network that has supported my career growth, and I encourage all CCSF students to grow your network, build your LinkedIn profile, and connect with us in Career Services!
Mercede Lorestany
Sr. Management Assistant,
Workforce Development
mlorestany@ccsf.edu
415-452-5115
LinkedIn
Over the past seventeen years, I have worked in public and private sectors such as the State of California, banking, real estate, and hospitality industries. I was the frontline supervisor responsible for administration and daily activities. My formal education and experience have provided me with an in-depth background in understanding the value of communication skills in the public and private sectors. In my current position at CCSF, I value working with my team in the Workforce Development Department where I support and promote Community College Career Education.
I received my AA in Human Resources Administration from Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). I worked in Human Resources Recruiting for two years, as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Business and Professional Studies for 10 years, and adjunct faculty in Computer Studies for two years at SRJC. I was also Test Center Coordinator for the SAT Program for eight years.
As SRJC Classified Senate President, I served on all key policy and decision-making shared governance committees, and I continue to pursue higher education in hopes of continuing to passionately support and promote Community College Career Education. I also like to bake.
I’ve spent my career at the intersection of education and social work, first as a WIA case manager and then as a program manager for drop-out re-engagement and college access programs in WA state. I’ve worked almost exclusively with special populations, designing programs specifically for homeless young adults, individuals in immigration detention, and young adults involved in the juvenile justice system. Throughout my career I have seen the transformative power of education to liberate minds, create a sense of purpose, and grant access to financial stability. My time working with homeless individuals taught me that workforce development is the most viable and sustainable anti-poverty strategy and I am excited to be doing this important work in the city I grew up in.
Key Initiatives
Bio coming soon!
The SF Bay Area region represents 25% of the teaching vacancies in California. Addressing the teaching shortage through the development of collaborative practices and efforts can create models for other regions. Leveraging funds from the Education Futures grant through the CCCCO, the RJV’s are well positioned to increase the sustainability of community college-based teacher preparation efforts in California. Develop regional courses, programs and pathways that address TOP CODE and data tracking needs.
Project Goals - 2018-2020:
-Continue to work with Bay Area CSU’s on transfer and articulation efforts
-Develop a regional marketing plan for teaching and education pathways in partnership with the BACCC Marketing RJV
-A complete survey of Human Resources Departments in Community Colleges to assess faculty hiring and training needs (especially CTE) in our region