Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Rogers. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Wanda Rogers founded Construction Service Workers in 2009. As the Principal Owner of the only African American Woman-owned construction staffing agency in the US, Wanda witnessed the need for job creation in her industry and sought to help add value to the economy. Aware of the demand for skilled tradesmen and women, Wanda sought a solution that would help not only the industry she was in but the community she worked in. As one of the few MBE/WBE/DBE/SBE in California, Wanda established SoCal Pre Apprenticeship Program in 2019 to assist individuals with gaining job readiness skills. Through this program, individuals are aided in finding a pathway towards a desired skilled trade and identifying the many ways of gaining meaningful employment in a forever growing industry. Focused on the mission to “upskill untapped talent in underserved communities” through the company’s universal training program, Wanda is driven by her passion to see underserved community members obtain economic stability. As a pillar in the community, Wanda is passionate about helping others gain employment to earn a livable wage. She wants to impact her community and communities across the country. Ms Rogers is also a mother and a very proud grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. She is affectionately known to them as YaYa.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The lack of diversity in the construction industry has been a barrier and hindrance in gaining partnerships, funding, collaboration, etc. This challenge has also extended to overcoming obstacles and acceptance with the various skilled union and trade organizations. These types of situations have led Ms. Rogers to become a trailblazer in creatively seeking and developing solutions to bring more diversity to the construction industry. She seeks to bring diversity across racial, economic and gender boundaries. Relationships with community leaders and representatives such as DA Stephen Summers have helped to pave the way towards more opportunities. SoCal Pre Apprenticeship is now a known entity and is acknowledged in the services and resources that we can offer. Leading to more opportunities for participant leads, partnerships and collaborations.
We’ve been impressed with Construction Service Workers & SoCal Pre Apprenticeship Program, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SoCal Pre Apprenticeship is designed to prepare workers for the minimum requirements for entry into an established apprenticeship program. By reaching into high schools, probation departments, parole offices and community-based organizations. It helps to diversify the talent pipeline of skilled workers and expand opportunities for training and opportunities. In addition, CSW Construction Service Workers, another part of the organization, is designed to help provide job opportunities for those completing the program or others in the community looking for job opportunities in various industries including Construction.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
San Diego is a unique city and county especially when it comes to supporting businesses. Not only does the community support small, minority and women-owned businesses, but the government and other programs are designed to provide the type of access, support, promotion, and resources small businesses need to thrive and grow. There is a major gap when it comes to affordable housing in San Diego, especially for the BIPOC community. This creates a major barrier that many people in the community are unable to overcome without substantial assistance.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.constructionserviceworkers.com, www.socalpp.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/71974460
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaMA5MlC2a8
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoCal-Pre-Apprenticeship-Program-315845279044397/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socal_preapprenticeship/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoCalPre
Image Credits:
Bonelli Productions the first photo
