Galiana Fajardo, Senior Principal, Programs, Redefine Alliance
Tell us a little bit about your background and why you joined Workforce Matters.
I’m from California’s Central Valley, a region that has been systematically under-resourced compared to its sister regions, the Bay Area and Southern California. I have witnessed firsthand how a lack of investment in infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity shapes people’s lives and limits their choices.
My commitment to workforce development crystallized during the Great Recession when I became an employment specialist through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It was clear to me that our systems were not effectively bringing eager job seekers into the job market and supporting them in achieving dignity and economic independence.
At our newly named organization, Redefine Alliance (formerly known as REDF), I focus on supporting community leaders in building economic power through their employment social enterprises (ESEs), which are businesses that reveal and reinforce the talent of people breaking through barriers to employment. ESEs provide dignified work, access to wealth-building resources, and support for an individual’s wellbeing. I spend my time developing frameworks and tools that help ESEs strengthen their models, creating scalable solutions that help more people achieve economic autonomy.
I joined Workforce Matters because I believe the only way we will be able to strengthen the workforce field is through collaboration. I’m eager to learn from this network and build new and creative ways to support more job seekers.
What do you love about workforce development? (or why is workforce development important to you?)
As an employment specialist, I learned that so many of us define ourselves through our employment. One of the first things we ask a stranger when we meet them is, “What do you do?” For better or worse, many of us – including myself – find dignity in having a job. Dignity comes from having real economic power. Having a job is a big part of building economic power as well as the ability to build wealth, make choices about your life, and participate fully in your community.
What is something people might not know about you?
I love playing volleyball when I get a chance. I’m part of a recreational team that plays weekly. It’s a moment in the week where I get to have fun and connect with folks in a carefree space.
What is something you are looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to learning from my fellow steering committee members and the Workforce Matters staff. Given the challenges ahead for this field, I think coming together will offer unique opportunities to think creatively in tackling the challenges ahead of us. At Redefine Alliance, I’m looking forward to embarking on our new five-year strategy that focuses on building economic power in various communities across the country.
