Director of Workforce Development, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
Bio:
Jose Pelayo is the Director of Workforce Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), where he leads regional strategies that expand equitable access to economic opportunity for Angelenos. With over seven years of leadership experience, Jose has designed and managed workforce initiatives serving diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, opportunity youth, adults, seniors, and justice-involved individuals.
What is your vision for the workforce development profession?
My vision is a workforce development system that is equitable, employer-informed, and outcomes-driven—one that meets jobseekers where they are while aligning training and support services with real labor market demand. The profession should be viewed as a critical economic engine, bridging policy, education, and industry to create long-term mobility and resilience for workers and communities
Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?
I am especially passionate about advancing equitable access to high-quality jobs for historically underserved populations and strengthening employer engagement. I believe in data-driven strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and work-based learning models that lead to real career pathways, not just short-term placements.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I want to serve on the NAWDP Board to contribute practitioner-level insight from a large, diverse region and help elevate the profession nationally. NAWDP plays a critical role in shaping policy, standards, and professional development, and I am committed to supporting its mission while learning from peers across the country.
What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?
One of the biggest challenges facing the profession is balancing accountability and performance requirements with the flexibility needed to serve diverse populations while working across fragmented systems. Persistent silos between workforce, education, industry, and social services limit impact. NAWDP can address this by advocating for smart policy, elevating cross sector best practices, strengthening professional development, and amplifying the collective voice of workforce professionals.