Welcome to MCF’s very first newsletter issue - where we honor our roots, share new opportunities, and showcase the movement building worker justice across LA.
Welcome to MCF's first newsletter! Want more stories, photos, and opportunities? Visit our Newsletter Hub for full articles and bonus content.
🌱 A NOTE FROM MCF BOARD PRESIDENT:
Dear Friends, Partners, and Community Members,
Welcome to the Miguel Contreras Foundation’s From the Ground-Up: Shaping the Future of Workforce newsletter. As Chair of the Board of the Miguel Contreras Foundation - and as the proud son of Miguel Contreras - I write to you with deep gratitude.
In the spirit of my father, Miguel Contreras’ lifelong fight for justice, the Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to support immigrant communities, champion worker dignity, and build pathways to sustainable careers for all Angelenos. These past few months have tested our city’s resolve, particularly for immigrant families facing the renewed threat of ICE raids. In response, our Voices of Libertadcampaign has offered urgent relief (legal support, stipends, etc.) and, above all, solidarity, because no family in Los Angeles should ever have to suffer alone in the face of injustice.
At the same time, we are proud to be building what my father envisioned: a powerful pipeline for Angelenos from high school to union jobs; from entry-level training to lifelong careers. Whether it’s through our partnership with the Miguel Contreras Learning Complex, the expansion of apprenticeship hubs, or our continued partnership with funders such as The Hilton Foundation, The Amity Foundation, The UPS Foundation, California Workforce Development Board, CA Jobs First and others, MCF is helping to shape what California’s “cradle-to-career” promise looks like in practice. We believe every student and every worker deserves access to good, union careers.
Thank you for walking this path with us as we redefine workforce development together.
In solidarity, Michael Contreras Board Chair, Miguel Contreras Foundation
🌱 IN THIS ISSUE...
MCF In Action
Rooted in Community: Voices from the Frontlines
The Bulletin: Upcoming Jobs, Opportunities, and Events
Join the Movement
🌱 MCF IN ACTION
Mayor Karen Bass Appoints MCF’s Armando Loza to the 2025 Workforce Development Board
From union halls to City Hall - MCF’s Executive Director, Armando Loza, has been appointed to the 2025 Workforce Development Board. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to building pathways that uplift working families across Los Angeles.
MCF and LAUSD Honor Miguel Contreras’ Legacy with Community Celebration
Over 200 students, educators, and labor leaders came together to celebrate Miguel Contreras’ 73rd birthday with powerful stories, music, and a renewed commitment to his legacy. See how the day inspired a new generation of changemakers.
MCF Launches First Pathways Apprenticeship Fair @ Garfield HS, Connecting Students to Unions
The first-ever Pathways Apprenticeship Fairat Garfield High School brought together 175 students and 11 union partners, inspiring the next generation of workers to see themselves in high-road, high-impact careers. Click below to see our impact!
MCF Awarded $400,000 Catalyst Grant to Launch LA Technology Workforce Initiative
The future is electric and equitable. MCF just received a $400,000 Catalyst Grant to launch a groundbreaking Electric Technology Workforce Initiative, training Angelenos for high-quality jobs in EV and hydrogen fuel cell technology.
NY Times Highlights MCLC Student Nory Sontay Ramos' Story and the Cost of Human Deportation
"Nory Doesn't Go to School Here Anymore" - The New York Times recently featured the story of Nory Sontay Ramos, an MCLC honors student we’ve been proud to support through our Voices of Libertad campaign. Her journey, marked by courage, loss, and resilience, is a powerful reminder of why we continue to fight for dignity and justice for all immigrant families.
She was also featured in The 19th recently - read here.
🔧 Join an MCF Program Get connected to apprenticeships, job training, and supportive services through MCF. 👉 Get Started
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⚡ Empower: Women in Electrical Trades Attend EMPOWER’s monthly meetups to network, learn, and grow in the electrical field. 👉 RSVP: Email empower@laett.com
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💡 Start Your IBEW 11 Apprenticeship Journey Begin a rewarding electrical career through IBEW 11’s paid apprenticeship program. 👉 Learn More
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🥫 Volunteer or Receive Services with Labor Community Services Give back this holiday season by helping distribute food to local families in need or sign up to receive a foodbok 👉 Volunteer Sign Up
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