Santa Cruz Works 2024 Board Refresh

Santa Cruz Works is thrilled to announce an invigorating update to our Board of Directors and leadership team, welcoming dynamic individuals dedicated to driving positive change in our community.

Leading this charge is Desha Staley-Raatior M.A., whose wealth of experience in education spans over two decades. Armed with a Master's in International & Multicultural Education from the University of San Francisco, Desha currently serves as the current Director of Career Development at Cabrillo College. Her passion for nurturing students along their educational journey and fostering avenues for practical learning shines through her work. Desha's dedication extends to forging partnerships with local companies, ensuring a seamless transition from classroom to career and bolstering recruitment efforts across diverse industries.

Expressing her enthusiasm for this new chapter, Desha remarks, “I am excited to be joining the organization and work alongside esteemed community members to support the mission of SC Works. SC Works and Cabrillo College have been collaborating for a number of years and I look to enhance that partnership with my participation on the board.”

Joining Desha in steering our organization toward greater heights is Brad Barbeau, Ph.D., assuming the pivotal role of Board Treasurer. Brad, a Professor of Entrepreneurship at CSU Monterey Bay's College of Business, also serves as the Executive Director of the CSUMB Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (iiED). With a focus on entrepreneurship education and fostering new ventures, Brad's leadership is instrumental in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Monterey Bay region.

The Santa Cruz Works Board is comprised of esteemed community leaders representing diverse industries and backgrounds, each serving as vital pillars in our vibrant tech ecosystem. Together, we are committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in Santa Cruz and beyond.