Meet Wanda Rogers | Founder/Community Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wanda Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Just like so many other people, Wanda Rogers was adversely impacted by the crash of 2008 due to the real estate bubble. The life she had built and worked for no longer existed as it did previously. She needed to pivot industries and find a new source of income and work. 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 lived 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.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
SoCal Pre Apprenticeship is designed to prepare workers for the minimum requirements for entry into an established apprenticeship program, job readiness skills, or entry into an educational 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 job 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 Construction, IT Coding, Medical Billing, Drones, etc. Our list of program tracks continues to grow as we develop partnerships with various community organizations, educational institutions, and employers.

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 has lead 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, and partnerships and collaborations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A few of the places that I would make sure someone saw are listed below. Sea Port Village is a wonderful place to spend a few hours shopping, eating, walking around the marina, and enjoying the beautiful view of the water and Coronado Bridge. You can catch a show at the amphitheater, on occasion see dolphins at play in the bay or get a history lesson aboard the USS Midway Museum. Not to mention being near Little Italy, Gaslamp District, and Petco Park.
Coronado Island has such a beautiful island that has one of the best beaches in San Diego. The extensive clean and glittering sand is great to walk or sit in for hours. There are plenty of eclectic shops and the infamous Hotel Del Coronado is located here.
Miguel’s Cocina, a California Mexican inspired restaurant, is a must for an authentic and delicious Mexican meal.
Another great pastime is playing Bingo. Such an easy and fun way to pass time and have fun. There are several places to enjoy great bingo games at Sycuan Casino Resort along with Viejas Casino.
The week would not be complete without attending a church service at New Creation. New Creation has a rich history, since 1972, and mission to develop and empower its members in Christ and serve the community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ayanna Young has held herself to the highest esteem regarding CSW. Her dedication and understanding of our team and internal infrastructure has lead our team to accountability and requesting the best from each and every person. Our team is in such awe of Ayanna Young, her presents and ability to get what she needs from an individual encouragement they can do and provide. She is a star in our organization!

Website: www.socalpp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socal_preapprenticeship/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socal-pre-apprenticeship/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoCalPre @socalpre

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoCal-Pre-Apprenticeship-Program-315845279044397/