Project and Program Management
Reena thrives on working on project and program management initiatives. Some skills she can offer:
- Leadership
- Coaching
- Project planning
- Analytical
- Negotiation
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Contract management
- Risk and time management
Reena has overseen and produced high-visibility summits, such as A Pathway Forward: Homeless to Hired Summit in Los Angeles, for up to 250 attendees.
The Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE) is an innovative partnership that helps address unjust economic inequities. Now in its 10th programmatic year, LA:RISE connects social enterprises to the workforce system, supportive services, and employers, creating an integrated system that allows all partners to contribute their expertise and resources.
Program participants from vulnerable populations gain paid transitional work experience at a social enterprise like Chrysalis, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), Goodwill SoCal, Homeboy Industries, etc. In partnership with workforce agencies, program participants receive job readiness preparation, including interview prep, job search, resume building, online job application assistance, and professional development workshops.
The program is continuing to expand in both the City and County of Los Angeles, which will result in the employment of more individuals with barriers to employment. As of June 2024, over 9,500 participants in transitional/subsidized jobs, and who received support services.
"I've always been impressed by Reena's dedication, people skills, and strategic thinking—qualities that have stood out throughout her time overseeing the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE) program. I'm so proud of the work we accomplished collaborating on this public-private partnership, and it's incredible to see how far the LA:RISE program has come. I continue to be one of her biggest cheerleaders!"~ Otto Solorzano, former Chief Deputy, Los Angeles County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS)
In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration chose LA:RISE to spotlight as an innovative approach to designing and delivering employment services. The video spotlights the LA:RISE program model and social enterprise partner, LA Conservation Corps. The video is now being shared with the public workforce system nationwide!