Constructing and disseminating model, sharable curriculum and workforce development resources based on national industry standards and certifications
Leading industry, education, and workforce development partners in creating programs and services that meet immediate and long-term employer needs while connecting diverse communities and citizens through transportation projects and workforce development efforts
Executive Director
Jess was awarded the “Full Circle Award” by Green Technology, a non-profit initiative designed to inform government efforts toward sustainability. This award recognizes individuals who have started their career paths at the community college level and are now giving back to the college community. He was also named LATTC’s CTE Faculty of the Year in 2011.
Jess is currently serving as Chair for the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology. This council was formed by the California Air Resources Board and provides training on emission regulations enforcement for on-road diesel vehicles. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Southern California Regional Transit Training Consortium-a consortium comprised of multiple transit bus companies and community colleges that focuses on the technical training of bus maintenance technicians and other personnel.
Curriculum Developer
Ken Bolding is a Curriculum Developer at the Transportation Workforce Institute. Ken has created transportation-related training materials for TWI and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College since 2012. Recent courses include maintenance and repair training modules for the Ansaldo-Breda P2550 railcar, Emergency Response for Rail Controllers, and HASTUS software training for Metro University. He has previously worked as an Instructional Designer for the Penn State Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy, where he designed and coded computer-based training modules for the R.O.A.D. to Success, a project designed to provide low-literate Truck Drivers with the reading skills necessary to pass the Commercial Driver’s License Examination (CDL).
During his 20-years as a Curriculum Developer, Instructional Designer, Technical Writer, and Corporate Trainer, Ken has created innovative training solutions in industries as diverse as financial software (Intuit), payroll processing (Intuit Payroll), wireless telephony (AT&T Wireless), and temporary staffing (Roth Staffing Companies). He routinely achieves greater than 90% top-box scores for his self-paced multimedia modules and is a recipient of the Intuit Jordan award for excellence as an Instructional Designer, as well as numerous awards for public speaking. He is an experienced filmmaker and multimedia creator, who has worked on more than 50 film projects, including instructional and corporate videos, narrative shorts, web series, and feature films.
Student Programs Specialist
Valeria Diaz Venegas serves as a dedicated Student Programs Specialist at the Transportation Workforce Institute. Her career has been devoted to enhancing student experiences and educational outcomes, and she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Valeria is known for her expertise in developing and implementing innovative programs that empower students to excel in their academic pursuits and career goals, particularly within the realm of student services.
Throughout her professional journey, Valeria has focused on fostering diversity and equal opportunities in the education sector. Her commitment to providing students with essential resources, guidance, and tailored support has been instrumental in helping them succeed in their academic endeavors. Valeria is dedicated to furthering the institute’s mission and ensuring the success of its students.
Professional Expert
Linda is a pioneering educator and instructional technology expert with over four decades of experience in California Community Colleges. Since 1977, she has worn many hats, serving as a professor, department chair, distance education coordinator, curriculum committee chair, and faculty trainer. Linda’s career is marked by a commitment to innovation and a passion for empowering both students and fellow educators through technology.
Linda has been at the forefront of integrating instructional technology since 1991, when she was involved with Academy One and curriculum-based projects for K-12 schools as the World Wide Web was just taking off. Her expertise is further enhanced by an Instructional Designer certificate from UCLA Extension and in-depth training on best practices for ensuring instructional content is accessible. In recent years, Linda has focused on training teachers in AR/VR/XR technologies, continuing her tradition of staying ahead of the curve in educational innovation.
As a strong advocate for the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence in education, Linda believes that preparing students to use such tools is crucial for their success in the modern workforce. Her current efforts focus on equipping both educators and students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
A lifelong learner and educator, Linda continues to explore new ways to enhance the educational experience and prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. She brings her wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach to every aspect of her work in education, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the classroom and beyond.