raj-650Give a Skyline College welcome to Dr. Raj Lathigara, the new Director for the Center for Workforce Development. Raj brings with him a rich background of expertise and experience in workforce program monitoring and development around the Bay area . Most recently from the Cañada College Workforce program, Raj has developed partnerships with local business and industry, universities, the San Mateo Workforce Investment Board and not-for-profit organizations. He has been a leader in many sustainability initiatives and has held positions in Sacramento County and the City of San Jose as an environmental services specialist. Raj was also a facilities coordinator at San Jose State University leading their “Think Clean & Green” campaign.

Having grown up in India, Raj also brings a vibrant international perspective to the work he does. His community contributions include being a co-founder of Performing Arts International, promoting performing arts of south Asian origin. He is a member of the Democratized Computing Lab here in Silicon Valley and is on several board promoting entrepreneurship among youth. He has an interest in photojournalism and has contributed work to several ethnic media organizations. Raj’s office is in the Center for Workforce Development on the third floor of Building 1.

Article by Dr. Sarah Perkins  | Photo by Keisha Ford