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Turning Numbers into Opportunities for Californians

Published: June 2, 2025

We were proud to join leaders from across the country at the LMI Institute + 65th C2ER Annual Conference in Sacramento this year.

Our very own Director Nancy Farias and Labor Secretary Stewart Knox opened the event with powerful remarks about the role of data in today’s world. They highlighted how labor market data:

  • Drives innovation,
  • Shapes how we work, and
  • Guides smarter, more informed decisions.

Director Farias also talked about how we’re modernizing the Department to better serve our customers. The future looks bright for EDD. And even more importantly, for the people we support.

Other EDD Labor Market Information Division (LMID) team members—Juan Barrios, Brandon Hooker, Angel Rodriguez, Hijab Sajid, Ron Caluza, and Vicki Moore—shared their expertise and joined important conversations about:

  • Labor market trends in fields like agriculture and healthcare,
  • Using data to support workforce development and economic health,
  • Helping communities prepare for and recover from challenges like disasters,
  • Meeting the needs of older workers and veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The conference wrapped up with a proud moment for us! Chief Deputy Director Amy Faulkner received the Charles A. Benefield Award. This national award honors leaders who make job and workforce data easier for people to use and understand. This is work that helps job seekers, employers, and communities thrive.

 

During the award ceremony Amy explained how labor market information is not just abstract data, it can drive positive changes that help people across California, “Labor market information is more than just data. It’s about livelihoods. I began as a curious research analyst, and over the years, I’ve seen how the right information, in the right hands, shapes education, policy, and opportunity. I share this recognition with the incredible EDD LMID team whose work turns numbers into insights—and insights into action."

"At EDD, we’re reimagining how labor market data can serve Californians. From award-winning dashboards to real-time AI forecasting and the EDD Data Portal, we’re using innovation to improve both the quality and accessibility of workforce insights,” said Chief Deputy Director Amy Faulkner.

More EDD team members earned well-deserved recognition this year!

  • 2025 C2ER Collaboration Award: Special recognition to LMID’s Matthew Shiroi, Hijab Sajid, and Awad Nasim for your teamwork with Dr. Phil Martin from UC Davis. Together, they developed the California Agriculture: Primary Worker Research Dashboard, a web-based, interactive tool designed to provide workforce data related to California’s agricultural workforce. This user-friendly, self-service dashboard integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data visualizations with current, up-to-date labor market information—offering valuable insights into the economic climate of farm workers in the state.
 

LMID’s Angel Rodriguez accepting the 2025 C2ER Collaboration Award.

  • Best State LMI Focus on Access to Opportunity Award: Shout out to LMID’s Regional Analysis and Support Group, Wilhelm Lichnock, Dalia Ramos Medina, and Jordan Julian. This team redesigned the California Workforce Supply & Demand Dashboard which serves stakeholders across California, including students, job seekers, workforce partners, businesses, and educational institutions—enabling them to better understand California’s workforce and labor market
 

LMID Chief Juan Barrios accepting the Best State LMI Focus on Access to Opportunity Award on behalf of the LMID Regional Analysis and Support Group.

It’s been a standout year at the conference. Our team is leading the way in turning data into real opportunity for the people we serve.

Learn more about how we support Californians across the state with trusted, up-to-date Labor Market Information.

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