Leadership
Get to Know Out Leadership Team
Get to Know Out Leadership Team
Get to Know Out Leadership Team
Our leadership team is passionate about making a difference. Each joined the Back 2 Work program with a shared goal: to create opportunities for underserved communities. With diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are united by our commitment to helping others build brighter futures through meaningful employment and support. Together, we strive to change lives, one opportunity at a time.
Jerry hight
Jerry hight
Jerry hight
Sr. Director Back 2 Work
Sacramento Office
Office: (916) 379-8182
I’ve come to this late career assignment struck with the expression “there but for the grace of God go I” resonating deeply within and serving as my personal NorthStar in leading the talented and passionate Back 2 Work team. We provide a life-changing experience for individuals who hold dysfunction and disadvantage conditions I’ve experienced first-hand.
I come to B2W with over four decades of project and team leadership experience, the majority accumulated in upper-management roles at Chico State University. I’m “in it” at this last stage of my career because of the individual outcomes we achieve as a team each day, and because of the promise and potential we hold to further impact pervasive issues of homelessness, criminal recidivism, and social inequity. I know the maxim is over-used but I want to leave the world in a better place when I’m done working and this is an opportunity to do just that.
I come to B2W with over four decades of project and team leadership experience, the majority accumulated in upper-management roles at Chico State University. I’m “in it” at this last stage of my career because of the individual outcomes we achieve as a team each day, and because of the promise and potential we hold to further impact pervasive issues of homelessness, criminal recidivism, and social inequity. I know the maxim is over-used but I want to leave the world in a better place when I’m done working and this is an opportunity to do just that.
Deborah Heilman
Deborah Heilman
Deborah Heilman
Fiscal and Program Accountability Coordinator
Chico Office
Office: (916) 379-8182
What inspired me to join the Back 2 Work team is its powerful mission to uplift individuals and strengthen communities through opportunity and support. I am passionate about using my financial management skills to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability—ensuring that every dollar spent directly contributes to positive community impact. I take pride in being a resource for others, mentoring staff, and supporting the continued growth and success of the communities we serve.
As a dedicated accounting professional, I have over twenty-five years of experience in governmental finance, I currently serve as the Fiscal and Program Accountability Coordinator. Prior to this, I worked as the Finance Manager for the City of Olympia, where I led the payroll, accounts payable, and fleet business operations teams. Throughout my career, I have developed extensive expertise in managing complex budgets, maintaining internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP, and fostering strong, goal-oriented teams.
Farm Saelee
Farm Saelee
Farm Saelee
Statewide Operational Manager
Sacramento Office
(916) 335-2523
I believe everyone deserves a second chance, a chance to feel supported and have someone by their side as they work toward becoming their best selves. This belief is at the heart of what we do at Back 2 Work, and it’s become my “why.” We’re not just helping people; we’re empowering them to break through the barriers life throws their way. Their success is our success.
Success looks different for everyone. It might mean overcoming obstacles you once thought were impossible, earning that driver’s license you didn’t think you could achieve, or realizing that your past doesn’t define your future. It’s about waking up each day committed to making meaningful changes that bring you closer to your goals. I’m proud to be part of that journey and those accomplishments, one community at a time.
kimberly castillo
kimberly castillo
kimberly castillo
Southern Regional Manager
San Diego Office
Office: (619) 310 6662 Ext. 1727
As a Regional Manager for BCOE’s B2W Program, I am proud to be in a multi-faced role that allows myself to connect with key stakeholders, community partners, and direct clients on a regular basis across California. Not only do I support B2W in Southern California but I aspire to support the everyday participant.
I am passionate about being involved in work that promotes self-sufficiency and empowerment among the community. Back2Work strives to provide the tools that empower individuals to improve their situations as they see fit. With a background of nonprofit work, the core of what I do is rooted in bridging gaps and lifting up.
Joycelene Gonzalez
Joycelene Gonzalez
Joycelene Gonzalez
Program Coordinator
Fresno Office
(559) 369-6089 Ext. 1723
I am committed to workforce development and to expanding access to meaningful career pathways for individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment. My work focuses on designing and implementing workforce initiatives that create real opportunities for people to move into stable employment and long-term careers.
Through my experience in higher education and workforce programs, I have seen how well-structured training, education, and support systems can change the trajectory of someone’s life. That understanding drives my work in developing workforce strategies that are practical, responsive to labor market demand, and focused on long-term outcomes.
At Back 2 Work, I lead the development and implementation of workforce initiatives that support justice-impacted and underserved populations. My work includes writing and managing grant-funded programs, designing training models, and overseeing project implementation to ensure programs move from concept to execution in a way that produces measurable results.
My goal is to build programs that do more than provide short-term training. I focus on creating clear pathways into sustainable careers, strengthening workforce systems, and expanding access to opportunity for communities that have historically been left out of the labor market.
Jessica Estrada
Jessica Estrada
Jessica Estrada
Northern Regional Manager
Sacramento Office
Office: (916) 379 8182 Ext.1715
As a Regional Manager for the B2W department, I am dedicated to supporting our participants as they rebuild their lives and reenter the workforce. I believe in the power of second chances and in creating pathways to opportunity for those who need them most.
At B2W, we strive to make a lasting difference, not only in the lives of the participants we serve, but also in their families and communities. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the positive ripple effect that comes from empowering others through meaningful work.
As a first-generation professional with a background in communications, I’m passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequalities. B2W has given me the opportunity to live out these values each day through purpose-driven leadership and collaboration.