When talking about the spirit of Back 2 Work and its core values, nobody embodies that more than Matthew Brennan. His passion for affecting positive change in his community and his enthusiasm for life radiates through his work and has a ripple effect amongst us. In San Diego, Matthew has connected numerous individuals to life-changing opportunities and has played a major role in linking the department with programs and ventures that will help disrupt workforce inequalities. Matthew’s belief in “strength in numbers” and the fact that sometimes, it does take a village has also led him to work towards being a certified trainer for the Suicide Prevention Council of San Diego County. For Matthew, “When our community's sons, daughters, brothers, or mothers know they have a safe space to seek help during difficult times, it can prevent situations from worsening. More importantly, it creates a ripple effect, leading to the possibility of a brighter future. The nature of giving back allows me to better understand how to assist those in need.”

We want to spotlight someone who would never shine the light on herself – Kristen Rocha! Kristen joined us as an Operations Coordinator in 2022, and from day one, she’s been going above and beyond in every aspect of her role. Whether it’s guiding participants into life-changing career opportunities with Caltrans or ensuring their basic needs are met, Kristen has been a true advocate and support system.

 

She’s also been the operational backbone for our subcontractors in the Central Region, ensuring everything runs smoothly. On top of all that, Kristen has recently taken the reins of our social media, sharing the impactful stories of Back 2 Work and giving a voice to every participant’s journey.

 

Kristen's dedication and passion inspire us all. She is an invaluable member of the Back 2 Work team, and we are deeply grateful for everything she does! Thank you for being the heart of our mission.