Listen "Equity Gaps in Orange County’s Top Jobs and Career Programs"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of Buzz to Business, we dive into Paving the Path to Opportunity, a revealing report on equity gaps in Orange County’s best-paying, high-demand “Top Jobs.” Behind the region’s thriving economy lies a troubling imbalance—Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American workers remain underrepresented in these middle-skill, high-wage occupations, and women continue to face barriers across most top career fields. We unpack how these disparities ripple through community college programs designed to prepare workers for these roles, potentially reinforcing cycles of inequity. The discussion highlights how aligning education, employers, and equity-focused strategies can open true pathways to prosperity. Tune in to discover what’s being done—and what still needs to change—to ensure opportunity in Orange County is genuinely accessible to all.