In this Spotlight Interview, Rochelle Rivas, the District Director of Healthcare Education at MCCCD, discusses her extensive background in higher education and public health. She highlighted the strategic goals of Maricopa Community College (MCC) for 2023-2026, emphasizing workforce development as a priority and the importance of collaboration with industry partners to adapt to evolving needs. Rochelle outlined several innovative programs, including micro-credentials, specialized training in electric vehicles, nursing, and semiconductor technology, to enhance student preparedness for key industries. The MDM2 Consortium’s mission to increase healthcare access and equity was also a focal point, reflecting the district's commitment to cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce.
Q: What led you to your role as the District Director of Healthcare Education?
A: I’ve worked in higher education for about 20 years now, serving in many capacities throughout my career. I spent the first ten years at South Mountain Community College, and for the last ten years, I have been at the District Office. I have been the District Director of Healthcare Education for the past eight years.
Most of my educational and professional background is in public health. Outside of higher education, I also have experience in community health, specifically in nonprofit organizations where I provided prospective health training to underserved communities. My introduction to higher education began in high school, when I was part of an early college program called Achieving College Education. That program allowed me to take college courses while still in high school, which introduced me to opportunities and resources that I was able to obtain in college. I always credit that program because if it wasn't for them, I don't think I would be where I am today.
Q: What makes MCCCD stand out and what is MCCCD vision over the next 5 – 10 years?
A: MCC is one of the largest community college systems in the country. We enroll over 140,000 students annually across ten campuses and we have about 31 satellite locations as well. What makes us unique is that all ten campuses are individually accredited, and we offer over 600 degree and certificate programs. Each of our colleges are recognized as hispanic serving institutes, which is awesome.
Maricopa is also the largest workforce development provider in our state. We produce the second largest number of college graduates each year in Arizona, and part of what makes us unique is the fact that 89% of our graduates stay in our state (specifically in Maricopa County). Being regionally placed throughout the county provides great opportunities and resources to the various communities we serve.
Our strategic goal for 2023 through 2026 is focused on enhancing our systems for future learners. Our priorities are centered around student outreach, success, economic resources, and sustainability. We are also focused on developing a cohesive identity as well as prioritizing our own organizational talent. We strive to be the best in everything that we do and to make meaningful contributions towards creating a better future for all of the communities that we serve throughout the country.
Q: What are the key factors that make the MCCCD workforce development successful/competitive?
A: We are recognized as one of the leaders in Arizona workforce development because of our commitment to enhancing the region’s occupational strength. So, what makes us successful and competitive is our ability to really connect to the employers in vital industries and provide resources, as well as customizable training services, at all ten campuses. We recognize that MCC cannot provide a skilled workforce without working collaboratively with our industry partners, and we know that the industry is constantly evolving, so we have to be able to adapt and change with our partners. Collaboration has to be statewide, not just internal, to ensure that we are working together to meet the workforce needs, demands, constantly evolving, and growing together.
Q: Are there any specific initiatives or programs you’re particularly excited about in this area?
A: Given the rise of automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and manufacturing, one of our effective strategies is to address the shifting labor needs, invest in our employees, and create learning opportunities. MCC provides training with fast-track certificates and micro-credential pathways that are cost effective and highly customizable. The micro-credential is a new offering that we have been sharing with our partners aimed at upskilling incumbent workers for the type of training that we’ve been piloting and expanding on.
Another area that we are focused on is the electric vehicle industry. Gateway Community College will soon offer an Associate of Applied Science degree with a focus on electric vehicles. The program will complement the college's existing automotive training program, but now it will include a track for electric vehicle charging station installers as well as repair technicians. So, in addition to the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence Certificate, students will also receive the National Alternative Fuels Training certificate in the healthcare space.
We all know that the semiconductor industry in Arizona is booming. MCC has developed the semiconductor technician quickstart to respond to the demand. In partnership with Intel and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), this initiative enables students to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
Maricopa College Center for Entrepreneur Innovation and Lab Force is located in the heart of Phoenix Bioscience Core and plays a pivotal role in the bioscience industry. In 2022, we received $1.8 million in federal community project funding. This funding, championed by Arizona Congressman Greg Stanton and Senator Kristen Sinema, further supports the bioscience technician training program housed at the Wexford Innovation Lab. The curriculum focuses on next generation sequencing, which analyzes nucleotides, DNA, and RNA by performing a variety of applications and studying biological systems that can lead to new medical breakthroughs. We have a lot of initiatives that we have launched, and MCC really tries to remain at the forefront of workforce development training by collaborating with our industry leaders to bridge those employment gaps.
Q: How do you envision MDM2 impacting Greater Phoenix’s economy and workforce?
A: I think that I share the same vision as all of the MDM2 consortium members, which is that the MDM2 will transform healthcare access and equity while having a great national impact – not just locally. I think as the group continues to develop the consortium, we've identified that we are well-positioned within the device manufacturing industry from a workforce perspective. I’m excited to be part of the opportunity to train a diverse, skilled workforce. What we know so far is that we have the training, it's just a matter of awareness and expanding to meet what the workforce needs. MCC is excited to be part of the initiative to develop this new ecosystem, work closely with our industry partners, and build a future in the medical device manufacturing industry.