From Training to Triumph: SACSS Celebrates Workforce Development Graduates

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic with a graduating student and Rema Venu, Program Manager for Workforce Development

Today, SACSS proudly celebrated the graduation of our final cohort of 2025 from our Workforce Development programs, including Computer Skills, English, and Stitch with SACSS. The event was filled with laughter, applause, and heartfelt moments, as students came together to celebrate their achievements and cheer one another on.

We were deeply honored to welcome Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, who shared inspiring words of encouragement and personally presented certificates to each graduate. She also gifted SACSS a generous $50,000 grant that will help continue expanding food pantry services and other community programming efforts. We are incredibly grateful for her continued support.

Rakesh Khanna, Finance Team, SACSS Board Treasurer Mysore Gandhi, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Board Director Sucheta Ponda, Board President Ramchandran, Director for Health Services Rehan Mehmood, Director of Family Services Mary Archana Fernandez.

Assemblywoman Nily Rozic presented a $50,000 grant to SACSS.

“I wanted to come by to honor the graduates for completing the program, and to encourage more people in the community to take advantage of opportunities like this. SACSS continues to be an essential resource, providing food, education, and vital services that empower our neighborhoods,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic

Among the graduates was Kevin (Yongping Zhang), our own staff from the food pantry team. Kevin completed the English class as part of his professional development and stood proudly alongside his peers.

Kevin (Yongping Zhang) receiving his graduation in Basic English Certificate

We are proud of our graduates and recognize their perseverance and growth, many of whom balanced classes with work, caregiving, and other responsibilities.

Workforce Development Year end cohort of graduates along with Assemblymember Nily Rozic and SACSS staff

Today’s celebration was not only about individual accomplishments but also about collective progress, the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities.

To all our graduates: congratulations!