Employer Engagement  Managers

Born and raised in Victorville, California, Charlotte is a graduate of The University of Phoenix; (Bachelor of Science Degree in Management), and is in pursuit of her Master of Business Administration Degree. Charlotte has over 35 years of work experience, currently she is working at Victor Valley College, and has been there 8 years.  She currently holds the position of Manager, Regional Employer Engagement.  Her previous positions were Regional Career Education Job Developer, Administrative Secretary II, working with the Career Pathways Trust Grant, and Financial Aid Technician. Charlotte also served as the CSEA Union, 1st Vice President, and the Advisor for the Base 11/STEM Club.  She created, and implemented a Career Closet on campus providing students with free interview attire and work clothing.  She was a participant on an Employer Panel at the High Desert Opportunity Summit, 2021 and the Moderator of the Panel, “Focus on Opportunity”, at The High Desert Education Summit 2022. In her current role, she is responsible for working with all employers within the High Desert Sub Region; which encompasses, Victor Valley College, Barstow College and Copper Mountain College.  Employer Engagement is her main responsibility, along with supporting Community Colleges and K12 LEAs with their Career Education Advisory events, skills panels, job fairs, etc. by assisting with employer participation. Charlotte has also volunteered with several local non-profit organizations such as, Another Level for Women, The Red Cross, and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.  She was also the President/Founder of The Victorville High Desert Hawks, AAU Youth Football Team, and involved in the PTA.  She is also a member of Who’s Who among Professional Women.

Hobbies include:  Listening to Smooth Jazz and attending Jazz Festivals, Roller-skating, Wine Tasting, attending High School, College and NFL Football games, Drawing, Soul Line Dancing, Cooking and Bowling.

I’m honored to be the new Director of Regional Employer Engagement for the Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium, hosed at Mt. San Jacinto College.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and a Master's in Business Administration. In my previous role, I was a Student Success Specialist for the SSSP and Student Equity and Achievement Program at Imperial Valley College. During my tenure at the University of Phoenix (UOPX), I held the Community Education Liaison and Workforce Solution Advisor's role. Previously, at Columbia College, I served as an Adjunct Business Professor Teaching Business Management Classes.   I firmly believe that the more effectively we engage with our business community, the better opportunities our students will have.  I look forward to working together to develop education solutions that best serve our students and our community. My husband and I recently relocated to Winchester from the Imperial Valley. We are enjoying the diversity and beauty that this area offers our family. In my free time I enjoy staying active and playing volleyball, going to spin class, and practicing yoga.  

For the past 16 years, Nelky Rodriguez educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. Her educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, with a committed and focused educational team. Dr. Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Marketing from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico in 2004. She returned to California where she earned her master’s degree in Education in 2006 from California State University, San Bernardino. Her professional roles span from Adjunct Professor, Apprenticeship Development Liaison, Assistant Registrar, to  Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Records ( Enrollment Management).  In 2021, she obtained her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.

He is the youngest of six siblings; has one daughter and two grandkids. Was All-State in basketball at Chaffey College. Earned his Bachelors of Science in Political Science/Public Administration degree, with a Minor in English from California Baptist University. Did Teaching Credential and MAT work at Chapman University before earning his Master’s in Education/Educational Technology degree from National University. He is currently working on his dissertation and doctorate in education, community college leadership degree through Kansas State University.

Prior to arriving at College of the Desert: Craig had been in education for over 20 years as an administrator (DOE), teacher, advisor and coach, and enjoyed successes with various businesses and companies. Educationally, he was the Director of Education for Lee College in Anaheim, an adjunct faculty member at Career College of California, a secondary teacher (IB Business Management/Administration & Entrepreneurship, Basic Accounting, Intro to Law, and Social Studies), including AVID and English, and an Instructor at International Air Academy. He has also served as California Scholastic Federation Advisor, Future Business Leaders of America campus Advisor, and Basketball and golf coach for 30+ years.

 Craig’s Business experience: COO and Board Member for Aqua-PhyD Inc.; Manager/General Manager Pool with American Eagle Airlines. Private business owner, worked at Disneyland, Curbmaster, Jackson-Donahue Ent. (President), and SoCal Soldiers (President). Craig also served 2 years in the U.S. Army, and is now a full-time resident in Palm Springs. In his spare time, Craig enjoys spending time with his daughter and grand-kids, other family and friends, reading, triathlons, being at the beach, mountains, in Montana, travelling, and many other indoor & outdoor activities. Craig’s professional focus maintains building relationships with people and organizations to improve lives and economic viability toward success.