Welcoming Ilona McGriff, Director of Workforce Development
Berkeley City College is pleased to welcome Ilona McGriff in her role as Director of Workforce Development. Ilona will support California Apprenticeship Initiative grants, SWP, and Perkins planning and reporting, as well as employer engagement and identifying new funding for the College. We’re excited to have someone with Ilona’s expertise to help bolster the college’s growing workforce partnerships and grants.
Ilona M. McGriff, MPA, is an accomplished higher education leader with over 20 years of experience in administration, workforce development, proposal development, and equity-centered program design. She is the Principal Consultant and Founder of LSM Legacies, a women-owned consulting firm based in Oakland, California, supporting institutions like Chabot College, Las Positas College, and CSU East Bay through initiatives such as the East Bay College Agile Network (EBCAN). Ilona has held senior roles, including Dean of Capital Projects and Dean of Grants and Resource Development at City College of San Francisco, where she secured over $20 million in funding and led efforts to obtain Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status. She previously served in advancement, external relations, and career development roles at Bennett College, a historic HBCU, where she developed student success initiatives and strengthened institutional partnerships. A National Urban Fellow, she holds degrees from CUNY Baruch College and UC San Diego.
“I am excited to join the Peralta family in my new role as Director of Workforce Development!” said Ilona. “I look forward to collaborating with industry, students, and community partners to expand opportunities and create innovative and equitable career pathways that drive lasting impact.”
Aventus Security Officer Provides Critical First Aid to Community Member in Need
The Berkeley City College community would like to express our gratitude to Aventus Security and Officer Daniel Urias for providing critical aid to an individual experiencing a medical emergency on campus. Upon alert from BCC faculty, Carolyn Martin, Officer Urias immediately stepped in to offer first aid to stabilize the individual while emergency services were called. “I am proud to work and help in any way I can because I know someone else in the community would do the same for me,” said Officer Urias.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to the instructor, Dr. Carolyn Martin, Officer Urias, and the entire Aventus team for their quick action and demonstration of first aid expertise under intense pressure,” said President Richardson. “You make our community safer, and we greatly appreciate your consistent professionalism and support.”
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Denise Richardson, Berkeley City College President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. To view it as a PDF, click here.