At Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE), staff and faculty are inspired and committed to diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. The driving force cultivating this organizational culture? The People and Culture team.

Led by Director Elizabeth Gonzales, the People and Culture team plays a vital role in shaping the employee and instructor experience at CCE. The team works to ensure that the people behind CCE’s mission have the guidance, resources, tools, and support needed to succeed. “Overall, our role is about creating an environment where people feel supported, heard, and empowered to do their best work,” says Gonzales. 

Providing Coordination, Resources, and Support 

The People and Culture team works daily to support CCE employees and instructors by answering their questions, resolving challenges, coordinating background checks and I-9 verifications, running reports, preparing compliance-related contracts, onboarding new staff and faculty, and planning events. They focus long-term efforts on designing employee engagement programs, contributing to policy improvements, and strategic workforce planning. They also collaborate weekly with cross-functional teams on initiatives related to employee engagement, workforce development, instructor hiring, and organizational culture.

Guided by Learning, Collaboration, and Commitment

A guiding strength of the People and Culture team is its collaborative and people-centered approach. Team members share a genuine commitment to building a positive, inclusive organizational culture. That shared commitment and purpose are what drive the team and their efforts. “We’re especially inspired by colleagues who consistently lead with empathy and integrity, even in complex situations,” says Gonzales. “That commitment to doing what’s right for people, while balancing organizational needs, sets a strong example and continues to motivate our work.”

Another of their key strengths is their openness to learning and implementing new ideas.

The team is highly adaptable, and through collaboration, brings together a diverse set of skills and experiences to respond thoughtfully and creatively to changing workplace needs and challenges. The People and Culture team embodies a mindset of continuous learning. “We’re always applying what we’ve learned while staying open to new ideas and evolving best practices,” says Gonzales.

Making an Empathy-Forward Impact

Though much of their work is done behind the scenes, the People and Culture team has a visible positive impact on CCE’s staff, instructors, and students. Their efforts to support professional growth and foster a sense of belonging at CCE are felt throughout the college.

With their shared dedication to empathy, integrity, learning, and collaboration, the People and Culture team set the tone for how CCE carries out its mission.

About the College of Continuing Education

CCE offers innovative programs designed to meet the needs of adult learners, working professionals, and organizations. From online degrees to workforce training, CCE provides opportunities that make lifelong learning accessible and impactful.