WASHINGTON, DC - This week is starting off with a bang, as it's only Monday and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) has already announced a new member joining its team. The certification organization revealed that it will be welcoming David Cea as its new Workforce Development Specialist, stepping in to help deliver comprehensive training to EFI’s leadership teams, provide supervisor training and orientation, and support workforce education.
In his new role, Cea will serve as part of EFI’s workforce development program, a multi-faceted department that provides ongoing training and consultation to growers and leadership teams; develops new products, services, and curriculum; and serves as a conduit for the voices of workers to the EFI Board and staff. According to a press release, Cea will be aiding fresh produce grower-shippers as they seek to achieve EFI certification.
Cea joined EFI as a Consultant Facilitator in 2014, and has since grown, leading to his promotion to full-time staff in June 2021. As an EFI Facilitator, he worked to train dozens of EFI leadership teams in workplace collaboration, EFI standards, and skill development.
Prior to his role at EFI, Cea spent more than a decade coordinating projects for humanitarian aid organizations in the mountains of El Salvador, helping the most vulnerable populations, addressing education and community and risk mitigation. Additionally, he has coordinated programs for at-risk youth as well as conflict resolution and social reintegration for former gang members in San Salvador.
Gretta Siebentritt, Director of Workforce Development, commented on Cea’s recent appointment.
“David’s experience in adult education and facilitating diverse groups, his ability to relate to those around him, and his deep understanding of EFI’s core work and mission make him the perfect candidate to join our team,” she said. “In addition, his skills as a visual storyteller will help us better share EFI’s impact on the lives of farmworkers.”
Congratulations to David Cea as he steps into this new position!
