Tamara Luera Makes Strides in Workforce Development Arena

By: Julie Garay

With her position as the Workforce Development Coordinator of the Office of Business Opportunity, Tamara Luera brings an emphasis to creating and enhancing jobtraining programs and hiring opportunities that aims to foster the growth of certified firms and to eliminate employment barriers for job-seeking Houstonians. OBO’s Turnaround Houston Job & Readiness Fairs and the Workforce Webinar Series, available on demand at YouTube. com/houstontxobo, are just two examples of Luera’s involvement in building and implementing community resource programs.

Q: What encouraged you to join OBO?

A: OBO’s mission was appealing and has a meaningful purpose to enrich people’s lives, in comparison to other workplaces.

Q: Tell me about your background.

A: I’m a graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin, but I was born and raised in Houston. After I graduated college, I started working in the non-profit sector. As a result, I’ve built programs that are still in place till this day, which help non-profit organizations allocate funds to reach their mission. I guess you could say those are my legacies.

Q: What is OBO planning in terms of workforce development?

A: Currently, we are working on developing programs that will assist certified firms with building and growing their workforce. By partnering with other organizations aligned with OBO’s goal, we aim to assist certified firms with apprenticeship programs or certifications for trades, which is a win-win for small businesses and the workforce.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about working at OBO?

A: I've learned so much about how the City works, how different departments work, and how their goals align. I also enjoy meeting new people and being able to network and make connections.

Q: What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?

A: One of my favorite things is exploring Houston and trying new coffee shops. My favorite coffee has been from La Chamba Coffee Shop, which is part of SER Jobs, a non-profit community organization that OBO is working with to create a webinar series focused on certifications and trade training programs. The coffee shop is in the East End of Houston and has an amazing Horchata Cold Brew.

Tamara Luera, OBO's Workforce Development Coordinator