District 5 Celebrates New Ready to Work Advisory Board Members
Published on May 14, 2026
District 5 Celebrates New Ready to Work Advisory Board Members
SAN ANTONIO (May 14, 2026) – Today, during City Council A Session, the Council appointed Michael Peña and Barbara Jean Acosta as at-large members of the San Antonio Ready to Work Advisory Board. District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo expressed appreciation for all applicants who sought to serve on the Advisory Board and emphasized the importance of ensuring diverse community voices are represented in workforce development discussions.
“Thank you to all of the applicants who applied for these at-large positions on the San Antonio Ready to Work Advisory Board and for the investment of their time and energy,” said the District 5 Councilmember. “I am grateful for Ready to Work’s continued commitment to serving residents who face high barriers to employment, to having organized labor at the table, and to the inclusion of these needed voices in our workforce development discussions.”
The Ready to Work program was created to help residents access education, training, and workforce opportunities that lead to stable, well-paying careers. Castillo noted that addressing barriers to employment remains central to the program’s long-term success.
“We know that a foundational component of this program’s success is helping community members overcome the many, varying barriers they face when seeking fulfilling, good-paying employment,” the District 5 Councilmember said. “The presence on the Advisory Board of organized labor and organizations serving justice-impacted individuals ensures that needed voices are heard and, in turn, make our program stronger overall.”
Michael Peña was appointed as the labor representative on the Advisory Board. Peña is a 16-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and currently serves as an executive board member of IBEW Local 60 in San Antonio. Throughout his career, he has worked in communities across the United States and has demonstrated a strong commitment to organized labor, equity, and worker advocacy.
“Congratulations to Michael Peña on his appointment to the Advisory Board as the labor representative,” Castillo said. “His extensive experience and dedication to organized labor will bring an important perspective to the Board’s work.”
Barbara Jean Acosta of Big Homie Street Mentoring was also appointed to the Advisory Board. Through her work, Acosta supports individuals and families facing significant barriers and provides mentorship and critical resources to justice-impacted residents and youth.
“Barbara has demonstrated an incredible ability to build bridges with youth and individuals impacted by incarceration and understands the benefits that come with believing in people and providing opportunities,” the District 5 Councilmember said. “We look forward to her presence on the Advisory Board and her commitment to strengthening the connection between decision-makers and the community members she serves.”
The District 5 Councilmember concluded by thanking both appointees for their willingness to serve and for their commitment to ensuring labor voices and high-barrier populations remain represented in the Ready to Work program.
“Thank you to Michael and Barbara for their dedication to these positions, for their commitment to strong participation, and for ensuring these important perspectives continue to be heard,” the District 5 Councilmember said.