Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Osmar Padilla to Address Delgado Community College Graduates on May 20

May 07, 2025

Delgado Community College is excited to welcome Osmar Padilla, assistant secretary for workforce development at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, who will address over 1,500 graduates at the college’s spring commencement at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the UNO Lakefront Arena.

Osmar Padilla

Delgado Community College and the Louisiana Workforce Commission share a strong partnership rooted in a mutual commitment to advancing workforce development across Louisiana. Together, they collaborate on initiatives that connect students with high-demand career pathways, support reskilling and upskilling opportunities and align educational programs with the evolving needs of employers. Delgado and the Commission work to ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills,  credentials and resources needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.

“We are honored to welcome Osmar Padilla as our commencement speaker. His dedication to building a robust workforce in Louisiana aligns perfectly with Delgado’s mission to empower students through education and career readiness,” said Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Delgado Community College Chancellor. “Our graduates will benefit greatly from his insight and experience as they take the next step in their professional journeys.”

At the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Padilla leads the Office of Workforce Development, where he focuses on developing and implementing strategies to improve the employability and skills of Louisiana's workforce, ensuring alignment with job market demands. Padilla emphasizes collaboration with employers, educational institutions, economic development agencies, community organizations and sister state agencies to build a strong and sustainable workforce ecosystem.

“It’s an honor to share this significant milestone with the graduates of Delgado Community College. These talented individuals embody the promise of Louisiana’s workforce, and I commend Delgado for preparing them to successfully meet the demands of our evolving economy. Together, we're building pathways to opportunity and creating a vibrant future for Louisiana,” Padilla said.

Previously serving as director of workforce development at Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), Padilla oversaw the GNOu initiative, which supported the design, implementation and enhancement of workforce development programs tailored grow individual careers and develop the regional economy. Padilla holds a Bachelor of Arts in Disaster Management and a Master of Science in Workforce Development from Louisiana State University.

Presiding over the commencement exercises will be Dr. Timothy Stamm, vice chancellor for academic affairs and college provost at Delgado, joined by Chancellor Steib; college administrators; Elizabeth Shaye Hope, president of the faculty senate; and Nakia Brown-Bates, alumni association president. Kristopher LaMorte, professor of theater, will announce the names of the graduates.