In this episode, Brian Kleven, Nevada Market Chief Financial Officer for Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and a board member of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), joins the show. Brian shares his journey from growing up in Van Nuys, California, to becoming a financial leader in Southern Nevada's healthcare sector. Raised in the Northridge area, he earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University, Northridge. His career began in banking at Washington Mutual before transitioning into healthcare, where he held leadership roles at hospitals across California before being recruited to Nevada.

As CFO at Dignity Health, Brian oversees financial operations across three hospitals and several joint ventures in Southern Nevada. He discusses the challenges of managing rising expenses in healthcare, especially post-pandemic, and highlights efforts to expand access to care in underserved areas of the region. Brian emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local institutions like UNLV, Roseman University, and CSN to address workforce shortages in healthcare, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals, including physicians, nurses, and lab technicians. He also sheds light on the impact of technology, such as AI and robotic-assisted surgeries, in advancing patient care and improving outcomes.

Outside of work, Brian is a devoted family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He loves sports—both watching and playing—and is an avid supporter of the Las Vegas Raiders, Golden Knights, and UNLV Athletics. His family often travels within the U.S., visiting loved ones and exploring new destinations. Reflecting on his journey, Brian encourages young professionals to take risks, embrace failure as a learning experience, and focus on building strong community connections. He believes success stems from hard work, helping others, and staying true to your values.

Dignity Health:
Health Care in AZ, CA and NV | Hello Humankindness | Dignity Health

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance:
LVGEA | Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz welcomes Leslie Mujica, Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer for the Southern Nevada International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC), also known as Las Vegas Power Professionals. Leslie shares her inspiring journey, from being born in Guatemala City and immigrating to the U.S. as a child to attending Hollywood High School and earning her degrees in Journalism (PR focus) and Sociology from Cal State Northridge, followed by a master’s in public administration from UNLV. Her dedication to community outreach and workforce development has made her a key advocate for skilled union jobs, safety, and workforce training in Southern Nevada.

Leslie’s career path took her through the construction industry, where she discovered her passion for labor relations and workforce advocacy. She speaks about her early work experiences, starting at McDonald's at 15 (after forging her mom’s signature for a work permit!) and balancing jobs in retail and the movie theater industry while pursuing higher education. After working in construction management, she transitioned into her current leadership role, where she champions union careers, apprenticeship programs, and industry safety standards. Leslie also serves on multiple community boards, including the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the Clark County Planning Commission, and the Governor’s Regional Transmission Coordination Task Force Advisory Board.

Outside of work, Leslie enjoys watching sports, cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston Bruins, and Las Vegas Aces, and attending NASCAR and NHRA races. She dedicates much of her free time to community engagement and mentorship, believing strongly in giving back. When asked about advice for young professionals, she encourages them to never give up, strive to be the best version of themselves, and not let others steal their peace.

Leslie also highlights upcoming workforce events, such as the Junior Achievement Inspire Event at UNLV (Feb 19-20) and NCA/AGC Career Day (Feb 28), which provide hands-on opportunities for students and young professionals. She leaves listeners with two powerful quotes that reflect her dedication to growth and service: "Success must include two things: the development of an individual to his utmost potential and a contribution of some kind to the world" (Eleanor Roosevelt) and "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive—with passion, compassion, humor, and style" (Maya Angelou). These words perfectly capture Leslie’s journey and commitment to building a stronger workforce and community.

Las Vegas Power Professionals:
Las Vegas Power Professionals – Leading the Electrical Construction Industry

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

• Junior Achievement Inspire Event – February 19-20 at UNLV
  JA Inspire Nevada | Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada
• NCA/AGC Career Day – February 28
  Construction Career Day 2024-2025
• Union Apprenticeship Programs – Showcasing hands-on opportunities for young professionals

In this episode, Dr. Rex Liu, owner of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and a Vegas Chamber Trustee, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful dentist, landlord, and community advocate.

Dr. Liu grew up in New York, Maryland, Texas, and Las Vegas, where he settled in fifth grade. Raised by Chinese immigrant parents, his early years taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. Dr. Liu attended the University of Southern California (USC) for undergraduate studies and dental school, inspired by a high school careers class and aptitude tests that guided him toward dentistry. His journey was supported by the WICHE program, which helped fund his education in exchange for serving Nevada’s underserved communities.

Over the years, Dr. Liu has grown his practice from a solo operation to a group practice, eventually becoming his own landlord. He emphasizes the importance of blending cutting-edge technology, like 3D imaging and printing, with the human touch to provide personalized, life-changing care for his patients. His practice focuses on improving oral health, boosting confidence, and enhancing quality of life—work that has earned numerous accolades, including the Business Excellence Award for Company Culture and Customer Service Excellence Award.

Outside of work, Dr. Liu enjoys bodybuilding, boating at Lake Mead, raising German shepherds, and participating in community theater. He encourages young people to stay active in their communities, embrace lifelong learning, and focus on self-improvement. “Prioritize your health and work on becoming the best version of yourself,” he advises.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry:
https://www.familycosmeticdentistryinc.com/about