Diane Factor is the Founder and Director Emeritus of WERC, who in 1999 was given the opportunity to create a labor-management partnership to connect low wage and unemployed Los Angeles County workers with good jobs where they would serve their community, and access stable employment with benefits.

Diane brought her background in labor education, and occupational & environmental health to working closely with the Service Employees International Union Local 721 and the County of Los Angeles to prepare and place thousands of workers in safety net hospitals, clinics, as first responders, and in public works, parks and beaches. Before retiring in 2020, Diane was instrumental in designing programs for individuals with high barriers to employment, using non-traditional apprenticeship models, integrated trauma-informed care services, and intensive case management.

Diane continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the California Workforce Development Board, and as a consultant to WERC.