About

About Rare Opportunity, Inc

Rare Opportunity exists to help people facing barriers to employment rebuild stability and move forward with dignity. We focus on practical support, skill building, and trusted connections to work.

Why we exist

Many people need more than job listings. They need guidance, skills, and support systems they can trust. Rare Opportunity works alongside community partners, training providers, and workforce programs to help individuals prepare for work and access opportunities aligned with their goals.

What we do

  • Workforce preparation, resume support, interview practice, job readiness
  • Skills development through training and education referrals
  • Community connections to partners and supportive services

Leadership

Michelle Jordan, Ed.M

President, Rare Opportunity, Inc.

Michelle Jordan serves as President of Rare Opportunity, Inc., bringing more than two decades of leadership across workforce development, human services, education, and community-based systems. She holds a Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Pitzer College.

Michelle has led large-scale programs within municipal and nonprofit settings, including senior leadership roles with South Valley WorkSource Center, the City of Inglewood, and the Downtown Women’s Center. Her work spans strategic partnerships, grant-funded program development, clinical supervision, trauma-informed services, and cross-sector collaboration. She has overseen multimillion-dollar initiatives, managed diverse teams, and built sustainable systems that expand access to employment, housing, healthcare, and wraparound support.

Throughout her career, Michelle has remained focused on equity, dignity, and long-term stability for underserved communities. At Rare Opportunity, she guides organizational strategy, partnerships, and mission alignment to ensure the organization delivers practical, people-centered solutions that help individuals rebuild and grow.

Stephanie Rodriguez

Secretary, Rare Opportunity, Inc.

Stephanie Rodriguez serves as Secretary of Rare Opportunity, Inc., contributing a strong foundation in compliance, case management, and frontline workforce services. She holds a Master of Studies in Law with a focus on Compliance and Human Resources from the University of Southern California, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from California State University, Northridge.

Stephanie currently works as a Case Manager with the South Valley WorkSource Center, where she supports participants through individualized employment planning, documentation compliance, supportive services coordination, and job readiness activities. Her experience includes managing participant records, conducting audits, supporting invoicing, and guiding clients through short- and long-term career goals.

In addition to her workforce background, Stephanie has held leadership roles with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and has experience mentoring at-risk youth through education and career readiness programs. Her combined expertise in compliance, participant advocacy, and program operations strengthens Rare Opportunity’s governance and accountability while keeping the organization closely connected to the real needs of the communities it serves.

Connect with Stephanie Rodriguez on LinkedIn.