2025 Workforce Development Conference

Day 1 Speakers

PRE-DAY SESSION 

Amy Brombos
Amy Brombos Consulting
Specializing in Educational and Data Consulting (a subsidiary of Woman Up, LLC)

A seasoned data strategist and educator, Dr. Amy Brombos brings over 20 years of experience transforming complex data into compelling narratives that drive change. As a recipient of the Department of Commerce Bronze Medal for leadership excellence, she has conducted hundreds of workshops helping organizations harness demographic and economic data to secure funding and demonstrate impact. Her unique blend of experience includes developing data-driven strategies for state agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions, with proven success in helping organizations secure over $100 million in grant funding. Amy holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and has trained thousands of professionals in making data accessible and actionable for their communities. Her expertise in both data analysis and strategic communication makes her an ideal guide for workforce development professionals seeking to tell more powerful stories about their impact on young lives.

Erin Breslin
City Mission of Schenectady

Erin Breslin is a Development Support Specialist with City Mission of Schenectady, a shelter serving homeless and under-resourced men, women, and children in need in Schenectady. Erin is the Mission’s Apprenticeship Program liaison. In this role, she assists each Apprentice with all manner of administrative support, to help each Apprentice stay on track with their on-the-job training, in partnership with the Department of Labor, and their formal education/instruction, in partnership with SUNY Schenectady. Erin Holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Nazareth College and a Master’s Degree from UAlbany.

Ashley Castle
GlobalFoundries

Ashley leads state and local government and community affairs for GlobalFoundries (GF). In this role, she oversees GF’s New York and Vermont policy advocacy and government outreach to advance the company’s legislative and regulatory priorities. She partners closely with business leaders, academic institutions and organizations in NY and VT to educate these stakeholders on GF and the semiconductor industry, and to implement corporate and workforce-related initiatives. Ashley also serves as GF’s director of global legal operations. Ashley has held multiple leadership roles over her 15-year tenure at GF, including government affairs, corporate development, intellectual property, and chief of staff to GF’s Chief Legal Officer. Ashley has led many complex high-value financial and M&A transactions, including GF’s initial public offering in 2021, and the successful capture of federal and state grant funding opportunities. Ashley holds an MBA and bachelor’s degrees from The State University of New York at Albany, and an associate degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College. Ashley lives in New York’s Capital District with her husband and three daughters.

Marcus T Galloway
Independent Consultant

Marcus Galloway, LMSW, received his Master's in Clinical Social Work from Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work. He uses a biopsychosocial approach with clients, practicing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care and Mindfulness to support self-actualization. He has experience with incarcerated youth, adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, adults experiencing homelessness and domestic violence survivors. Marcus currently serves as Director of Mental Health for New Destiny Housing, teaches Early Intervention in Social Work Practice to MSW students at Hunter College, and provides individual talk therapy.

Lourena Gboeah
Upwardly Global

Lourena Gboeah is Program Director at Upwardly Global New York, supporting immigrant and refugee professionals in overcoming employment barriers. A resettled refugee from Liberia, she brings over a decade of experience serving marginalized communities. She has held leadership roles at Year Up Philadelphia and serves on boards including Refugee Council USA and UNHCR’s Advisory Board. Lourena holds degrees from Rutgers University and Temple University, and advocates for inclusive policies that uplift forcibly displaced people.

Greg Lancette
Central, Northern New York Building Trades (CNNYBTC)

Melanie Lewis
Micron

Melanie Lewis is Director of Workforce Strategies at Micron Technology, leading efforts to attract and develop talent across Idaho, New York, Virginia and the broader US. She drives strategic workforce growth through partnerships with CTE programs, community colleges, and industry partners. Her team leads Registered Apprenticeship Programs and veteran-focused training initiatives, creating accessible career pathways in the semiconductor industry. Based in Boise, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and two sons.

 Christine McLear
GlobalFoundries

Christine McLear is the Workforce Development Senior Lead at GlobalFoundries (GF), where she manages workforce development initiatives to grow the semiconductor talent pipeline. In prior roles she helped companies build registered apprenticeship programs, including a partnership with GF to help launch their program, the first registered apprenticeship program in the U.S. semiconductor industry. She has extensive experience developing and implementing industry-driven workforce programs, including initiatives aimed at helping un- and underemployed New Yorkers retrain and find quality jobs.

Joseph Nehme
Micron

Joe currently serves as Senior Manager for External Affairs at Micron Technology. In his role, Joe supports the company’s New York expansion. Prior to joining Micron, he led U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer’s Central and Northern New York Regional Office for over 7 years. He also held roles at the New York State Assembly and Syracuse University. He was born and raised in Utica, NY and graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in 2007 and Syracuse University in 2011. Joe is a Lebanese American and lives in Dewitt with his wife Ilyana and son Remy.

Chris Pinheiro
New York State Department of Labor

Chris started with the Department of Labor in 2006 and has spent his entire career with DOL, specifically in the Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions. He has held a variety of roles, beginning as a program monitor reviewing local Workforce Investment Act programs before transitioning to a central office role. His focus there was on policy and performance, eventually becoming the manager of the Policy and Planning Unit in DEWS. He became the Director of Apprenticeship in June 2021 and the Director of Apprenticeship and Infrastructure in May 2023.

Christopher Riley
Upwardly Global

Bringing his lived experience as an immigrant to the U.S., Chris served as an Upwardly Global Career Coach before transitioning to his current role as a National Account Manager. He now supports partner organizations, such as community colleges, refugee resettlement agencies, and workforce development consortiums in advancing internationally trained talent through the use of Upwardly Global's e-Learning Platform to build career readiness skills.

Selina Robertson
City Mission of Schenectady

Selina Robertson leads the efforts of City Mission of Schenectady’s Dining Center. In this role, she is chiefly responsible for the 700 meals that City Mission prepares each day, for the 100 men, women, and children living at City Mission, and for all those who come to City Mission for a Community Meal dinner, provided each night, Monday through Friday. Toward this end, Selina plans the menus, orders the food, and works with her team of staff, residents, and volunteers to prepare, cook, and serve each meal. Selina is also in the second year of the two-year Cook Apprenticeship, which involves (each year) 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, as directed by the Department of Labor, and formal education/instruction, as directed by SUNY Schenectady.

Elizabeth Speck
Mind Open Learning

Elizabeth Speck is Founder and Principal of MindOpen Learning Strategies, a social justice-focused consultancy helping organizations build healthier, more equitable workplaces. A Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist with 30 years across New York's workforce and human services systems, she previously served as Chief Learning Officer for Workforce Professionals Training Institute and Senior Training Director at Safe Horizon. Dr. Speck specializes in leadership and learning, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive organizational cultures, and is active in community networks advancing racial and economic justice.

Amy Stage
MACNY

Amy oversees Registered Apprenticeship programs that support skill development and job placement. She collaborates with industry stakeholders to expand Registered Apprenticeship initiatives, manages state and federal grant programs, and ensures alignment with workforce development goals. Her work includes coordinating technical training programs, liaising with the New York State Department of Labor, and advocating for policies that enhance workforce readiness.

Richard Turner
RTMA

Rich Turner joined the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) in January 2021 after more than a dozen years in government, including five years as Monroe County’s Workforce Development Manager and several years in leadership. He manages the RTMA’s regional sponsorship of the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program which has more than 40 signatory companies and has registered over 350 apprentices throughout the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Rich also oversees the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program and RTMA’s pre-apprenticeship programs. He also serves on the committee for ROC With Your Hands, the region’s largest single-day career exploration event. Rich also serves as a Commissioner with the Irondequoit Fire District and is the public address announcer for Eastridge High School.

Morghan White
UA Local 81

Morghan White is a fourth-year apprentice with UA Local 81 and serves as the Recording Secretary for the Local's Women’s Committee. She is committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering, and educational work environment. Passionate about advocacy and union solidarity, she actively supports her fellow members and works to elevate the voices of underrepresented tradespeople in the industry.

Denise Zieske
SUNY

Denise Zieske is Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development in SUNY’s Office of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility. She develops and implements programs and related initiatives for SUNY’s 64 campuses and supports workforce efforts at the state and national level. She has established strategic partnerships with NYS agencies as well as workforce and economic development organizations across the state. Denise serves on committees and boards to ensure workforce development efforts are preparing individuals to enter careers and that employers can find skilled workers and upskill employees.

Elyse Zlotnikov
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Day 2 Speakers

Laurie Bargstedt
HFM BOCES

Laurie Bargstedt has led Adult Literacy and Corrections Education at HFM BOCES for 20+ years, overseeing literacy zones and correctional academies. With 30+ years in adult education, she’s been a case manager, teacher, and administrator. Holding advanced degrees and national certifications, she serves on the Workforce Development Board and multiple state and national associations supporting adult education and workforce development. 

Claudine Campanelli
NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

Claudine Campanelli, Ed.D, leads the Early Childhood Career Development Center at NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, CUNY and oversees the early childhood higher education programming at CUNY School of Professional Studies.. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood leadership, having opened and managed childcare programs worldwide, which brings a unique and global perspective to the early childhood workforce. She holds a doctorate in Transformational Leadership.

Kusi Castillo
Henry Street Settlement

Kusi Castillo is the Case Manager and Program Assistant for the ESOL Civics program at the Work Force Development Center at Henry Street Settlement. Since the humanitarian crisis impacting immigrants began, she has played a key role in coordinating case management for the Arrive to Thrive program, supporting new immigrants as they navigate their inclusion and work toward achieving their goals in their new home country. Kusi’s journey is deeply personal. A former student in the ESOL Job Readiness program at Henry Street, she understands firsthand the challenges faced by newcomers. Originally from Peru, she holds a degree in Social Communication and has professional experience in adult literacy, government work, and employment generation within the non-profit sector. Fluent in Spanish (her native language) and French, Kusi also earned a diploma in Culture and Language from the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Her diverse cultural and professional background enables her to connect with individuals from all walks of life, helping them thrive in unfamiliar environments. With a deep commitment to empowering immigrant communities, Kusi remains inspired by the resilience of those she serves.

Justin Collins
Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI)

Justin Collins is WPTI’s Senior Director of Programs. In this role, he is responsible for oversight and management of WPTI’s programming focused on quality occupations and future-ready practice as well as thought leadership, communications, and organizational consulting. Justin leads some of WPTI’s signature learning communities, including the Business Engagement Learning Lab (BELL) and Workforce Systems Leadership Program (WSLP). He joined WPTI in 2019, after spending several years in the field leading workforce programming at a Brooklyn-based nonprofit. A lawyer by training, Justin has a BA in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from Brooklyn Law School.

Andrew DeSilva
Grace Institute of New York

Andrew K. De Silva is an accomplished nonprofit leader with extensive experience in workforce development, youth development, court services, and program implementation. He has directed national and citywide initiatives at Grace Institute, STRIVE, and CASES, driving innovative strategies that enhance client outcomes, build stakeholder partnerships, and strengthen organizational impact. With expertise in project management, data-driven solutions, and team leadership, Andrew is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities and empowering communities.

Lauren Dinar
HFM BOCES

Lauren has 16 years of experience in Adult Education as an ELL instructor and case manager at the Amsterdam Literacy Zone. A SUNY Albany graduate in Anthropology and Latin American & Caribbean Studies, she teaches workforce- and community-focused language courses. She collaborates with community partners to provide wraparound resources, supporting student success in life and work.

Colleen Farrell
Farmingdale State College, SUNY

Colleen Farrell has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2003 and is a Lecturer in the Psychology Department at Farmingdale State College, where she oversees the credit-bearing CDA Microcredential. Her career spans roles as teacher, director, coach, and regional manager. She holds an M.S. in Early Childhood Education focused on adult learning and is certified in PITC, the NYS Training and Technical Assistance Credential, and serves as a Master Cadre Trainer of the Pyramid Model.

Bridget Forshe
NYS Area Health Education Center System

As current Statewide Director for the NYS Area Health Education Center (AHEC) System, Bridget Forshee supports a network in responding to and implementing community-based programming to best meet the ranging health needs of New York residents. With nearly a decade’s experience supporting healthcare education and workforce development initiatives, her career has focused on fostering and advancing programs to help increase New Yorkers’ education, awareness, and accessibility to quality care and better health outcomes.

Jonathan Gabay
NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

Jon Gabay has been with the Professional Development Institute (PDI) for three years. He has 15 + years in college preparation and readiness programing and Career development. He has worked with notable non-profits including PDI, CollegeSpring, East Side House, Urban Dove and St. Nicks Alliance. He supports Workforce Development, traditional and alternative pathways in higher education, and has experience with internship and mentor models, and Tech literacy programs. Additional area of expertise includes College and career Counseling, recruitment and Restorative Justice.

Fatma Ghailan
Queens Public Library

Fatma Ghailan is the Director of Community Learning at Queens Public Library, where she oversees a borough-wide portfolio of programs serving immigrants, adult learners, and job seekers. She leads initiatives in ESOL, workforce development, digital literacy, and community engagement, supported by multiple public and private funding streams. A certified coach and doctoral candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, Fatma’s research focuses on transformative learning in community-based ESOL programs and the role of libraries as catalysts for social integration and upward mobility. She brings over a decade of experience designing innovative, equity-driven programs that center the voices and aspirations of New Americans.

Benjamin Hilligas
SUNY EOC

Benjamin Hilligas serves as Executive Director of the Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC), where he leads strategic initiatives to expand access to education, workforce development, and community empowerment for underserved populations. Benjamin brings extensive experience in educational leadership, program development, and student advocacy. Under his leadership, the BEOC has strengthened its role in Western New York, helping individuals achieve academic and career success. His work reflects a deep passion for social impact and transformative education.

Martha Jackson
NYC Mayor's Office of Talent & Workforce Development

Martha was appointed Executive Director of The Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion (CWAI) as part of the administration’s Plan to Advance Career Success for People with Disabilities, a multi-agency collaboration with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, Small Business Services and NYC Opportunity. At CWAI, Martha established an advisory council comprised of businesses, providers, funders, government agencies, advocates, and members of the disability community; CWAI partners with key stakeholders to identify the most pressing challenges, supports the design, launch, and assessment of new program models that increase employment for people with disabilities. By breaking down siloes, CWAI addresses systems change, sharing best practices and available resources. Her focus is also on supporting NYC as a model employer through programs such as the Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) with AHRC NYC, and a Digital Accessibility training program in collaboration with Microsoft and NYC Department of Citywide Administration Services (DCAS), on how to create digital accessible documents and media to over 300,000 city employees. Originally, Martha joined the NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities in 2015 to create the City’s’ first workforce program for New Yorkers with disabilities: NYC: ATWORK, an internationally recognized initiative which continues serving New Yorkers with disabilities, connecting them to internships and jobs in high-growth sectors. She helped launch EMPOWERED NYC, a financial counseling program for New Yorkers with disabilities and their families, and EMPOWERED CITIES, a national network of disability leaders to advance equity and economic opportunity for people with disabilities.

Theresa Jalowiec
Northland Communications

Theresa Jalowiec is the Vice President of People and Talent for Northland Communications where she works on the Executive Leadership Team to ensure corporate goals are achieved. Primary roles include overseeing the employee experience, training and development, recruitment, compliance/benefits and policy development. She began her professional career over 19 years ago at Northland Communications in the Accounting Department, and after 8 years decided to change career paths based on her desire to support people. Theresa holds an M.B.A. from SUNY Empire State College, a B.S. in Accounting from SUNY Poly, a Green Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma, and the SHRM-SCP certification.

Annmarie Lanesey
Can Code Communities

Annmarie Lanesey, serial entrepreneur, front-end developer, Agile project manager, and artist, is CEO of Greane Tree Technology and founder of Albany Can Code. Believing commerce and creativity thrive when barriers are removed, she champions expanding IT training. Inspired by hiring a self-taught developer, she works tirelessly to grow the region’s software sector and open tech opportunities to all with aptitude.

Seema Malik
New York City Economic Development Corporation

Seema Malik is the Director of Accessibility at NYCEDC, where she leads agency-wide initiatives to embed Universal Design, ensure ADA compliance, and empower staff through targeted training. She approaches accessibility as a design opportunity, advancing digital accessibility, physical access, effective communication, programmatic inclusion, and workplace inclusion across New York City. With over a decade of experience in design and construction project management, Seema has partnered with agencies including NYCHA, DDC, and SCA to deliver projects that meet regulatory standards and the real-world needs of diverse communities. Earlier, she founded a company that developed an award-winning MTA collaboration product line, reflecting her passion for innovation and inclusive design.

Olivier Mandevu
NYS Office for New Americans

Robert Martiniano
Center for Health Workforce Studies

Dr. Robert Martiniano is the Senior Program Manager at the Center for Health Workforce Studies, which he joined in 2001. Dr. Martiniano develops re-registration surveys for multiple health professions in New York and closely monitors the production of registered nurses. He is a current board member of the Hudson Mohawk AHEC and is involved in various community boards. He also teaches as an adjunct professor at the Russell Sage Colleges School of Management.

Ashleigh McGowan
Health WorkForce New York

Ashleigh McGowan is Vice President of Innovation & Design at Health WorkForce New York, where she leads statewide initiatives to strengthen and sustain the healthcare workforce. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in designing digital solutions, building strategic partnerships, and advancing innovative programs that address workforce challenges. Ashleigh is passionate about leveraging innovation, data-driven strategy, and human-centered design to create lasting impact for healthcare organizations and communities across New York.

Danae Mcleod
Grace Institute of New York

Danae McLeod is the Chief Executive Officer of Grace Institute of New York and has worked supporting workforce efforts for 10 + years. She has a PhD in philosophy and has taught philosophy, literature, and women's studies courses on SUNY and CUNY campuses. Her experience in higher education has enabled her to design innovative education and workforce programs for women. Examples of her work can be viewed in Inside Higher ED and New York Nonprofit Media.

Louise McLoughlin
Dutchess County WIB

Cristina Medellin
Bank Street College’s Straus Center for Young Children & Families

Cristina Medellin-Paz is Associate Director at Bank Street College’s Straus Center for Young Children & Families, leading research-practice partnerships that strengthen equitable pathways for early childhood educators. Her work bridges higher education, workforce development, and community organizations to design stackable credentials centering Latina and multilingual educators. As bilingual/bicultural mixed methods researcher, she applies a justice-centered lens that uplifts educators’ and families’ lived experiences while advancing policy and practice to strengthen early childhood education as a public good.

Alejandro Mendoza
Optimax

Alejandro (Ale’) Mendoza is the Director of Human Resources at Optimax Systems Inc, a precision optics manufacturer, located in Ontario, New York. In this role, he is a member of the Board of Directors at Optimax and focuses on aligning the company’s strategic goals and culture with a growing workforce.
Before joining Optimax in 2006, Ale’ was a member of the United States Air Force, where he served in a variety of specialized roles. His military career included assignments with Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Missle Warning/Space Surveillance, and Aircrew Life Support systems and training.
In addition to his current role at Optimax, Ale’ has a passion for collaborating and building relationships with workforce development organizations. Ale’ serves the local community as ViceChairperson of the Finger Lakes Community College foundation board, Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board member, YMCA HR advisory committee and Veterans Employment Strategy Team while regionally, he has been appointed to the NY State Apprenticeship and Training council and nationally, he serves as Chairperson of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions located in Washington DC.
He holds a Certified Professional (CP) certificate from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an associate degree from Monroe Community College (MCC), a bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and a master’s degree from St. John Fisher University.

Joelle Monaco
New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals

 Joelle Monaco (she/her) is passionate about educating others from a People First Principle; an organization's employees are their most valuable asset — each with their own experiences, assets, and purpose. Joelle's expertise expands over thirteen years in organizational development with over eight years in the mental health field. Joelle is currently the Director of LevelUp Professional Development and Training for the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP). Joelle has extensive experience in assessment, planning, directing, and training enhancements for people and organizational success, working with more than 1,500 individuals annually through creative sessions, training and development, and consulting. These experiences have provided Joelle with professional opportunities to build the skills and abilities required to lead teams and empower individuals to achieve professional and organizational goals while fostering a people-first approach. Joelle is a lecturer for SUNY Albany's Professional Adult & Continuing Knowledge department and has been a trainer for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for over seven years. Additionally, Joelle currently sits on the board of directors for the New York State Public Health Association. When Joelle isn't at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants and shops, and meeting new people!

Dan Murphy
SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development

Dan Murphy, M.S.Ed. has served the SUNY University Center for Academic and Workforce Development for six years. Prior to joining SUNY, Dan held leadership roles in the state legislature and K-12 education. With a bachelor's degree from the College of Saint Rose and master's from Fordham University, Dan's background in communication, journalism and public policy supports SUNY's efforts to provide life-changing education and training opportunities to New Yorkers historically excluded from economic prosperity.

Liza Ochsendorf
Warren County WDB

Liza Ochsendorf serves as the Director of Workforce Development for Warren County, NY since 2019. She oversees the operations of the federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I programs in the Warren County Career Center and works closely with NYS Department of Labor and other regional partners to address barriers to employment and build pipelines to local industries. Her work has led to stronger private-public sector partnerships to problem solve creatively for short and long-term solutions to workforce challenges. Her passion for workforce development and economic development is rooted in community collaboration, effective communication, and clear goals and desired outcomes for all stakeholders. Liza brings 14 years of experience working in education in Washington, DC, where she oversaw residential staff and programming in a public college-preparatory boarding school. Liza holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Human Development from Syracuse University and she resides in Glens Falls where she serves on mulitiple boards and committees to support the community.

Allison Quigney
Public Works Partners

Denise Relf
Never Stop Growing Coaching & Consulting, LLC

Denise Relf is the founder of Never Stop Growing Coaching & Consulting and the creator of Restorative Conversations™ and the Hexagon of Accountability™. She helps mission-driven organizations achieve results through strategic accountability, emotionally intelligent leadership, and grounded execution. Denise’s work equips leaders to navigate tension, drive team performance, and align human dynamics with business goals—so culture doesn’t just feel good, it works.

Alice Savino
Workforce Investment Boards of Herkimer-Madison-Oneida and Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Counties

Alice J. Savino is a seasoned leader in workforce development with over two decades of experience designing and promoting programs that build a skilled, inclusive labor force across Central New York. As Executive Director of two regional Workforce Investment Boards, she oversees multimillion-dollar budgets, secures federal and state grants, and fosters strategic partnerships with employers, government entities, and community organizations. Her work focuses on reducing unemployment, supporting individuals with barriers to employment, and aligning talent pipelines with regional economic needs. Alice is a recognized advocate for equity and innovation in workforce systems, having received honors including the NAACP Diversity Commitment Recognition and the Mohawk Valley Community Action Visionary Award. She serves on multiple boards and committees, including the NYATEP Board (Treasurer), Genesis Board of Trustees, the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District Board & Executive Committee (Vice-Chair) and the Resource Center for Independent Living Board (Vice-Chair). A graduate of Russell Sage College with a BS degree in Economics, Alice brings both business acumen and a deep commitment to community empowerment to every initiative she leads.

Wendy Star
New York City Economic Development Corporation

Andrea Vaghy
Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI)

Andrea Vaghy is a nonprofit and workforce development expert with 25 years of experience. She leads WPTI’s digital transformation, AI, and impact population programmatic efforts. Prior to WPTI, Ms. Vaghy led The Door’s career and education services shaping nationally recognized youth workforce development, education and college access services, including the Gap Foundation’s This Way Ahead Program. Prior to The Door, Ms. Vaghy was Deputy Director of Client Services at NMIC, where she developed workforce, entrepreneurial, benefits, immigration, and early childhood education programs, including one of the first USDOL-funded welfare to work initiatives. Ms. Vaghy holds a MS in Social Work from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Michigan.

Rachel Van Tosh
Accenture

Rachel Van Tosh is a leader at Accenture’s Public Sector practice, with a deep background in public-private partnerships and workforce/economic development. In this role, she has led strategic planning and operational transformation projects at the local, state and federal level.
Prior to joining Accenture, she served as a Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Small Business Services (SBS), where she led initiatives to support small businesses, expand workforce development programs, and promote inclusive economic growth. She also served as the Chief Operating and Chief Impact Officer for Pursuit, a Community Development Financial Institution focused on business growth. Rachel holds a bachelors degree from Haverford College and a Master of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.

Artrell Williams
Mukeva Learning

Artrell Williams is a Certified Professional in Talent Development and founder of Mukeva Learning Partners. With over 15 years of experience in workforce and leadership development, he helps organizations reduce time to competency, improve retention, and achieve measurable performance outcomes. His work spans manufacturing, telecommunications, nonprofit, and public sector initiatives, where he has aligned leadership development with organizational goals to create scalable, future-ready workforce strategies.

Mia Wilson
Grace Institute of New York

Mia Wilson is a nonprofit leader passionate about advancing women’s economic mobility. As Chief Strategy Officer at Grace Institute, she drives innovative workforce development programs that equip hundreds of women each year with skills and opportunities to achieve economic advancement. With 15+ years of experience building partnerships, shaping policy, and scaling impact, Mia brings both strategic vision and on-the-ground expertise to her work.

Delma Wood
Can Code Communities

Delma Wood, Ph.D. in Contemporary Latin American Literature from SUNY Albany, has 30+ years of teaching Spanish language, culture, and arts. Now at Can Code, she teaches digital skills in English and Spanish, supporting immigrants and the Latinx community. She is also currently teaching AI Essentials. 

Sarah Yaw
Cayuga Community College

Professor Sarah Yaw serves as Director of K-12 Partnerships and Academic Pathways at Cayuga Community College and is a consultant for Iroquois Healthcare Association's Healthcare Educational Consortium supported by the Mother Cabrini Foundation. She has extensive experience cultivating relationships between education and industry partners to envision and establish initiatives that support student success, college completion, and work readiness.

Day 3 Speakers

Sandra Bleckman
NYPA

Sandra comes from a strong background in Workforce Development with an emphasis on building responsive workforce development programs tied to industry need. At NYPA, Sandra is responsible for oversight of their Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative. This program will help support the renewable workforce of the future via workforce training initiatives to support the renewable energy sector. Before joining NYPA, Sandra worked at SUNY Rockland as the Director of Workforce Innovation & Industry Partnerships. She was responsible for developing and executing an institutional industry engagement strategy as well as overseeing all credit free, microcredentials and community education programs. Prior to SUNY Rockland, Sandra worked at the NJ Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development where she worked as the Director of Strategy & Workforce Partnerships. As the Director, she led the implementation and oversaw two Centers of Workforce Innovation that worked to build career pathways with aligned curriculum to be shared across educational partners. She is passionate about driving economic mobility by creating equitable access to education and in demand training programs.
Sandra enjoys imparting her knowledge on others and has been an adjunct instructor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Hudson County Community College and California State University, San Bernardino. Sandra received a BA in Psychology from Clark University and an MA in Administrative Sciences from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Daniel Lopez
RochesterWorks

Daniel Lopez is a Career Services Advisor and Team Leader at RochesterWorks with over 15 years in workforce development. He integrates AI-driven strategies into career services to simplify processes, reduce staff burden, and expand client access. Dan specializes in making emerging technologies approachable for both staff and job seekers, with a focus on practical tools that enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, and support diverse communities.

Kedaar Raman
NYPA

Kedaar Raman, P.E. is a leader in the Energy & Utilities Strategy sector with almost 12 years of experience. He serves as Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at the New York Power Authority (NYPA), where he specializes in Internal Consulting. He is dedicated to aligning stakeholder engagement and organizational behavior to ensure reliable, affordable, and secure power, thereby supporting the revitalization of New York's economy as outlined in NYPA’s Strategic Plan. He has also served in various capacities at NYPA, including Director of Digital Transformation, Program Manager of Digital Workforce, Front-Line Supervisor, and Electrical Engineer at a hydroelectric power plant rated over 1 GW. His achievements include commissioning over $65 million worth of 345kV transmission projects which enhanced grid throughput by up to 400MW and improved power quality for major commercial and industrial clients. He holds a B.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Norwich University as well as an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and resides in the Capital Region with his wife and son. 

Tadd Wamester
EnGen

Brian Williams
Capital Region WDB

Brian Williams has over 25 years’ experience in the workforce development field assisting youth, adults, and businesses with workforce options. He has specific expertise in employment and training program administration, advocacy, youth programming, job development and career guidance, human resource policies, labor laws, recruitment, grant and proposal writing, and marketing. Currently, Brian is the Executive Director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board of Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties. Brian serves on several other Community Boards including Past President for the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) Board, Board Chair for the Commission On Economic Opportunity in Troy, the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center Board of Hudson Valley Community College, and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) Leadership Board.

Denise Zieske
SUNY

Denise Zieske is Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development in SUNY’s Office of Workforce Development and Upward Mobility. She develops and implements programs and related initiatives for SUNY’s 64 campuses and supports workforce efforts at the state and national level. She has established strategic partnerships with NYS agencies as well as workforce and economic development organizations across the state. Denise serves on committees and boards to ensure workforce development efforts are preparing individuals to enter careers and that employers can find skilled workers and upskill employees.