Congratulations to the selected members of the 2025-2026 Workforce Academy for Policy and Advocacy! We're excited to welcome this esteemed group of workforce professionals from across New York to the program.

MEET THE FELLOWS

Elizabeth Ajasin (she/her)
HempsteadWorks
REGION: Long Island

Elizabeth Ajasin is a Workforce Development Planner at HempsteadWorks where she designs and oversees innovative workforce programs that help adults, dislocated workers and youth from special populations access training, employment, and career advancement opportunities. She works to build strong partnerships among community organizations, educational institutions, and employers to create pathways leading to self-sufficiency and economic mobility. She is passionate about advancing equitable workforce systems and seeks to deepen her advocacy skills to bridge the gap between policy development and community-level implementation

Sharon Cackett (she/her)
New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition
REGION: Statewide

Sharon Cackett has worked in the field of family caregiving and the aging services for the past decade. With roles in hospice care, training and coaching, human resources and respite care, Sharon is passionate about protecting our states family and informal caregivers who desperately need support. Sharon knows the reality of this issue, she personally cared for her mother with dementia for five years and has experienced first hand the challenges of finding support and resources in this role. By working to train and promote competent respite providers, she and the New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition work to elevate private pay providers.

Sean Crawford (he/him)
Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology
REGION: Western New York

Sean Crawford, MBA brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and strategic planning to his role as Advancement Director of Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology. In his role, he oversees all fundraising and communications strategies, collaborates with leadership and Board, and leads the organization’s $8 million capital and endowment campaign. Previously, Sean served as Director of Development and Operations at Shakespeare in Delaware Park. In this role he increased annual revenue by over 60%, launched the organization’s first endowment campaign, and established an emerging artists program for collegiate students of color. Prior to this role, Sean was Marketing Coordinator and Childhood Education Chair at Community Music School of Buffalo. Outside of his current role, Sean provides strategic planning and fundraising consulting to mid-sized nonprofits through Total Fundraising Solutions. He currently serves on the Board of New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) and previously served as Board Treasurer at Locust Street Art. A former fellow of Cullen Foundation (Buffalo), he holds an MBA from the SUNY University at Buffalo and a dual Bachelors from Louisiana State University in music education and woodwind performance. Sean is certified in nonprofit board consulting (BoardSource), mediator (NACM) and DEI Recruitment (Cornell).

Sara Edwards (she/her)
Cannabis Workforce Initiative/Cornell ILR
REGION: Statewide

Sara joined the Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI) in 2022, bringing many years of experience in program administration, curriculum development, and addressing the learning needs of nontraditional students. A member of Cornell ILR’s outreach faculty, Sara works with the CWI team to develop strategic priorities and implements through identifying and building diverse and impactful partnerships across New York state, collaborating to plan and implement training and educational programs that address the needs, interests, and goals of CWI partner organizations and the communities they serve, also at times advising and acting as a resource for community colleges and workforce development organizations developing or expanding their own industry-relevant programs. CWI works to ensure justice-impacted communities benefit from the legalization of adult-use cannabis by providing quality workforce development and legal education, prioritizing diversity, equity, and quality jobs in the emerging cannabis industry through skills training, entrepreneurism services, workforce supports, legal education for workers and employers, and the development of high-road career pathways. Sara holds a master’s in political science from the New School for Social Research, and a B.A. from Cornell's College of Arts & Sciences.

Sarah Evers (she/her)
New York City Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent)
REGION: New York City

Sarah Evers is the Director of Operations for the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent). In this role, she provides operational, strategic, and policy expertise to support the office’s portfolio of workforce initiatives. Before joining NYC Talent, Sarah worked as Senior Performance Auditor for the City of Austin after earning a Master of Public Affairs degree at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. Prior to her time in Texas, Sarah was Senior Policy Advisor for the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), where she was responsible for developing the agency’s legislative strategies, crafting its public positions, and negotiating pending legislation on topics ranging from the banning of plastic straws to mandating paid personal time off for employees. Before beginning her career in local government, she held positions at an affordable housing developer in the southwest Bronx, a nonprofit helping low-income homeowners in Queens rebuild after Superstorm Sandy, and an organization supporting public parks in the southeast Bronx. Sarah earned her BA in Urban Studies from Pitzer College in Claremont, California. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and biking around the five boroughs.

Isabel Greenberg (she/her)
Center for Employment Opportunities
REGION: New York City

Isabel Greenberg is a Policy and Business Development Associate at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), where she supports statewide advocacy and engages strategic partnerships with the goal of increasing government investment in reentry employment services. Previously, Isabel served as a Job Coach at CEO, where she assisted individuals returning home from incarceration with barrier removal and employment readiness.

Her background before CEO has spanned across policy, advocacy, and direct service. She has held roles with Future Caucus in Washington, D.C., where she supported bipartisan policy initiatives and tracked state-level legislation, and the Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, where she communicated directly with constituents and authored policy memos on pressing regional issues. Isabel also worked with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, contributing research and advocacy that advanced economic justice for immigrant communities in California.

Isabel earned her B.A. with Honors in Sociology from Pitzer College, where she developed a strong foundation in analyzing systems of inequality and social change. Isabel is passionate about connecting policy with practice to build more equitable pathways for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.

Ronnie Hector (he/him)
SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center
REGION: New York City

Ronnie Hector serves as the CEO and Executive Director of the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center (BxEOC). Under his leadership over the past six years, the BxEOC has developed and implemented training and support services targeting community workforce needs in the Bronx and greater New York City. He also serves as the President of the Association of Educational Opportunity Center Directors. Ronnie holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and master’s degrees in Higher Education Administration and Counseling-Career and School Psychology, and has over 35 years of experience working in community-based workforce development, allied health, and Higher Education institutions. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Management, which he expects to receive in 2025.

Jaimee King (she/her)
Schenectady College and Career Outreach Center (SUNY UCAWD/ SUNY Schenectady)
REGION: Captial Region

Jaimee King Executive Director of the Schenectady College and Career Outreach Center Ms. Jaimee King is the Executive Director of the Schenectady College and Career Outreach Center (SCCOC), at SUNY Schenectady. She oversees the planning, development, administration, and assessment of the SCCOC. She works collaboratively with the SCCOC staff and community agencies to provide preparation, referral and advisement services to residents who are looking to connect to pathways of education, employment, and career and technical training opportunities Ms. King began her career at the SCCOC in 2014 as the Associate Executive Director. Prior to her position with the SCCOC, she served in higher education positions at the University at Albany and at St. Johns University. She holds a Masters of Arts degree in Childhood Education and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication Arts, both from St. John’s University. She also holds a Certificate in Special Education from the College of St. Rose.

Katie LaBonte (she/her)
Champlain Valley Educational Services
REGION: North Country

Katie LaBonte is the Adult Literacy Coordinator for Champlain Valley Educational Services CV-TEC Division, helping to oversee GED preparation, workforce readiness programming, and funding streams through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). She also helps manage the Clinton and Essex County Literacy Zones, connecting adult learners with the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Katie began her career in adult education in 2018, teaching in both classroom and distance education settings. These experiences fueled her passion for expanding equitable access to education and workforce opportunities. Beyond her local work, Katie is deeply engaged in state and national advocacy. She serves as President-Elect and Advocacy Chair of the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education (NYACCE), where she leads statewide advocacy efforts for adult education and workforce programs. She previously served as New York’s representative in the Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s (COABE) State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF), a year-long national advocacy training program, and currently serves as New York State’s representative in COABE’s State Association Leadership Institute (SALI). Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Karen Lindsay (she/her)
MACNY 
REGION: Mohawk Valley

Kay Lindsay is the Manager of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs at MACNY, The Manufacturers Association. With a strong belief in the power of education and workforce development, Kay brings a unique blend of industry experience and academic achievement to her role. She holds an associate degree in Business Administration, a bachelor’s degree in human services, and is currently completing a second bachelor’s in human resources. Before joining MACNY, Kay worked in the manufacturing sector, where she partnered with MACNY to successfully develop and implement a registered apprenticeship program—an experience that sparked her passion for building career pathways and supporting talent development in the industry.

Steven Maisonet (he/they)
Buffalo State University
REGION: Western New York

L. Steven Maisonet (He/They) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. He earned his Master of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a concentration in Community Mental Health, LGBTQIA+ Advocacy, and Child Welfare Advocacy. Steven has experience in Holistic Therapy, Divine Healing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care, as well as in supporting survivors of domestic violence (DV/IPV) and human trafficking. Steven is currently a Mental Health Counselor at Canisius University’s Counseling Center and an adjunct professor at Buffalo State University, where he teaches Social Work. He also works per diem as a Residential Domestic Violence Advocate at Child & Family Services’ Haven House, providing support to survivors while advocating for pay equity in the social work profession. He has served as a Certified Bilingual School Social Worker, focusing on domestic and sexual violence, mental health, crisis prevention, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ youth. Steven believes in building meaningful connections that empower clients to achieve their best selves. He is passionate about advancing mental health access for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, reducing stigma, and addressing systemic oppression and bias. Through collaborations with for-profit and nonprofit organizations, leadership development, life coaching, and advocacy for parents of students with disabilities with IEP/504 Plans, Steven engages community leaders and stakeholders to reflect on their dual responsibility in supporting communities while addressing inequities. He is a Karen Lee Spaulding Oishei Foundation Leaders of Color Fellow (Cohort 5), a former advisory committee member, and currently serves as a board director for the University at Buffalo Alumni Association. Outside of his professional work, Steven is active in the WNY theater community, enjoys hiking, exploring nature, cooking and baking, and spending quality time with his dog, Leo.

Kristal Faviola Mendoza (she/her)
Department of Youth & Community Development
REGION: New York City

Kristal Faviola Mendoza is a workforce development strategist and public servant with over 14 years of experience advancing equitable pathways to education and employment. She currently serves as a Program Manager with the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), where she oversees more than $1.3 million in workforce contracts through the Train & Earn and Advance & Earn initiatives. In this role, she manages provider compliance, facilitates technical assistance, and ensures that city investments translate into meaningful opportunities for young adults facing systemic barriers. Kristal’s career spans direct service, program leadership, and contract management, giving her a 360-degree perspective on workforce systems. She has coached emerging leaders, strengthened cross-agency partnerships, and represented DYCD at workforce development forums and expos. She is deeply committed to bridging program practice and policy, ensuring that community voices inform systemic solutions. A first-generation Latina from New York City, Kristal is passionate about advancing equity, inclusion, and mobility for historically underserved communities. She is completing her B.A. in Sociology at Lehman College and preparing to pursue an MPA at the Colin Powell School, positioning her to continue driving policy and program innovation across New York’s workforce landscape.

Jake Moskal (he/him)
Journey's End Refugee Services
REGION: Western New York

Jake Moskal is an experienced workforce development professional who is driven to help make positive changes in the community, one individual at a time. With 5 years of workforce development experience, three of those years in management, he has helped over 400 people with multiple barriers to employment find and maintain employment in Western New York. He skilled in program management, audit response, stakeholder relations, recruitment, and training.

Jake regularly volunteers in the community. He has been helping the homeless population for over 5 years and runs the food procurement program for the Little Portion Friary Homeless Shelter in Buffalo, NY. He is also a Board Member for the Mental Health Association of Niagara County.

Additionally, Jake is a Fellow of both the Partnering Economic & Employment Research (PEER) Academy hosted by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) and the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Workforce Leadership Academy hosed by the Aspen Institute and NYATEP. The latter program earned him the honor of being an Aspen Institute Economic Opportunity Fellow.

Connor Murphy (he/him)
Long Island Educational Opportunity Center
REGION: Long Island

Connor Murphy is an Admissions Advisor & Recruiter at the Long Island Educational Opportunity Center (LIEOC) at Farmingdale State College, where he builds pathways to higher education and career advancement for students across Nassau and Suffolk counties. He leads outreach to secondary schools and community organizations, manages applicant tracking systems, and oversees the center’s digital presence to expand access to workforce development programs. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of First Year Experience at Farmingdale State College, helping new students develop time management, study strategies, and academic success skills while fostering engagement with campus resources. Connor has over a decade of recruiting and human resources experience. Previously, a Talent Acquisition Specialist at United Parcel Service (UPS), he developed high-volume hiring pipelines, partnered with the New York State Department of Labor and nonprofit organizations to diversify recruitment, and streamlined systems through process automation and data modeling. He also coaches the Varsity Girls Wrestling Team at Copiague High School, promoting teamwork, resilience, and personal growth in student-athletes. Connor is pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership & Change at Empire State University. He earned a Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Oneonta. He is passionate about workforce development and equitable access to education, he works to connect learning with meaningful career opportunities.

Verdell Sims (she/her)
The Osborne Association
REGION: New York City

For more than 14 years, I have dedicated my career to supporting justice-impacted individuals as they rebuild their lives and reenter their communities. My journey with the Osborne Association began as an intern, where I first witnessed the power of meaningful reentry support. Over the years, I advanced through several roles, each deepening my commitment to this work and shaping the leader I am today. As the Deputy Director of Jails to Jobs, I oversee services both in the community and on Rikers Island, ensuring that programs meet the highest standards of quality and care. I lead and support a dedicated team, develop program strategies, and build strong partnerships with external agencies to expand access to critical resources such as housing, employment, and behavioral health support. My expertise spans LGBTQI+ responsivity, gender-responsive assessments, MRT, anger management, crisis intervention, and evidence-based reentry practices. I take pride in creating environments where staff and participants alike can thrive. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from ASA College. At the heart of my work is a commitment to equity, rehabilitation, and creating real opportunities for lasting change.

Stacey Thomas (she/her)
United Federation of Teachers/American Federation of Teachers
REGION: Statewide

My work focuses on creating sustainable school-to-career pipelines, curriculum, and lab design that meet industry standards, stackable credentials and registered apprenticeship pathways, employer partnership development, and outcome-driven evaluation. I partner with administrators, workforce boards, employers, and community organizations to turn strategy into measurable results—higher credential attainment, increased work-based learning opportunities, and clearer routes from K–12 into skilled training and employment. I remain committed to expanding equitable opportunities that connect education to real-world success. This is my passion.

Mavreen White (she/her)
NYC Department of Small Business Services
REGION: New York City

Mavreen White serves as the Executive Director of Workforce1 Career Centers at the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), where she oversees the operations and strategic direction of 18 Workforce1 Career Centers across all five boroughs. In this role, she leads a team of three Directors and six Program Managers in advancing the agency’s mission to connect New Yorkers to employment and training opportunities that foster economic mobility and career growth. Under her leadership, the Workforce1 system engages over 100,000 jobseekers annually and connects more than 20,000 New Yorkers to quality jobs each year. Mavreen works closely with City and State agencies to align services, supports, and funding priorities to ensure that workforce programs are coordinated, equitable, and responsive to the evolving needs of New York City’s labor market. Her work emphasizes service excellence, accountability, and data-driven decision-making to ensure the highest standards of program performance across all vendor-operated centers. As a participant in the Workforce Development Advocacy Academy within NYATEP, Mavreen leverages her extensive operational and policy experience to strengthen SBS’s leadership role in shaping workforce development strategies across New York State. Her participation enhances the City’s ability to advocate for sustainable, inclusive, and innovative workforce solutions that expand access to opportunity for all New Yorkers.