Announcing the Skilling America Fall 2024 Cohort
Aug 12, 2024
MEET THE COHORT
Alexis Amsden (She/Her)
Employment & Training Specialist
Cortland Works Career Center
REGION: CENTRAL
Employment & Training Specialist of over 2 years that enjoys working with local youth to explore careers and find their own paths to success.
Charles Franchino (He/Him)
Manager of Workforce Development
The Doe Fund
REGION: New York City
Having experienced homelessness as a young adult, I have dedicated my career to supporting at-risk communities and marginalized individuals. I hold a bachelor’s degree from The New School and have accumulated extensive experience in workforce development across Newark, NJ, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. My roles have ranged from program recruitment, to managing contracts with city government, to serving as a senior job developer. Currently, I am the Manager of Workforce Development at The Doe Fund. In this capacity, I focus on expanding our employer network to secure quality job opportunities for our clients. My work involves building strong partnerships with employers, understanding labor market trends, and developing innovative strategies to match our clients with sustainable employment.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating pathways to success for those facing significant barriers to employment. My expertise in workforce development and my passion for advocacy drive my efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the broader community. My goal is to ensure that everyone has access to opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. I strive to empower individuals by providing the resources and support they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
Cynthia Thomas (She/Her)
Owner/Consultants and Assistant Professor
CTE Consultants LLC.
REGION: Central
Cynthia Thomas is an Assistant Professor and Work-Based Learning Program Coordinator for the Career and Technical Educator Preparation Department at SUNY Oswego, and the owner of Cynthia Thomas Education (CTE) Consultants. She ensures new educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to educate future generations of CTE students equitably. She also provides culturally responsive work-based learning and career coaching services for post-secondary and adult education workforce programs. Cynthia is also an Ed.D. student at the University at Buffalo, focusing on Learning and Teaching in Social Contexts. She supports CTE and workforce awareness in NY as the Post-Secondary representative for the NYS Trade & Technical Teachers Association and as a board member and Coordinator for the NYSACTE Fellowship Program. Cynthia is committed to advancing the CTE and workforce industry and developing strategies to support learners and families in marginalized communities.
Fabrice Kaumba (He/Him)
Extended Case Manager/ Job Developer
Jewish Family Service of Western New York
REGION: Western New York
As an Extended Case Manager and Job Developer at Jewish Family Service of Western New York, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their employment and personal goals. With a passion for community service and a deep understanding of workforce development, I have successfully supported diverse clients through comprehensive assessments, tailored service plans, and effective job placement strategies.
My background includes a strong foundation in social work, reinforced by years of experience in case management and employer relations. I am skilled in building and maintaining community partnerships, advocating for clients, and implementing best practices in social services. My commitment to professional growth and continuous learning drives my ability to deliver high-quality support and foster meaningful connections between clients and local employers.
In my role, I am known for my compassionate approach, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities. I take pride in contributing to the success and well-being of the individuals and families I serve, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for a brighter future. As a 2024 Fellow, I look forward to furthering my impact and collaborating with like-minded professionals dedicated to making a positive difference in our communities.
Jaime Schmeiser (She/Her)
Workforce Development Director
SUNY Sullivan
REGION: Mid-Hudson
Jaime Schmeiser leverages a blend of business acumen and leadership honed through a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming and an Associate of Arts from Northwest College. With over ten years in workforce development collaborations at chambers of commerce, Jaime champions diversity and business success. A skilled partner builder, fostering strong relationships with local employers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Jake Moskal (He/Him)
Career Services Manager
Jewish Family Services of Western New York (Buffalo)
REGION: Western New York
Kassandra Purcell (She/Her)
Deputy Director
Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board
REGION: Capital Region
Kassandra (Kassie) Purcell is the Deputy Director for the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board. Kassie’s career path, like so many others, has been a squiggly one. Kassie grew up knowing she wanted a career that supported and empowered other people, but the question was how did she want to support and empower them? After graduating from SUNY Cortland with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Kassie explored various career paths before finding a home within workforce development and career counseling almost two years ago. Kassie found immense job satisfaction in empowering youth and adults to have confidence as they enter, reenter, and/or navigate transitional periods in their life/careers and enjoys working with an engaged team to improve systems to better support and empower her community. Kassie is honored and driven to participate in the continued development of a local workforce that has provided her with the experiences and career competencies necessary to shape her into the young professional she is and always hoped/dreamed to be.
Laura Maurer (She/Her)
Employment & Training Specialist
Cortland Works Career Center
REGION: Central
I work at Cortland Works Career Center as an Employment & Training Specialist. In my role I have gained valuable knowledge in many different aspects of workforce including: adult, training, and youth services. I love being able to support new people everyday through their work search journeys!
Lorenzo Aponte (He/Him)
Workforce Development Specialist
The Doe Fund - Ready, Willing and Able.
REGION: New York City
Started out as a recipient of the services provided here at The Doe Fund. I was later hired to work in the Workforce Development unit and have had a rewarding career, helping to identify and address the needs of those seeking self sufficiency.
Matthew Lipiska (He/Him)
Workforce Development Program Assistant
Cayuga County Employment & Training
REGION: Central
Matt is a Workforce Development Program Assistant and is new to the world of Workforce Development and looking to increase his knowledge and strengthen his skills. Matt has a strong human services background as he has worked in the Department of Social Services as an Examiner and a Case Worker.
Nicole Walrath (She/Her)
Director of Workforce Development
Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
REGION: Mohawk Valley
Nicole Walrath has been with the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce for over a decade since starting in 2013. Nicole started as a tourism assistant and bolstered her way to become the Business & Education Partnership Coordinator. In this role, Nicole worked with HFM BOCES to create the Business and Education Partnership (BEP) in 2014. The BEP connects HFM BOCES school districts and programs with our regional businesses to help support a well-prepared, capable, and adaptable workforce. In turn, these partnerships can help improve student achievement and educational competitiveness. From there, she was on the ground meeting with local businesses applying for the NYS PTECH grant, which was awarded in 2014 to form HFM PTECH.
As a new program, Nicole completely designed and built community partnerships to support students with professional skills and allow real-world opportunities such as workplace tours, mentorships, and internships. Nicole then transitioned into her current role as Director of Workforce Development. She continued to catapult partnerships with HFM BOCES including Career & Technical Education and local school districts pursuing Pathway Programs.
Nicole strives to educate chamber members and the community about HFM BOCES’ innovative programs and the importance of partnering to help forge a new workforce. Nicole has been invited to speak at several engagements to highlight the partnership between the Chamber and HFM BOCES. She has presented and led group discussions at the National Model Schools in Orlando, FL, Chamber Alliance of New York State, NYS PTECH Leadership Council and Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Several local chambers including the Capital Region Chamber and Livingston County Chamber, have shadowed Nicole and have since created workforce development partnerships with local school districts.
Most recently, a woman from Lewisburg, Tennessee reached out to Nicole after she heard about the work she’s been doing in the workforce development space during an ACTE webinar. Nicole recently moved to Biloxi, Mississippi last summer with her fiancé Patrick for a promotion he received with DOD. She is excited to continue being the lead for workforce development at the Chamber in a remote capacity. In her free time, Nicole likes traveling, riding the Gulf Coast on the Harley, beach walks her four-year old pup, Stella, and hopes one day the Buffalo Bills will win the Super Bowl.
Theresa Eames (She/Her)
Case Manager
Rensselaer County One Stop Center
REGION: Capital Region
In my role As a Workforce Advisor at the Rensselaer County Career Center, I have gained knowledge in many different aspects of workforce development while assisting adults in their individual career and job search journeys.
Wilber (Wil) Ceniceros (He/Him)
Workforce Programs Specialist 1
New York State Department of Labor
REGION: New York City
I'm a Workforce Programs Specialist 1 located in NYC currently where I'm working in Business Engagement for the Asylum Seeker Initiative. This is my first time working in Workforce development and I look forward to learning more from industry peers.
