Tell us a little bit about your background and why you joined Workforce Matters.
My entire professional career has been dedicated to workforce development, beginning with my role supporting returning citizens in partnership with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office in my native Boston. I worked closely with individuals navigating pre-release coursework, post-release internships, and essential support services. Through that experience, I learned firsthand how traditional education systems often fail to recognize and nurture the diverse talents of many individuals, and I became deeply invested in integrating workforce experiences and data-driven insights into education and training programs. That passion led me to regional workforce initiatives and policy research at Jobs for the Future and later to Lightcast, where I worked closely with higher education and government workforce development entities. Now, as a Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, I focus on strengthening the U.S. workforce data ecosystem to ensure institutions, policymakers, and learners have the information they need to make informed career decisions.
I joined Workforce Matters because I experienced firsthand the value of its community when I participated in a Learning Lab in 2022. That experience helped me refine my approach to workforce philanthropy, and I want to contribute to furthering its mission of advancing equity and collaboration in workforce development.
What do you love about workforce development? (or why is workforce development important to you?)
Workforce development is important to me because it is fundamentally about opportunity—ensuring that people, regardless of their background, have access to pathways that align with their skills, interests, and aspirations. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how workforce strategies can bridge gaps in education and employment, especially for historically underserved communities. I am particularly passionate about using data to drive more equitable workforce outcomes. When workforce systems are designed with real-time labor market insights and a deep understanding of diverse learner needs, they can empower individuals to make informed choices that lead to sustainable careers. For me, workforce development is not just about training and employment—it’s about dignity, economic mobility, and creating systems that truly serve all individuals.
What is something people might not know about you?
I have two sons under the age of four, although if you’ve had any conversations with me I’m sure I’ve probably mentioned it! As a result, I am an ardent caffeine enthusiast, and you will likely see me with a mug of coffee in my hands regardless of the time of day.
What is something you are looking forward to this year?
This year, I am looking forward to deepening my engagement with Workforce Matters and collaborating with other funders to advance workforce equity. Having participated in the Learning Lab and Further Together conference, I know how powerful it is to bring together diverse perspectives to tackle workforce challenges. In particular, the rapid advancements in AI are poised to transform education and workforce development in ways we are only beginning to understand. AI has the potential to personalize learning, improve career navigation, and create new efficiencies in workforce systems, but it also raises critical questions about equity, job displacement, and the evolving skill demands of the labor market. As funders, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to align on how best to support the field in leveraging AI’s benefits while mitigating risks. I look forward to engaging in these conversations and ensuring that workforce investments prioritize inclusion, accessibility, and long-term economic mobility.
