Tell us a little bit about your background and why you joined Workforce Matters.
I have spent close to a decade working in philanthropy, spanning both the private and corporate sectors, with a focus on workforce development and education. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of bringing people together to tackle complex challenges, share knowledge, and collaborate on solutions. Workforce Matters provides a unique space for practitioners to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and strengthen the field. And to speak candidly, it also offers an environment where we can vent and support one another. This work is challenging and often requires a lot of patience and friendship. We need each other.
What do you love about workforce development?
Workforce development is at the heart of human progress. Whether through higher education, vocational training, or on-the-job learning, access to quality jobs is a key driver of economic mobility, personal growth, and overall national prosperity. In my own life, I’ve seen how education, skill-building, and a strong dose of hope, along with having others believe in you, can be transformative. Ensuring that jobs provide not only financial stability but also continuous learning opportunities—regardless of the job—is critical to building a more equitable and prosperous society. And to speak candidly, again, I truly, truly love it. It is my calling.
What is something people might not know about you?
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia. I am the daughter of good coffee, buñuelos (look them up!) and arroz con frijoles (rice and beans). I spent most of my early years there before moving to Florida as a teenager. Learning English and adapting to a new culture was a major transition, but it shaped my perspective on resilience and opportunity. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and for almost the past ten years, I’ve called New York home. Yes, I can still drink coffee at any time of the day, and Latin music runs through my blood, but I also now consider buffalo wings and ranch sauce a core part of my comfort food repertoire. Cheers to diversity!
What is something you are looking forward to this year?
This year presents both challenges and opportunities for the workforce development field. More than ever (I know we say it every year, but I truly mean it!), we need strategic thinking, agility, and deep collaboration to navigate an evolving landscape. Above all, we need humility, kindness, and understanding, paired with a good dose of bravery. I’m excited to work alongside my fellow Steering Committee members to foster open conversations, share best practices, and support organizations in building innovative and effective workforce solutions that serve communities across the U.S.
