Tell us a little bit about your background and why you joined Workforce Matters.
I lead the Weinberg Foundation’s grantmaking focused on helping individuals and families achieve economic stability. I oversee more than $15 million in grants annually, primarily aimed at supporting job-training programs that result in industry-recognized credentials, as well as programs that provide high school-based career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities for youth ages 14–24. In my 18 years at the Weinberg Foundation, I continue to prioritize collaborative approaches to improving employment opportunities for low-income individuals throughout the Foundation’s priority communities.
I have been engaged with Workforce Matters since its creation. I truly believe that by working with a diverse set of funders and pooling or aligning resources that will test and support evidence-based program models that enable economic mobility, we are able to strengthen our communities and break down silos across our grantmaking priorities.
What do you love about workforce development?
I love to learn, and by participating in Workforce Matters, I have the opportunity to expand my knowledge regarding program models that could be replicated or scaled to better serve our communities. As the Weinberg Foundation is primarily focused on supporting direct services, it’s important to align with other funders and leverage public and private resources to test new models. We are all strengthened in our work when we work together.
I have two favorite things about my job, beyond working with the most amazing and dedicated staff at the Weinberg Foundation! First, when I meet with program participants and hear their stories, I am always moved and grateful for the Foundation’s investment. Hearing the personal stories of life changes resulting in stability and growth is so meaningful to me. Second, I love connecting people and organizations together. It is always amazing when I have the opportunity to connect funders to well-deserving organizations, and it turns into a new partnership. I acknowledge our privileged positions, and it’s important to support and advocate for collaboration.
What is something people might not know about you?
Outside of spending time watching the Eagles win the Super Bowl (Go Birds!) with my husband and two boys, people don’t know that I love to paint. I find it very relaxing. For the past several years, I have picked a painting to complete during my winter break. I promise that it takes some skill and patience, but overall, it is very relaxing and fun. They are all paint-by-numbers (you can laugh!), but I promise they are not easy!
What is something you are looking forward to this year?
This is a very hard question to answer with so much uncertainty at this moment in time. I look forward to continuing my work with partners to explore ways that we can support nonprofit organizations to continue to provide the important services focused on connecting individuals to career pathways. Philanthropy will not be able to fill all the gaps that exist from the current changes, so there will be difficult decisions. I also understand the incredibly hard work that is happening in the field and the difficult decisions that are being made by our nonprofit leaders. Please know that we see you, hear you, and are here for you.
