Brittany Corde, Senior Program Officer, Ascendium Philanthropy
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and why you joined Workforce Matters.
I currently serve as a Senior Program Officer at Ascendium Education Group, where I lead grantmaking focused on expanding high-quality registered apprenticeship opportunities. My career has centered on workforce development, philanthropy, and community college partnerships, particularly in rural communities and with people who face barriers to employment, including individuals returning from incarceration.
I joined Workforce Matters because it brings together a community of funders who are committed to learning from one another and improving how philanthropy supports workers and communities. Workforce development is complex and systems-oriented, so spaces like Workforce Matters are incredibly valuable for sharing ideas, lifting up promising practices, and pushing the field forward together.
2. What do you love about workforce development? (or why is workforce development important to you?)
What I love about workforce development is that it sits at the intersection of opportunity, economic mobility, and community impact. When workforce systems work well, they help people access good jobs while also helping employers and regional economies thrive.
I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to design systems and programs that open doors for people who have historically been left out of economic opportunity. Whether it’s apprenticeships, community college pathways, or employer partnerships, this work has the potential to create lasting change in people’s lives and in communities.
3. What is something people might not know about you?
Outside of work, I’m a big traveler and enjoy exploring new places through food, music, and local culture. I also recently picked up running and am working toward my second half marathon!
4. What is something you are looking forward to this year?
This year I’m excited to continue growing the apprenticeship work in my portfolio and expanding opportunities in emerging fields. I’m also looking forward to doing more travel (including my first solo trip to Portugal!) and completing a half marathon.
