Vice President, Workforce Services, Career Team
Bio:
I’m Maxine (Chieng) Tolenoa, Vice President of Workforce Services and California State Director for NAWDP. I’m passionate about helping people and their families access meaningful, sustainable careers while supporting the professionals who make it possible. Over the past three years with NAWDP, I’ve strengthened statewide partnerships, elevated practitioners, and advanced innovative strategies to ensure workforce development drives lasting, measurable impact across communities.
What is your vision for the workforce development profession?
My vision for workforce development is a profession fully recognized, valued, and trusted as essential to economic mobility and community impact. I advocate for the CWDP as a credential that strengthens practice and improves outcomes for individuals and communities. As technology and innovation reshape work, our field must remain nimble, collaborate across education, economic development, and workforce systems, and deliver coordinated, equitable solutions for the nation’s diverse communities.
Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?
My passion for workforce development comes from growing within the profession and witnessing its impact at every level. Since starting on the frontline in 2008, I’ve advanced through operational and leadership roles, helping individuals and families achieve meaningful, sustainable careers. I’m committed to advancing the profession in California and nationally, strengthening systems to adapt to the future of work and create lasting, systemic impact.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I want to serve on the NAWDP Board because it’s a working board that moves beyond discussion to take meaningful, measurable action – an approach that aligns perfectly with how I lead. Since 2015, I’ve served in multiple capacities and deeply value engaged, accountable and results-driven governance. I’m committed to advancing NAWDP’s mission, strengthening partnerships, representing California’s diverse voices, and driving lasting, systemic impact for the profession nationwide.
What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?
The biggest challenge our profession faces today is the pace of change. Technology, AI, and evolving business needs are reshaping the workforce, while many programs operate on shrinking funds. We must stay nimble, support registered apprenticeships, and prepare practitioners for an AI-driven labor market. NAWDP can lead through advocacy, training and tools – ensuring workforce development remains strong, relevant, and able to create real, lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.