Economic Development Specialist, City of St. Petersburg
Bio:
I serve as a District Navigator with the City of St. Petersburg, my work focuses on workforce development, connecting residents and businesses to training, education, and employment resources that support career advancement and economic mobility. I collaborate closely with employers, education partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen talent pipelines, support small businesses, and advance equity.
What is your vision for the workforce development profession?
My vision for workforce development is an equitable, employer-responsive system that creates clear pathways to sustainable careers. It should align education, training, and supportive services with real community needs, strengthen local businesses, and ensure economic growth leads to long-term mobility for residents and lasting impact for neighborhoods.
Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?
I am especially passionate about building clear, equitable pathways from education to employment particularly for people and small businesses that are often left out of traditional systems.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I want to serve on the Board to help align workforce strategy with employer demand and the needs of jobseekers. Through my work in economic and workforce development, I see how effective coordination between training, education, and support services drives economic mobility. Serving on the Board allows me to contribute a practitioner’s perspective and support employer-led, data-driven solutions that deliver measurable outcomes for businesses and residents.
What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?
The biggest challenge in workforce development is bridging the gap between employer needs and worker skills. Many workers need upskilling or reskilling, while employers struggle to find qualified talent. NAWDP can help by promoting best practices, supporting labor market analysis, and providing professional development and certification for workforce practitioners.