Regional Program Manager, JobWorks
Bio:
I am Michelle Ginder, a results driven Program Manager employed with JobWorks Inc. With over 23 years of experience in Workforce Development, I bring deep expertise in program design, stakeholder collaborations, along with a strong commitment to align workforce strategies with community employer needs. I am currently on the NAWDP board and am an active member of the finance and program committee, and the committee chair for the certification committee.
What is your vision for the workforce development profession?
People centered, future focused and equality driven. My hope is to aide in creating workforce systems that uplift communities by connecting talent to opportunity, removing/reducing barriers to employment and supporting lifelong learning.
Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?
My primary passion in workforce development is building systems that create equitable access to education, training, and employment while delivering meaningful outcomes for both individuals and employers. I am deeply committed to advancing career pathways that lead to economic mobility, reducing barriers for underserved populations, and ensuring the workforce system remains responsive, innovative, and people-centered.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
Serving on this board allows me to be part of a talented group on individuals that are all working towards the same goal: influencing national work force development strategy, sharing professional experience and learning from peers across the country. With 23 years of experience in workforce development, I have seen firsthand how strong leadership, professional standards, and collaboration directly impact outcomes for jobseekers, employers, and communities.
What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?
Workforce professionals are expected to be agile, data-driven, and employer-responsive, yet the profession often lacks sufficient investment in training, tools, and recognition. NAWDP can address this challenge by elevating professional standards, expanding accessible and high-quality professional development, fostering peer learning and innovation, and amplifying the voice of practitioners in national policy discussions.