Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy

Strengthen leadership skills, collaborate across sectors, and drive meaningful change.

In partnership with the Aspen Institute, we launched the inaugural Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy—a unique opportunity for workforce leaders to strengthen their skills, collaborate across sectors, and drive local change.

Selected through a competitive process, our first-ever fellows represent nonprofits, education, business, and public agencies, all united by a shared commitment to strengthening our regional workforce ecosystem.

Meet Our First Cohort

These incredible leaders are driving bold progress in workforce development. Their dedication and expertise will shape a more inclusive, prosperous future for the Greater Triangle.

Nicholas Allen

NPower

Lynne Barbour

Project Kitty Hawk

Chase Barnhill

NCBiotech

Bryon Bellamy

Black SEL

Korrie Blanchard

Wake Technical
Community College

brett brenton

myFutureNC

CJ Broderick

Greater Durham Black
Chamber of Commerce

Allyson Cobb

North Carolina A&T
State University

norman collins sr

Durham Technical
Community College

will dorsey eden

Jobs for the Future

Monica Gemperlein

Wake Technical
Community College

Syretta Hill

Duke

Glenda Morrow

Durham Workforce
Development Board

cheryl oliver

Johnston County Economic
Development Advisory Board

Dominique Oliver

Made in Durham

Melissa Overton

The Overton Experience
& MedicalTraining.me

Leila Pedersen

City of Raleigh

Malinda Todd

Capital Area
Workforce Development

WHY JOIN THE ACADEMY?

The Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy is designed to equip workforce professionals with the tools, insights, and connections they need to drive systemic change. Over the next year, fellows will:

Engage with national experts and peers to explore innovative workforce strategies.
Strengthen leadership skills with a focus on race, equity, and systems change.
Collaborate on bold solutions to expand economic opportunity for all.

We asked our fellows: What inspired you to join the Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy? Here’s what they had to say.

“I LOVE the concept behind this both in terms of the cohort approach and the focus on creating a better environment for workforce advancement in the Triangle.” – Brett

“To be a part of and learn from a professional community of workforce development experts. To be a part of the reimagination of our region’s workforce development system.” – Nicholas

“I want to help build the workforce I want to see.” – Syretta

“Relationships are the foundation of a strong regional workforce system. The Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy looked like the perfect opportunity to build the relationships that will unlock opportunity for more folks in the Triangle.” – Will

We Are Committed to Workforce Development

We’re investing in the future of work through the Workforce Leadership Academy, which is an essential part of our broader strategy to ensure every resident can access livable-wage jobs and career pathways that support economic mobility. By equipping and empowering workforce leaders, we’re helping build a stronger, more equitable Triangle.