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.

norman collins sr

Durham Technical Community College

cheryl oliver

Johnston County Economic Development Advisory Board

brett brenton

myFutureNC

will dorsey eden

Jobs for the Future

Lynne Barbour

Project Kitty Hawk

Nicholas Allen

NPower

Syretta Hill

Duke

Melissa Overton

The Overton Experience & MedicalTraining.me

Monica Gemperlein

Wake Technical Community College

Leila Pedersen

City of Raleigh

Allyson Cobb

North Carolina A&T State University

Malinda Todd

Capital Area Workforce Development

Bryon Bellamy

Black SEL

Chase Barnhill

NCBiotech

CJ Broderick

Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce

Glenda Morrow

Durham Workforce Development Board

Dominique Oliver

Made in Durham

Korrie Blanchard

Wake Technical Community College

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.

“The academy allowed me to network with other workforce development professionals to discuss innovative solutions to complex systemic issues. These relationships have helped make the ecosystem feel more collaborative and connected.”

“The relationships made with the other Fellows is invaluable both on a personal and professional level. The diverse and well-rounded representation from the workforce system was an important piece so we could share how the various challenges impacted our areas.”

“I would not have met 20 new friends and colleagues if I had not joined. I know I can partner with several cohort members on future projects.”

“My work is deep in program and operations and this was hugely helpful to challenge myself to take a step back and evaluate the bigger issues at play.”

“What I especially valued was the opportunity to hear different perspectives and opinions on controversial topics in a safe environment."

“I thought I was already connected to the workforce dev community, but the Academy made me realize there is so much more happening and has connected me to so many leaders in the field.”

“It's had a great effect on my work and how I bring equity to the table in each conversation, leading with data.”

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.