Powerful Partnerships—Building a Pipeline Together
BIOGRAPHY
As the current Executive Director for the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AzAMI), Leah has developed workforce implementation strategies for the manufacturing sector, connecting the talent supply with competency-based training in automation, robotics, electronics, 3D printing, drafting, machining and welding programs effectively addressing the growing workforce demands in Arizona. Her expertise is strategic planning, program design, funding acquisition, and building a systems approach to support economic impact by developing collaborative processes that bring together education, workforce resources and industry partners.
Leah has established a proven record of transformative and innovative results with over 20 years of hands-on experience forging collaborative partnerships and workforce solutions. The advanced manufacturing sector growth demands for a talent pipeline has inspired designing accelerated technician training in aerospace and semiconductor, upskilling hundreds of students for advanced manufacturing companies like Boeing, Intel and others. Next on the horizon is the growing Electric Vehicle manufacturing technician engaging in the “future of work” skills needed for tomorrows’ jobs.
Prior to serving as the Executive Director for AzAMI at Mesa Community College, Leah has worked in other leadership capacities as the Director for Workforce and Community Partnerships building both credit and noncredit workforce training partnerships and the Associate Director for Community Partnerships for the Center for Public Policy - Engaging with regional executive leadership, enhancing resource acquisitions and supporting private, Federal and state funding to grow the talent supply for the Arizona advanced manufacturing sector. Leah is best known for finding solutions and creating opportunities.
Master of Arts, Organizational Communication – Training & Development
Arizona State University, College of Public Programs, Tempe, Arizona