Taraneh (Tara) Zekavat started her position as the Director of Talent Solutions at Houston Community College on September 3, 2024. 

Before joining HCC, she was the Director of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) at Wharton County Junior College (WCJC), leading and overseeing the AEL department for eight years. Before becoming the AEL Director, she was the Director of Student Recruitment at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) and an AEL Instructional Supervisor at WCJC overseeing instruction and overall program performance. 

Tara has a Master's degree in adult and higher education from the University of Houston, with a minor in English Literature, and over fifteen years of experience in higher education and grant management.   

Tara is a dedicated team player with a strong work ethic and leadership skills who is committed to empowering individuals and organizations.

Victoria Chen is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of BridgeYear, a Houston-based nonprofit that connects underserved youth to careers and educational opportunities that led to economic stability and independence. BridgeYear exposes students to high-paying careers that do not require a four-year degree and provides students hands-on career exploration opportunities, tangible resources, and direct access to local training programs. Since its founding, BridgeYear has worked with over 54,000 students and has forged employer partnerships with companies across a variety of industries, including Gulf States Toyota, H-E-B, Honeywell, Memorial Hermann Health Systems, Phillips 66, and Texas Medical Center, and others to strengthen the pipeline from school to employment. BridgeYear also recently launched a free community online resource, MorePathways.org, to highlight local training programs in the greater Houston area.

Through her work at BridgeYear, Chen received the Thorne Prize for Social Innovation at Yale University in 2017 and was named the Texas Executive Women’s Rising Star in 2019. She serves on the Upskill Houston Executive Committee at the Greater Houston Partnership.

Rhonda Foster, a lifelong resident of Houston, has dedicated herself to empowering others through advocacy and training. As a passionate community advocate and change leader, she recognizes the importance of maintaining excellence and integrity in her efforts to drive positive change within the community.

With over 25 years of experience in direct services, Rhonda has supported at-risk youth, women, adults, and families, focusing on education and values that foster successful outcomes. She has held various managerial roles in nonprofit organizations for two decades, including Director of Programs, Contract and Compliance Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, along with more than seven years in government housing programs, including Director of Asset Management at a Public Housing Authority, managing public housing and mixed finance properties.  In her role at the PHA her desire was to develop collaborative relationships with outside supportive service organizations to bring robust and relevant programming to low-income housing residents.  Currently Rhonda works in HUD’s Office of Davis Bacon and Labor Standards ensuring contract compliance and worker rights are implemented and enforced on federal construction projects.

Rhonda is married and a mother to five boys, with two daughters-in-law and three grandsons. She holds a Bachelor of Science – Business Administration and an Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University.  

Reynaldo Moreno is an academic advisor at Houston Community College with a deep commitment to guiding students toward their educational and career aspirations. As a first-generation college graduate, he understands the challenges students face and is passionate about helping them navigate the complexities of higher education. With extensive experience in program management, advising, and community engagement, Reynaldo takes a hands-on approach to support students in realizing their potential. Currently pursuing a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology, he seeks to expand his impact in student development and educational pathways

Maria Valladares, known to most as Gaby, was born in Honduras and raised in Houston, Texas. A graduate of Texas Southern University, Gaby has dedicated the majority of her professional career to social services, with a focus on educational services and advocacy. With over five years of experience in higher education, Gaby currently serves as a Student Recruiter for Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships at HCC, where she connect students with valuable learning opportunities and build meaningful industry relationships.

Throughout her career, Gaby has been actively involved in community outreach, supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and resources. A passionate advocate for education, she believes in empowering individuals to reach their potential. Outside of work, Gaby enjoys traveling, exploring the arts, and spending time with her two beautiful twin daughters.

Idalia is a freight forwarding Apprentice at Fracht Group where she is gaining hands-on experience in logistics and supply chain management. She is also a student at Houston community college pursuing an associate’s degree.  Originally from Mexico, Idalia moved to Houston to pursue new opportunities in the logistics industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, which has instilled in her a high level of attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure—qualities that are invaluable in the fast-paced world of freight forwarding

Outside of work, Idalia enjoys exploring the vibrant culture of Houston and spending time with her family. She is passionate about leveraging her skill set to contribute to the success of Fracht Group and to continue growing within the logistics sector.

Adrian Parker is a Freight Forwarding Apprentice at Fracht Group. Over the next two years, he will work with people in various departments to become a knowledgeable, professional freight forwarder with a strong understanding of the entire logistics system. Alongside these workplace experiences, Fracht is providing a two-year associate degree program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Adrian recently graduated from Challenge Early College High School in June and views this opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness and spending quality time with his family. Looking ahead, he is excited to learn and absorb the extensive information these next two years will offer.

Ahmad Thames is an Account Specialist Apprentice at Aon, Inc., based in Houston, TX, where he focuses on account management and organization. Originally from Stone Mountain, GA, Ahmad moved to Houston in 2017. He brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as an independent adjuster in the insurance industry. Outside of work, Ahmad has been happily married to his wife, Ashleigh, for over six years. Together, they care for their two French bulldogs, Atlas and Apollo. Ahmad is also the founder of Champagne Custom Clothiers, a brand dedicated to crafting tailored menswear, from suits to other classic garments.

Amanda is an Account Executive and vice President based out of the Houston, Texas, office in the Southwest Region.  She is responsible for the day-to-day management of clients, working closely with decision-makers on insurance purchasing strategies, including introducing clients to Aon’s industry expertise.  Amanda actively manages and supports the renewal process, working closely with brokers to market coverage, draft quote comparisons and respond to coverage inquiries.  In addition, Amanda provides consultative services for clients including coverage and contract reviews.  While Amanda’s focus is the Healthcare Industry, she has general industry clients, including food manufacturers, Logistics and construction companies.

Amanda is a registered nurse and licensed attorney who started her career as a Risk Manager and Claims Attorney for Houston Methodist, where she managed various hospital risks and claims.  She then joined Western Litigation where she gained significant experience and insight in national claims management.  Amanda entered the brokerage industry providing a consultative approach to sales and operations of insurance brokerage solutions to large commercial entities.  Prior to joining Aon in August of 2022, she served as a Sr. Account Executive with Riskonnect (formally ClearSight), taking a collaborative and consultative approach to a large portfolio of regional and national healthcare accounts. She first began working in the industry in 2003.  

Amanda has a background in nursing, law, insurance, and RMIS/GRC/ERM software solutions, with a focus on insurance consulting and risk management.  Her goal is to provide the most comprehensive and consultative experience for clients to meet their risk and insurance needs, focusing on client fulfillment, satisfaction, and retention.

Anson Green is a workforce and education trailblazer focused on the front-line workforce. As Learning and Development Architect at Tyson Foods U.S., he leads enterprise-level upskilling initiatives for diverse team members in automation, lean manufacturing, leadership, digital skills, and industrial maintenance. For his work, he received the President’s Award (2023) from the Coalition on Adult Basic Education.

Through the Behind Every Employer podcast, Anson connects employers implementing innovative sourcing and upskilling solutions for frontline workers. Previously, as Texas Adult Education State Director, he transformed a $80M+ federal program into a national model for workforce development. He also directed a specialized training center for Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio’s historic Westside, providing bilingual access to college and job training.

Anson serves on national advisory committees, has testified at Congressional briefings, provides technical assistance to businesses and governments, utilizes AI-driven learning solutions, and has taught at various colleges and schools.

Jeremy Reardon, Service Production Manager at Westside Lexus for 12 years. I started my automotive career with Honda as a valet part time. In the first few months there I felt this could be something I would really love to do. Eventually I moved up to a service advisor and was working with their race team. After a few years I was promoted to service drive manager where I had opportunity to work with local schools and future technicians. After 13 years with Honda I was offered a position at Lexus. In my time here we have grown from a 38 bay shop to a 112 bay shop with just over 60 technicians. We continued these amazing relationships with many of the local schools and doing so has helped developed 68% of our technicians in-house! Now we primarily look at recruiting technicians from high schools or college and continue to build and grow from within.

Gustavo Sanchez has made a remarkable journey within BridgeYear, beginning as a Career Exploration Leader at Career Test Drive Fairs® and advancing to counseling students on training opportunities as a Career Navigation Fellow. Now, as a Program Coordinator with the Department of Student Experience, Gustavo plays an essential role in preparing graduating seniors for success in short-term certification cohorts. Passionate about expanding students' access to career training, he guides them through the enrollment process, offering support with applications, addressing questions, and ensuring they feel ready for their first day. Known for his welcoming approach and dedication, Gustavo is often the first friendly face students meet on their BridgeYear journey, helping to pave the way toward accessible, impactful career pathways.

Nithy directs the office of International Services and Programs that host the largest international students among all community colleges in the country.

Kameco de los Santos is the Program Coordinator for Educational Initiatives at the West Houston Institute, where, in the past year, she has led STEM programs that inspire educators and students to explore new possibilities in science and technology. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin, Kameco combines her academic foundation with a deep commitment to accessible, hands-on learning experiences. Her career in STEM began at NASA with United Space Alliance as a Space Flight Training Instructor for the ISS, where she translated complex technical concepts for flight controllers, crew members, and other key personnel. She then served as a 6th-grade mathematics teacher with Texas City ISD, developing engaging, student-centered lessons that built foundational skills in math. Most recently, as a Maker Programming Specialist with the Harris County Public Library System, Kameco created impactful STEM training programs that significantly boosted engagement and participation. Her work is driven by a passion for making STEM both inspiring and accessible to all.

Growing up in the city of Houston, I loved to watch my grandmother cook in the kitchen. It was a place where the whole family would gather and create core memories together. While in high school, I had a great opportunity to join the Culinary Program, and it soon became my creative space that felt very natural to me. Over the years, I worked in hotels such as Marriott and Sheraton, gaining experience from station to station. After “cutting my teeth” (sharpening my culinary skills), I decided to attend culinary school at The Art Institute of Houston. During my time there, I was introduced to great chefs from around Houston and eventually landed a job at Haven Seasonal Kitchen. I experienced what a true scratch kitchen felt like, and honed in on unique skills, like whole animal butchery. I then decided to further my education by receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Conrad Hilton Program at The University of Houston. Upon graduation, I worked for Pappas Restaurants where I learned how successfully run a restaurant business and implement production processes thar are highly effective. My career path then led me to UT Southwestern in Dallas and Fort Worth ISD, where I became Executive Chef. It was there that I focused on nutrition and healthy eating programs. I’m currently serving as the Senior Executive Chef at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. My favorite aspect about food is what you can learn from sharing a meal with someone, and that no matter the differences in background, there’s a sense of community that can be shared.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is a native Texan and proud Latina who grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border. She is the daughter of teachers, who taught her the importance of education, hard work, and serving others—values that have defined her and which she now brings to the office of County Commissioner for Precinct 4.

Upon graduating with honors from Harvard University, she began her career as an 8th and 10th-grade teacher at two of the lowest-income public schools in the country. She then attended Yale Law School, where she led the Latino Law Students’ Association's public service initiatives and provided pro-bono assistance to survivors of domestic abuse and juvenile offenders.

Commissioner Briones returned to Texas to practice law at Vinson & Elkins LLP, then served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of the Laura & John Arnold Foundation, a major national philanthropic nonprofit. She next became the Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4. Judge Briones was the highest-rated Harris County Civil Court at Law Judge in the 2019 Houston Bar Association (HBA) Judicial Evaluation Poll and won the 2020 HBA Judicial Preference Poll. Briones co-founded the statewide nonprofit Texas Latinx Judges and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center.

Ty’Juana A Woods “ Ty” is an Patient Care Technician (PCT) Apprentice, currently at the
#1 cancer institute, and hospital MD Anderson Cancer Center. She brings an array of sunshine
with her willingness to help nurses give proper care and support for their patients. She brings
quality to their great Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to foster a speedy recovery to their
patients.

Originally from New Orleans, La, Ty moved to Houston, TX in 2017 to pursue a degree
in Biology at Texas Southern University. Houston became home for her in pursuing her dreams.
Starting her journey at Wesley Community Center, Ty was given the opportunity for her full
tuition to be paid at Houston Community College (HCC). She became an Certified Nurse
Assistant, and is currently working towards becoming a certified Telemetry Technician, and
Phlebotomist.

Ty’s career goal is to become a registered nurse (RN) and HCC has become a stepping
stone in connecting her to MD Anderson and reaching her ultimate dream.She has clinical
experience and provides assistance directly to doctors, specialists, and nurses alike in the
recovery process.
In her free time, Ty enjoys cooking, bowling, traveling, being a beautician , and most of
all being a wonderful mother to her son Bronx. Ty’s creativity brings out a spark into everyone
she encounters, despite her internal battles she may be facing. She's always willing to go above
and beyond to help others, exhibiting strong patient advocacy skills.

Katherine Green serves as the Career Navigator for Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs, where she supports and guides students through crucial steps in their career journeys. With a strong focus on healthcare training, Katherine has successfully launched cohorts for CNA and LVN pre-apprenticeships, ensuring students receive hands-on learning and career support. A second-generation veteran, Katherine is proud of her family’s service legacy; her father served in the Army and was stationed in Pusan, Korea. Katherine herself joined the Navy, which allowed her to see the world and form lifelong friendships.

In her current role, Katherine is dedicated to creating opportunities for her students, helping them clear barriers, secure funding, and access the resources they need to succeed in demanding fields. Known for her detail-oriented approach and compassionate support, Katherine continually seeks ways to improve the student experience, from organizing cohorts to addressing logistical challenges. She believes in the power of education and training to change lives and is proud to help students achieve their goals.

Bryant Black is dedicated to transforming the way organizations cultivate talent and careers to grow good jobs in Houston. His current efforts focus on bringing together leaders from education, community, and industry in Houston to explore innovative approaches to workforce development and long-term success measurement in the Greater Houston area.

His goal is to enhance the region’s skilled workforce and ensure that Houstonians benefit from a thriving economy and quality job opportunities. Bryant collaborates primarily with employers in sectors such as construction, petrochemicals, life sciences, healthcare, technology, transportation, and manufacturing.

Before this role, he was part of KPMG’s Management Consulting practice, where he led client engagements across various industries to drive organizational transformation and cost optimization. He played a key role in helping organizations digitize their operations to adapt to the modern business landscape.

Earlier in his career, Bryant held several management positions in the energy services and manufacturing industry, overseeing capital projects across their global supply chain. He serves as board chair for BridgeYear, a non-profit committed to enhancing public K-12 education for all students. Bryant holds a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a Master’s degree from Tulane University. He resides in Houston, TX, with his wife and son.

Bringing a blend of experience advising students, collaborating with counselors, higher education institutions, and high schools across Texas, Alex Reisinger brings a wealth of expertise to BridgeYear. As a Program Manager for the Department of Student Experience, Alex has been instrumental in developing and implementing support structures that guide recent graduates toward high-growth career paths requiring less than a four-year degree. His work focuses on bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness, ensuring that students have access to hands-on training, industry insights, and critical resources to help them succeed. Known for his dedication to student empowerment and student preparedness, Alex is deeply committed to equipping BridgeYear participants with soft skills to facilitate success as emerging workforce professionals.

Cedric Crutchfield Jr. is a 4^th year apprentice in the Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee (HAPJAC) Program. He is currently an apprentice with Way Engineering in Houston.

Cedric is a native Houstonian. He graduated from Alief Hastings High School and furthered his education at Montana State University, where he played college basketball. Cedric earned his degree in Applied Science, focusing on Welding Technology and Plumbing Technology.

Cedric’s career goals include obtaining his master plumber's license and establishing his own company.

In his free time, Cedric enjoys camping, traveling, and working out, which reflects his commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cedric is known for his perseverance, a quality that drives him to never give up, regardless of the challenge.

Craig is a Workforce Program Manager for AWS where he works to connect employers to educational pathways in cloud computing careers. In this role, he leverages over ten years of experience in workforce development and apprenticeship. He served as the former Governor-appointed Executive Director for Nevada Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation and as a former member of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Most recently, before joining AWS, he helped lead the Nevada System of Higher Education’s workforce development efforts.

Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., was named the 9th Chancellor of Houston Community College on January 24, 2024.

Dr. Ford Fisher has been a lifelong advocate for education locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a long-time member of the HISD advisory committee and a lifetime NAACP member, as well as a long-term Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators advisory committee member and National Congress of Black Women board member. She is a past board member of the Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce and the Greenspoint and Heights Chambers of Commerce. She serves on the International Relations Commission
of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and is a member of AACC’s Commission on Technology and Infrastructure Support. She held a three-year elected term on the AACC board and represented
the organization before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy on National Science Foundation issues. She was AACC spokesperson at the international meetings of ministers of education in Windsor, Canada.

Her awards and honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at the Rice University Community Forum upon her 2012 publication, Learning for Ownership,
and Senior Education Advisor designation by the Honorable Rodney Ellis, former State Senator. She received the LULAC Council 42 Appreciation Award, the W. E. B. DuBois Award from the National Alliance of Black
School Educators, the District Award of Merit from the Sam Houston Council of Boy Scouts of America—Antares District, and the Visionary Leaders Award from the Northeast College faculty and staff. Dr. Ford Fisher has authored more than 50 publications and four books, including the first book on high school dual credit, High School Students Earning College Credit: Guide to Creating Dual Credit Programs (1996).

Israel’s career path is as varied as it is dynamic. He has a bachelor's degree in business, and he has worked as a bank teller, a waiter, and a mortgage underwriter. He’s also served as an EMT, providing life-saving care through intubations and IV administration. Prior to his current role, he spent ten years as an IT technician at the HCC's Central campus. Now, he manages HCC’s only full-sized makerspace, the IDEAStudio.

My name is D’Angela Doss. I am a Culinary Arts Houston Community College student from Houston, Tx. Currently, I am doing an apprenticeship with MD Anderson. It has always been my passion to cook. Becoming a chef is something that I’ve always wanted to do, since the age of eight. Making healthy foods to help people is a strong passion of mine. One day I hope to own a healthy cuisine restaurant. 

Crystal Wade has over 20 years’ experience with recruitment and selection, serving private sector employers such as HEB Grocery Company and Club Sci Kids, as well as public sector roles for Houston ISD and Austin ISD. Currently, Crystal serves as the Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist for Texas Mutual Insurance, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. As a former educator, she enjoys every opportunity in which to help educate hiring teams on how to find, attract, and select the best candidate for their vacancies.  She champions pipeline development as a foundational tool for recruitment; and in the workers’ comp industry, it’s mission critical. By creating events such as TXMPower, Discovery Day, and hosting open houses, Crystal has helped reimagine how Texas Mutual finds talent.

Lee Price hails from Clopton, Alabama. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Management. He also holds Master’s Degrees in National Security from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He retired as a Commander in the US Navy where he was a qualified Surface Warfare Office and Naval Aviator for 20+ years. Upon retirement, he became the Training Director for Austal Shipbuilders in Mobile, Alabama where he and his team built the largest Registered Apprentice program in the state. He was then selected as the Arkansas State Director for the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship for a period of six years before transferring to the Texas State Director job where currently serves in this position.

Benigno Aceves serves as State Office Program Specialist for Business Relations at the Texas Workforce Commission-Vocational Rehabilitation Division. With over 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and more than a decade supporting businesses in cultivating workplace diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, Benigno specializes in helping employers recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities.

As the agency’s point of contact for businesses in Texas, Benigno leads outreach, technical assistance, and training initiatives to support competitive integrated employment. He also promotes disability-inclusive apprenticeship programs, ensuring businesses can create accessible pathways for talent development.

Benigno coordinates statewide policies and initiatives to strengthen connections between businesses and Texans with disabilities, helping foster a landscape of opportunity and inclusion. His community involvement includes serving as Vice Chair of the Houston Commission on Disabilities and Chair of its Employment Committee, earning him the Houston Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Year Award and a feature in Voyage Houston Magazine.

Ashley Strickland, a Human Resources Business Partner at Texas Mutual Insurance Company's Houston Regional Office since October of 2021, has been working in the HR industry for over ten years. Throughout her career, her unwavering focus has been on enhancing employee engagement, recruitment, and talent development. Ashley's passion for people has been the driving force behind her commitment to guiding employees through their employment life cycle. Texas Mutual's Apprenticeship Program through HCC, the Greater Houston Partnership, and Upskill Houston are just a few of the ways Ashley has actively participated in creating opportunities for others. Her academic accomplishments include a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University and a Master's degree in Business Management and Human Resources.

Traci Nolen, Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission Office of Apprenticeship provides Senior Level Consultative services and technical assistance work for the Texas Workforce Commission. With over 20 years of workforce experience across Kentucky and Texas, Traci has served as a Project Manager for local workforce boards in both states. Over the years, some of Traci’s favorite workforce projects include turning Coals Miners into coders, establishing a network of 15 community Job Clubs across Eastern Kentucky, and providing workforce recovery efforts during Hurricane Harvey. Today, she is proud to be on the front lines for the Texas Workforce Commission supporting apprenticeship expansion efforts for employers and workforce partners across Texas.

Yanet Joosten is the Vice President of Human Resources for Fracht Group. She is responsible for leading HR strategy and development across the North America Region. Yanet specializes in leadership, communication, organizational performance, and talent management.  Her career is marked by a strong focus on enhancing employee engagement and talent development. With a passion for people, Yanet is dedicated to guiding employees through every stage of their employment life cycle. She has actively contributed to creating opportunities, including her involvement in Fracht’s International Freight Forwarding Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with HCC.

Miranda Phillips has worked in education for 23 years in K12 and Higher Education; as a teacher, a school counselor, Director of Counseling, Director of Career and Technical Education,  Dean of Student and Academic Success, Associate Vice President of Strategic and Workforce Initiatives at Lamar Institute of Technology and now as a Program Director for Workforce Innovations at the University of Texas MD Anderson. 

In her current role at MD Anderson, Dr. Phillips is advancing workforce initiatives by working to build Registered Apprenticeship pathways throughout the institution to fill high demand skilled positions.  She is also working to build clinical workforce certificate programs to serve institutional needs. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M and a Master of Education in Counseling and Development from Lamar University, Dr. Phillips received her Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Northcentral University.    

Carlos Villagrana, Program Officer at Houston Endowment, leads initiatives to transform educator preparation by fostering high-quality, aligned systems, and promoting collaborative practices. Previously, he directed the Teaching Excellence alternative certification program, supporting seven Houston school systems. With a career dedicated to education and equity, Carlos is driven to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education and opportunities. He envisions a future where educational partnerships empower marginalized communities and create equitable outcomes for all students.

James Carnes’ tenure with the U.S. Department of Labor began in 2004 after serving as Local Veterans Employment Representative at the Texas Workforce Commission. Upon joining the U.S. Department ff Labor, he made an immediate impact to a number of national initiatives across industries. He continues to contribute by promoting Apprenticeship USA as the premiere national workforce development strategy in a variety of Industries and applications. Mr. Carnes has received several DOL commendations and was recognized nationally as the Office of Apprenticeships Associate of the Year. He served as a training Developer/Writer and Instructor at the United States Army’s School of Advanced Military Command and General Staff College.

Sidney Morris has been actively involved in the Plumbing industry for over 30 years. He holds a Texas Master Plumbing License with Med Gas, WSPS, and MRFPSS endorsements. He has taught various Journeyman and Apprentice Plumbing courses over the past 10 years and is currently the Training Director of the Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee (HAPJAC).

Sidney is passionate about training and the positive impact that it has on the lives of Plumbers in all stages of their careers. He believes that 90% of learning happens on jobsites and hopes to empower and equip Plumbers to be the best teachers and ambassadors of their noble trade.

Homero Lozano is a dedicated Program Coordinator of Apprenticeships at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he champions the apprenticeship model as a vital solution to the state's workforce gaps. With a strong belief in the power of education and training, Homero works tirelessly to connect aspiring professionals with hands-on learning opportunities that promote skill development and career advancement. His passion for workforce development drives him to advocate for collaborative partnerships between industry and education, ensuring that Texas remains a leader in innovative apprenticeship programs.

Coi Duronslet serves as the Program Manager for Workforce Innovations at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he is dedicated to enhancing workforce development and optimizing training programs. With a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Coi brings a strong background in program management and a passion for advancing clinical education.

In his role, Coi focuses on developing apprenticeship programs and implementing innovative strategies to attract and cultivate talent, ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. He is committed to fostering collaboration among departments to enhance educational initiatives and streamline processes.

Delia Garcia serves as the Regional Administrator for the Women’s Bureau’s Southcentral U.S. region in the states of TX, CO, LA, NM, UT, OK, AR, and WY. Previously, Garcia served as the Co-Lead Equity Expert for the Employment & Training Administration with the Central Response Division (ETA CRD) at USDOL.   Delia continues to leverage her 25+ years in state & national partnership building in her public service career.   

Delia made history by being elected the first Latina to the State of Kansas Legislature and youngest female in 2004 where she served six years in the House of Representatives, including during the Great Recession.  She was senate confirmed as the Cabinet Secretary of Labor in Kansas in 2019.  As Secretary of Labor, Delia established the Kansas Anti-Labor Trafficking Initiative and worked with USDOL and partner states on this. She also led their translation initiative of the UI website and important documents.  In 2011, Garcia moved to Washington, DC. Delia led two national non-profits- ReflectUS to increase women representation in elected/ appointed leadership and the National Migrant Seasonal Head Start Association with farm worker families and served at the National Education Association as Senior Liaison to minority communities.  Delia serves as faculty for national trainings to prepare women for elected/ appointed leadership positions.  She recently wrote her first book on national women leadership.  Delia has served in many state and national leadership roles, including the Executive Board of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), Board of Latino Legislative Leaders, Co-Founder of the National Latina State Legislative Caucus, and Kappa Delta Chi Latina Service Sorority Alumni Association.

Patrick Cushing is the founder and CEO of WorkHands, a web and mobile platform for apprenticeships. WorkHands’ mission is to make apprenticeship simpler.

Prior to WorkHands, Patrick led the mobile team at SigFig, worked in NYC government to connect businesses online, and started his career in creative services at D.E. Shaw India. Patrick has a BS in biomedical engineering from Columbia University, but his greatest career education came early from working for his family’s businesses delivering heating oil to Massachusetts homes and disassembling carnival rides on the weekends.

Crosby Brito is the Employer Engagement Manager at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board-Workforce Solutions. As the leader of the Employer Engagement team, he oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at strengthening the workforce ecosystem. This includes managing financial resources and incentives dedicated to supporting employers all in a dedicated effort to build a more resilient and inclusive workforce that fuels regional economic success.

With a focus on employer-driven projects and initiatives, Crosby manages a team of Industry specific professionals instrumental in fostering partnerships between employers and the broader workforce community.The Employer Engagement team focuses on delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and job seekers alike. By cultivating strong relationships with employers across various industries, Crosby ensures that workforce development efforts are responsive to market demands and industry trends.

Power with Purpose ! As a serial entrepreneur, I am passionate about aligning Education with Entrepreneurship. I believe that Collaboration is the key to success. With over 2 decades of experience and expertise in award winning business processes and alignments, we deliver IT excellence to our Clients in the SMB, Commercial, Enterprise and SLED( State/ Local Governments and Education verticals.

At TanChes we deliver solutions to assist with:
(1) Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
(2) Infrastructure Design and Maintenance
(3) Cybersecurity
As a passionate leader, I manage and align expectations and deliveries to maximize growth for our Clients with a win-win focus.
What amazes me is the "Human Connection". People collect Things ... I collect People. I am an avid collector of people (personal and professional friends and acquaintances)...and My Superpower lies in my collection!

Dr. Michael Webster is the President of Southwest Campuses at Houston Community College where he has served for over five years. He has 15 years of experience in workforce development having served as Director of Workforce Development at the Greater Houston Partnership, Assistant Superintendent for Career Readiness at Houston ISD, and as an Industry Liaison at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.

He is a Senior Fellow from Education Class Four of the American Leadership Forum and alum of the Center for Houston’s Future Leadership Academy. Dr. Webster currently sits on the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill Houston Executive Committee and serves as a member of East Harris County Manufacturing Association’s Workforce Development committee. Most recently, he was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor to the Industry-Based Certification Advisory Board.

Dr. Webster started his career as a high school English and Journalism teacher in Houston ISD and continues to pursue a passion for literature. He received his PhD in English and American Literature at the University of Houston with a specialization in eighteenth-century British fiction.

Dakota Rayburn is currently a 5^th year apprentice with the Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee (HAPJAC). She has worked for the same signatory contractor, CFI Mechanical, for her entire apprenticeship and thoroughly enjoys working alongside her coworkers. Throughout her apprenticeship she has been afforded multiple leadership opportunities like attending student career days, participating in apprenticeship panels, and she has also Testified at the Harris County Heath Board for the inclusion of DOL Apprenticeship Utilization for Construction Bond Policy. She has also attended several Tradeswomen Build Nations conferences. Dakota was previously the secretary of her student council, and she has been able to assist many other students with their apprenticeship journeys.

Dr. Christina Robinson currently serves as the Executive Director of Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships for the Houston Community College System and DOL Ambassador.  Robinson oversees the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub, an accelerator for industry-wide apprenticeships and talent pipeline development, HCC Talent Solutions, and Community Learning. Prior to her role, she oversaw one of the largest grant-funded adult education and integrated workforce programs in the state of Texas with over $5 million in grant funding. Dr. Robinson spearheaded the creation of the "Change Your Life for $20" program and Career4U Academy. Prior to HCC, Robinson served as Chief Strategist for Innovation & Research at Lone Star College and Territory Vice President of the Gulf Coast for University of Phoenix.

An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she has been recognized for her leadership both locally and nationally. Dr. Robinson has been honored as the top 30 Most Influential Women in Houston and Top Ten Most Influential Women by Houston Woman magazine. Robinson completed a State Fellowship with the Coalition of Adult Basic Education, and currently serves on the City of Houston Advisory Board for Adult Literacy. Having earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, Robinson received her doctorate in Community College Leadership from The Roueche Graduate Center at National American University with a dissertation on, "What Can Higher Education Learn from Healthcare Innovation?"