Leading Change for Skills: Champions Across the Workforce Ecosystem

Why It Matters

Aligning flexible, skills‑based training with inclusive workplace cultures closes talent gaps, diversifies high‑tech jobs, and drives broader economic mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Quick‑Start program offers flexible, two‑week training for semiconductor technicians.
• Stackable credentials enable participants to progress from entry‑level to higher roles.
• Female and Latino enrollment surpasses industry norms, boosting diversity.
• Beyond Housing revamped culture, achieving 90% staff satisfaction after audit.
• Cross‑sector leadership networks accelerate skills‑based talent pipelines across ecosystems.

Summary

The Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities program hosted a webinar titled “Leading Change for Skills: Champions Across the Workforce Ecosystem,” featuring Leah Palmer of the Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute and Tiffany Mangum of Beyond Housing Foundation. The session highlighted how cross‑sector collaboration can reshape talent development, moving beyond traditional degree requirements toward skills‑based pathways.

Palmer detailed a “quick‑start” semiconductor training model that runs two four‑hour daily sessions over two weeks, offering morning or evening slots to accommodate families. The program is stackable, provides industry‑validated badges, and has served over 300 participants, with 1,300 applicants. Notably, 32% of trainees are women, 55% are first‑generation college students, and Latino representation is unusually high, illustrating a deliberate push for equity.

Mangum described an internal cultural audit at Beyond Housing that revealed low morale, high turnover, and a lack of inclusivity. By addressing these findings—hiring a chief diversity officer, redesigning leadership structures, and prioritizing staff voice—the organization lifted employee satisfaction to 90% and stabilized its workforce. Both leaders emphasized the importance of aligning training, hiring, and organizational culture.

These examples show that flexible, industry‑partnered training combined with intentional cultural reforms can expand the talent pipeline, diversify high‑tech and housing sectors, and improve economic mobility. Replicating such models could help other regions close skill gaps while fostering more inclusive workplaces.

Original Description

Finding great employees for any organization can be challenging, and keeping them on board presents its own challenges. In response, many creative leaders are adopting strategies that expand talent pipelines to reach a wider variety of candidates based on skills and competencies. Others are exploring ways to build organizations that support internal growth and leadership with a clearer focus on skills and competencies, as well. How can leaders across the workforce ecosystem lead organizational change and partnerships to open opportunities in sectors as diverse as affordable housing and advanced manufacturing?

This event — hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on April 16, 2026 — features a conversation with leaders from our Workforce Leadership Academies who are driving changes in industry practices and organizational culture. Their work has not only created more opportunities to get workers to the door, but also supported employees once they’re through the door — for both frontline and leadership roles.

Our speakers include Leah Palmer, executive director of the Maricopa County Community College District’s Arizona Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Tiffany Mangum, executive director of Fresno Housing’s Beyond Housing Foundation, who will share their lessons in leading these changes, and Dee Wallace, senior fellow with the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.

For more information about this event, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/leading-change-for-skills-champions-across-the-workforce-ecosystem/

For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@aspeneop

Or subscribe to our podcast to listen on the go: https://pod.link/1503944129

To learn more about the Workforce Leadership Academies, visit: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/workforce-leadership-academies/