Through periodic MAX Member Spotlights, our MAX team is honored to help our broader workforce development network get to know our members better in order to strengthen connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. Here, our members share insights on how MAX is helpful in their work, accomplishments they’re most proud of, emerging trends they see as affecting workforce development, and more.
How long have you been a MAX member?
3 to 5 years
How has being a member of MAX benefitted you or your organization?
As a member of the MAX, I gain access to valuable professional development, regional workforce insights, and a strong network of leaders across education, business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Through MAX events, webinars, and collaborative opportunities, I stay informed on emerging trends, share best practices, and build relationships that strengthen my work.
My involvement with MAX benefits CareerRise by helping me identify new partnership opportunities, bring back innovative ideas, stay current on workforce priorities, and increase our visibility within the regional workforce ecosystem. Participation in Leadership MAX further strengthens my leadership skills and expands my network, allowing me to represent CareerRise more effectively and contribute to collaborative workforce solutions..
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Collaborative Council, Leadership MAX, MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays
Are there specific collaborations or practices that have come about through your engagement with MAX?
Yes. Through my engagement with MAX, I have built relationships with workforce professionals from across the region that have expanded my perspective and created opportunities to share ideas and best practices. These connections have provided valuable insights into how other organizations approach employer engagement, partnerships, and workforce programming, giving me new ideas that I can apply at CareerRise or in collaboration with new partners.
Leadership MAX has also introduced me to leaders and organizations I may not have connected with otherwise, strengthening my professional network and opening the door for future collaboration on initiatives that support employers and job seekers across metro Atlanta.
Which MAX event do you most look forward to attending and why?
I look forward to every Leadership MAX session because each one gives me a chance to step away from my day-to-day work and see workforce development through a different lens. Every topic has introduced new ideas, perspectives, and approaches that I can bring back to CareerRise.
I’m especially excited for the upcoming site visit. These experiences, combined with the conversations I have with my cohort, help me think differently about challenges, discover new ideas, and continue growing as a leader.
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
I serve in this profession because I believe meaningful work has the power to change lives. Looking back on my own career path, I’ve realized that I have always been drawn to roles where I can help people, build connections, and make a positive difference. Whether through marketing, events, or workforce development, the most fulfilling parts of my career have always been those that bring people together and create opportunities for others.
What motivates me most is knowing that the work we do creates lasting impact, not just for an individual who finds a job, but for families, businesses, and our community. I enjoy building partnerships, collaborating to solve challenges, and creating programs that help people succeed. Seeing an idea grow into a successful initiative or watching a collaboration lead to meaningful outcomes is what inspires me to continue doing this work every day.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
Over the past 12 months, I am most proud of stepping into the role of Director of Industry Partnerships and helping lead our team through a period of change and transition. Together, we have strengthened employer relationships and expanded workforce initiatives that connect job seekers with meaningful career opportunities.
On a personal level, I am proud of how much I have grown as a leader and how I have embraced the challenges that come with increased responsibility. During this transition, Leadership MAX has been an invaluable source of support and growth. My L-MAX cohort has provided a community of peers who are often navigating similar leadership experiences and organizational changes, creating a space to share challenges, learn from one another, and celebrate successes. Additionally, the opportunity to connect with experienced workforce leaders who have faced similar challenges has provided valuable guidance, perspective, and advice. Beyond leadership development, L-MAX has deepened my understanding of workforce development and strengthened my ability to think strategically about partnerships, collaboration, and the broader impact of our work.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
One of the biggest emerging trends I see impacting both job seekers and employers is the continued rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need to understand how to leverage it effectively. AI is changing the way people search for jobs, prepare applications, and approach work, but it also highlights the growing importance of uniquely human skills. As AI tools become more accessible, skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration become even more valuable. Job seekers need to learn how to use AI as a tool to enhance their work while continuing to develop the human skills that technology cannot replace.
Another trend I see is the increased conversation around apprenticeships and work-based learning as valuable pathways to careers. While there is growing recognition of the benefits of these models, we are still in the process of shifting the cultural perception of apprenticeships as a legitimate post-secondary pathway alongside traditional college routes. Continued employer engagement, education, and advocacy will be important to move apprenticeship from conversation into broader implementation.
I also believe we are at an important intersection where thoughtful mentorship is needed more than ever, especially for early-career talent. Employers and workforce professionals have an opportunity to help individuals develop workplace communication, professional norms, and other foundational skills by creating environments where people can learn and grow. Instead of expecting new talent to already know skills they have not yet had the opportunity to develop, we need to invest in mentorship, coaching, and intentional learning experiences that help prepare the next generation of workers for long-term success.
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
I believe MAX is already doing an incredible job of bringing workforce professionals together, creating opportunities to share information and best practices, and fostering collaboration across the region. I would encourage MAX to continue investing in these connections and keep growing programs like Leadership MAX, which has been a tremendous experience for me and many of my peers.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
I took 9 years of Latin and my very first tattoo was the name I used in Latin class: Tullus.