BuildWithin

This Thanksgiving Week, we want to spotlight Jennifer Taylor, President and CEO of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC). 🌟 Did you know that Jennifer founded the National Tech Coalition during her time as VP of U.S. Jobs at CTA? Since then, she has continued to make an impact, both as a leader and a visionary. As CEO of NVTC, Jennifer was one of the first to hire an apprentice, setting an example for others to follow. She has been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and workforce development. Recently, NVTC launched a comprehensive workforce study filled with valuable insights and data on the region's workforce needs, which we look forward to highlighting. Thank you, Jennifer, for your dedication and leadership! 🙏   #WorkforceDevelopment #Innovation #FutureOfWork #WorkforceInnovation

This Thanksgiving Week, we would like to recognize Paul Monteiro, Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation. We are honored to partner with Service Year Option as their technology provider, empowering high school graduates to explore career pathways through meaningful work. This program offers youth the opportunity to engage in 10-month, full-time on the job training program including apprenticeships, where they gain critical competencies, learn the occupation, and make valuable contributions to businesses. Learning how to work is a foundational milestone, and this initiative provides a tangible entry into the workforce. Thank you, Secretary Monteiro, for your leadership in making this possible! #WorkforceDevelopment #Apprenticeships #CareerPathways Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi Matt Jordan William L. Stephanie Baum

This Thanksgiving week, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for Keri Randolph, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0. 🍁 🍂 Keri’s exceptional ability to build cross-sector partnerships, navigate complexities, and unite diverse stakeholders has been instrumental in driving impactful results. Under her leadership, Chattanooga was selected as an Apprenticeship Innovation District in 2022 and has since developed multiple apprenticeship pathways with partners like Unum, AlloHire, and EBP. These public-private partnerships are essential for implementing apprenticeships that benefit both students and adults, and Chattanooga has become a model for collaboration across sectors. Keri’s leadership has been critical to these efforts, and we are grateful for her impact on our community. #Thanksgiving #Leadership #Chattanooga20 #Apprenticeships Andrew Hudson, Walton Robinson, Chyna Keene, Lindsey Parker Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock

This season of gratitude, we’re shining a light on Michael Batt, Vice President of Talent at Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. 🙏 Mike’s dedication to workforce development in Northern Virginia is inspiring to all of us at BuildWithin. From crafting initiatives that attract and retain top talent to building partnerships that enhance the region’s talent ecosystem, his work is shaping a brighter future for businesses and individuals across Virginia. Thanks to leaders like Mike, businesses can thrive, and individuals have the resources to achieve their goals. His action-oriented leadership exemplifies the impact one person can have on an entire community. #ThanksToTheChampion #BuildWithin

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on what we’re most grateful for our incredible team and the employers we collaborate with. BuildWithin’s success is built on the skills, dedication, and passion each team member brings every day. 🌟 Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to the professionals who make it all happen: Engineers - your innovative solutions to complex challenges drive our progress. Operations Team - your leadership and vision optimize our processes and ensure our solutions meet the needs of businesses and learners alike. Sales Team - your attention to detail and determination keep us moving toward our goals. Customer Success Team - your empathy and commitment to delivering value turn challenges into opportunities. Leaders from Chattanooga, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Chicago and California - your guidance inspires us to strive for excellence and achieve more together. At BuildWithin, we pride ourselves on being a skills-based organization. Titles and degrees don’t define us–the passion to learn, teach, and grow does. Together, our team of apprentices, managers, and leaders powers the future of workforce development. To our team, our partners, and our community: thank you for making this journey possible. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at BuildWithin! #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #BuilWithin Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Stephanie Baum Jennifer Gannon Nicole Redler Sara Lasner Drew Shea Yumi Choi Jessica Murillo Chyna Keene Lillian Speranza Emilia C. Liam Rathke Martin Sione Robin Escobar Peter Svartz Nikolas Nascimento Aguilar Joshua Duarte Matt Jordan Gerry Camarena Gomez Walton Robinson John P. Francisco Javier Villarroel F. Lindsey Parker Cecilia Lincolao

📸 As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." 📸 Before we close our computers, bundle up our families, and head off to visit with loved ones, I want to highlight two special individuals that exemplify the power of #apprenticeships: Emily Daily and Daniela LaCelle of Unum. In her roles as AVP, IT Delivery, Daniella LaCelle has been a steadfast champion of apprenticeships. In her words, "we don’t just need people with traditional degrees; we need individuals with curiosity, resilience, and a passion for solving problems—qualities that don’t always show up on a transcript but can shine through an apprenticeship." Her impact has not only changed the lives of team members within Unum, but has been instrumental in shifting the dialogue across Hamilton County (Chattanooga), TN. Showing other employers the transformative impact on-the-job training models can have on their organizations. Her passion, knowledge, and commitment will have a lasting effect on countless people -- people like Emily Daily. Without a college degree, Emily once believed a career in tech was beyond her reach. Unable to afford a four-year college degree, she initially trained as an esthetician to make ends meet. But her true passion was always a career in technology. Determined to pursue her dream, Emily joined Unum through a temp agency in 2019, working in the group long-term care division. There, she began developing her computer skills while balancing her day-to-day responsibilities. Emily’s persistence paid off when she was offered what she calls “probably the best thing in my life”—an apprenticeship program at Unum to advance her programming skills. She spent the ensuing year learning on the job and being mentored by leaders like Daniella and her manager Ivan Torres. Last week, Emily achieved a major milestone, earning her U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Graduate Certification. She is now a full-time Software Engineer at Unum, and the company has announced its commitment to expanding #techapprenticeship roles, creating pathways for more stories like Emily’s. Here's to Daniella, Emily, Ivan and all those working tirelessly to change lives and build a brighter and more competitive tech economy through #techapprenticeships! Walton Robinson, Lindsey Parker, Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech), Chattanooga 2.0, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock, William L., Stephanie Baum, Linda McMahon, Keri Randolph, Tim Kelly, Weston Wamp, Andrew Hudson, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Drew Shea, Jessica Murillo, Jennifer Gannon, Tech Apprenticeships, BuildWithin, Hamilton County Department of Education, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Susan Crystal-Mansour, Ph.D., Vice President of Program Impact at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is driving meaningful change in the restaurant industry. Her leadership has led to impactful programs like ProStart® and Restaurant Ready, equipping individuals with the skills needed for successful careers. Susan has also collaborated with military partners to create opportunities for veterans and military spouses, ensuring their talents are recognized and valued in the workforce. Her commitment to workforce development demonstrates the power of strategic leadership in transforming lives and industries. Thank you, Susan, for making a difference where it matters most. #WorkforceDevelopment #HospitalityCareers #LeadershipInAction #ImpactfulChange Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Chyna Keene Joshua Duarte Stephanie Baum

Season of Giving - Highlighting Courtney Harris. 🙏 This Thanksgiving Week, we would like to recognize Courtney Harris, Contract Management at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Courtney’s work has been instrumental in advancing apprenticeship programs within the hospitality sector. Through her efforts, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program has: 📍 Created accessible career pathways for aspiring hospitality professionals. 📍 Strengthened partnerships with educational institutions and employers to align training with industry needs. 📍 Provided financial resources and industry-recognized credentials to empower participants. Thank you, Courtney, for your dedication to shaping the future of the hospitality workforce. #ThanksToTheChampion #Apprenticeships #SeasonOfGiving #HospitalityTraining Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Chyna Keene

📢 Calling all recruiters in Chattanooga! BuildWithin is honored to announce that we are proud sponsors of the upcoming Chattabooleans December Event! Together with our partners at AlloHire, we are excited to support this fantastic opportunity to create a vibrant local talent community. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a free meal, engage in meaningful networking, and participate in a dynamic panel discussion on holiday hiring trends and the 2025 recruiting forecast. 📅 When: December 3, 2024 (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) 📍 Where: AlloHire Arena (1271 Market Street Suite B) Recruiters, don’t miss out! Please just RSVP today through the link in the comments and join us in shaping the future of talent in Chattanooga. 🚀 🔗 https://bit.ly/4g4WONV #BuildWithin #TalentCommunity #Recruitment #NetworkingEvent

Season of Giving - Highlighting Erin Crisp This Thanksgiving Week, we would like to recognize Erin Crisp, Ed.D., Executive Director of UT’s Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. The TN GYO Program exists to end teacher shortages in Tennessee by strengthening the educator pipeline. Nationally, GYO programs have become a leading strategy for addressing educator shortages. The distinctive of the TN GYO Program are that it: 📍 Provides initial teacher licensure at low to no cost for aspiring educators. 📍 Leverages registered apprenticeship as a new model for preparation. 📍 Expands local partnerships to build locally contextualized solutions. 📍 Increases the demographic representation of the educator workforce. Big thanks to Erin for your leadership and bold vision. #ThanksToTheChampion #Apprenticeships #SeasonOfGiving #Teacherapprenticeships