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“Partnering to Build Race-Conscious Manufacturing Training Programs”

The future of the United States’ industrial sector relies on finding a new generation of workers to replace a rapidly aging one: estimates have told us that an additional 2.4 million manufacturing workers are needed in the next decade. Further, these new workers will have to be skilled at managing the technologies that are radically changing how we manufacture. The sector will need to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into its workforce. It is widely accepted that lasting sectoral partnerships between communities and companies are the most effective strategy to build a skilled workforce. But establishing intentional partnerships around racial equity is often easier said than done. 

On March 22, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM ET, in the final webinar for the Urban Manufacturing Alliance and The Century Foundation’s Industry & Inclusion cohort program, we will explore the innovative partnerships that our participating workforce training organizations have forged with unlikely entities in their communities. These partnerships build relationships with community, form trust, and create new opportunities for neighborhood residents and manufacturers alike. Our presenters will discuss the partnerships they’ve formed, the strategies behind them, and the outcomes that demonstrate their power. This webinar is sponsored by The Century Foundation, the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, and Jobs to Move America.

Register today.

Our conversation will feature:

  • Catrina Crane, director of workforce development and business solutions, Menomonee Valley Partners in Milwaukee

  • Jason Drake, executive director, WorkRoom Program Alliance at Dan T. Moore Company in Cleveland

  • Héctor Huezo, senior workforce equity coordinator, Jobs to Move America

  • Katy Stanton, programming & operations director, Urban Manufacturing Alliance

  • Andrew Stettner, senior fellow, The Century Foundation

  • Stephen Tucker, president and CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center in Buffalo

The panel will be facilitated byDr. Ron Williams, assistant professor at Coppin State University,UMAboard president-elect, and I&I academic advisor.

Meet the Panelists

Catrina Crane - Menomonee Valley Partners
Catrina Crane serves as a trusted extension of every business in the Valley as she aids in delivering solutions to matters affecting the Valley business community. From public safety to workforce, she aids in fostering and building strong relationships to needed resources on behalf of the district. Catrina also coordinates opportunities for engagement, networking, and community impact for Valley businesses such as the Menomonee Valley Business Association, Youth Programs, and Valley Circles.



Stephen Tucker - Northland Workforce Training Center
Stephen Tucker is the inaugural President & CEO of Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC), the signature workforce strategy under Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative. In this role, Mr. Tucker is responsible for the management, oversight, and day to day operations of the new 90,000 square foot state of the art facility focused on training and preparing Western New Yorkers for careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.



Héctor Huezo - Jobs to Move America
Hector joined JMA as the California Organizer in 2016 and is now the Senior Workforce Equity Coordinator. He is responsible for implementing and expanding on the California Coalition’s workforce policies and community benefits wins to ensure more equitable and diverse hiring and training pathways into middle class employment opportunities.



Jason Drake - Dan T. Moore Company
Jason serves as the Director of Education and Workforce Development. He works to bolster recruitment pipelines for their portfolio of companies, and to develop and execute incumbent worker training programs, including apprenticeship models. Jason is also the Co-Founder & Executive Director of the WorkRoom Program Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in delivering educational and training experiences to underserved school-age populations in the Cleveland area.