(SILVER SPRING, MD – September 15, 2022) Today, Advance CTE announces the 2022-23 cohort of the Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE — Sponsored by ECMC Foundation.
These 15 professionals represent 13 states, include 12 leaders of color, and reflect multiple dimensions of equity and diverse professional backgrounds at secondary and postsecondary institutions at the local, district and state levels. They will participate in the Fellowship’s second cohort, which will launch this month.
The Fellowship strives to address the growing shortage of state postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) leadership by removing systemic barriers to leadership advancement that contribute to racial representation gaps. A robust, diverse talent pipeline allows for the creation of state CTE policies that dismantle and rebuild inequitable systems so each learner can access and complete the postsecondary CTE program of their choice. The Fellowship is part of ECMC Foundation’s CTE Leadership Collaborative, which brings together diverse perspectives and equips CTE leaders with the tools, resources and skills needed to advance the field.
In addition to participating in networking and leadership development opportunities, each Advance CTE — ECMC Foundation Fellow plans and delivers a real-world fellowship project in their local education institution or community.
“Advance CTE is grateful to ECMC Foundation for the opportunity to support a second group of diverse professionals who are striving to be state postsecondary CTE leaders. Having state leaders racially and demographically reflect the learners they serve is vital to ensuring our programs and systems are equitable, welcoming and inclusive for each learner who chooses to participate in a CTE program,” stated Dr. Kevin Johnson Sr., Senior Advisor for Advance CTE.
“Evolving our state educational systems to better meet the demands of today’s learners requires committed leaders with a strong foundation in postsecondary CTE,” shared Anna Fontus, program officer, ECMC Foundation. “The Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship helps repair leadership pipelines for underrepresented communities, which is essential to ensuring the future of CTE meets the needs of the communities and industries it serves.”
2022-23 Advance CTE — ECMCF Fellows
Dr. Tempestt Adams, Appalachian State University, North Carolina
Dr. Kisha Aites, Savannah State University, Georgia
Shelsi Barber-Carter, Education Consultant, Louisiana
Kayla Brossett, Wadhwani Foundation, Louisiana
Jomarie Coloriano, Gateway Technical College, Wisconsin
Yolanda Flores, Collier County Public Schools, Florida
Dominique Footes, Southeastern Universities Research Association, Maryland
Dr. Crystal D. Gardner, Houston Community College, Texas
Davil Jackson, Colton Redlands Yucaipa Regional , California
Dr. Angela Lawhorne, Virginia Community College System, Virginia
Nancy Ligus, Pierpont Community & Technical College, West Virginia
Leisa Mathews, Western Wyoming Community College, Wyoming
Caleb Perriton, Laramie County Community College, Wyoming
Dr. Luv’Tesha Robertson, Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, Kentucky
Daniel Sandoval, Pickens Technical College, Colorado
Visit Advance CTE’s Fellowship web page for more information about the program and profiles of each Advance CTE — ECMCF Fellow.
Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary education; build the capacity of institutions, systems and organizations; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.
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Media Contact:
Stacy Whitehouse, swhitehouse@careertech.org
Senior Associate, Communications and State Engagement
