Katina “Kay” Lindsay, grew up in a beauty salon, entered the world of high fashion, and found the perfect fit for her personal and professional life in the creativity, hands-on learning, and mentoring that exists in Career Technical Education (CTE). Katina is a Fellow in the third cohort of the Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE – Sponsored by ECMC Foundation and is the fashion merchandising and design program coordinator and assistant professor at Mercer County Community College in Trenton, NJ. 

Building CTE leaders is essential to future-proofing our workforce. It’s about investing in learners today to develop leaders who will drive innovation, economic growth, and positive change tomorrow.

Q: Let’s start with your journey into CTE. How did your background shape your path into this field?

A: I would say that CTE found me. CTE has been a common thread in my family, no pun intended. Growing up, my family owned a beauty salon in Maryland, and from a very young age, I was involved in the business. Whether it was greeting clients, setting hair rollers, answering phones, or washing and blow-drying hair, I was always hands-on and eager to learn. That experience sparked my passion for creativity and hands-on work, and it was my first introduction to the workforce.

That early exposure to the beauty industry carried me through college, where I majored in fashion and did nails to earn extra money. After graduating, I worked for several major fashion companies and held various corporate positions with Nordstrom, Liz Claiborne, Phillips-Van Heusen, and Lenox China. Experiencing the fashion world at such a young age helped me see how my early experiences in the beauty salon seamlessly aligned with my fashion career.

However, as life settled in, I found myself at a crossroads. Newly married and expecting my first child, I had to make a choice between the fast-paced, exciting world of fashion and finding a fulfilling career that was more family-friendly. That’s when I discovered Career and Technical Education. I transitioned into teaching fashion merchandising and design at the high school level and within the last 7 years in higher education and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s been the perfect blend of my passion for creativity, hands-on learning, and mentoring the next generation.

[Teaching CTE has] been the perfect blend of my passion for creativity, hands-on learning, and mentoring the next generation.

Q: Community and technical colleges are at the forefront of adapting programs to meet the needs of an evolving workforce. How do you address this challenge at your institution and in New Jersey?

A: At Mercer County Community College, I am passionate about preparing the next generation of workforce leaders by equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a constantly changing job market. As a program coordinator and chair of institutional program committees, I position myself as a thought leader in career readiness. My approach centers on cultivating a leadership mindset from day one, empowering learners to confidently take their seat at the table and bring value to any professional setting.

Adapting to the evolving workforce means teaching learners how to think critically, communicate effectively, and demonstrate professionalism from the start of their college journey. I emphasize the importance of leadership by helping learners see themselves as valuable assets, whether they are collaborating in the classroom or networking with industry professionals. Through leadership workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, I guide learners to develop the soft skills and confidence necessary to navigate an ever-changing professional landscape.

To ensure our programs stay aligned with industry demands, I build and maintain strong advisory boards that include diverse voices from business, community, and education sectors. These partnerships provide valuable insights into emerging trends and skills gaps, allowing us to continuously adapt our curriculum. Additionally, I prioritize professional development for our faculty so they can better equip learners to meet the current and future demands of the workforce.

Connecting learners to real-world experiences early on is also essential.

Connecting learners to real-world experiences early on is also essential. From site visits and distinguished industry talks to career fairs and networking opportunities, I ensure that learners are exposed to practical insights that help shape their professional identity. From the moment they enter our programs, learners are taught to carry themselves as leaders; thinking critically, speaking with confidence, and embracing opportunities to add value.

By embedding leadership development into every aspect of their education, we ensure that our learners are not only career-ready but also adaptable, forward-thinking professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce.

Q: You’ve been vocal about the lack of access to quality education and training opportunities. Why do you think this is such a crucial issue?ary State Career Technical Education Leaders Fellowship, 

A: Early in my journey within CTE, I witnessed firsthand the persistent lack of access to quality education and training opportunities, both at the secondary and postsecondary levels. This issue is incredibly significant because it directly impacts our ability to build the next generation of CTE leaders, those who will shape the future of our workforce and communities.

When learners do not receive equal access to high-quality education and practical training, it fundamentally limits their potential to step into leadership roles. We’re not just talking about preparing learners for jobs, we’re talking about equipping them to become innovative, resilient, and forward-thinking leaders within their industries. Without these opportunities, we create gaps in workforce readiness, higher turnover rates, and a lack of varying perspectives in leadership positions, all of which weaken the foundation of our workforce and our communities.

Having dedicated nearly two decades to CTE training, I have seen the transformative impact that access to quality education can have. When learners, especially those from underserved or rural areas, are given the right tools, guidance, and exposure, they don’t just survive; they thrive as confident, skilled professionals. More importantly, they emerge as thought leaders who add tremendous value to their fields and make a lasting difference in their communities.

Building CTE leaders is essential to future-proofing our workforce. It’s about investing in learners today to develop leaders who will drive innovation, economic growth, and positive change tomorrow. That’s why I am so passionate about ensuring that every learner has access to the education and training they deserve.

By embedding leadership development into every aspect of their education, we ensure that our learners are not only career-ready but also adaptable, forward-thinking professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce.

Q: You’ve spoken before about engaging postsecondary learners in CTSOs and developing leadership skills in young adults. Can you share how this commitment has shaped your leadership and actions in your current role?

A: Although Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) do not have a strong presence within postsecondary education, I firmly believe in the tremendous value their leadership models bring to career and workforce readiness. From the moment I stepped into the world of CTE, CTSOs have shaped how I manage my classroom, build industry relationships, and create impactful, real-world experiences for my learners.

While I may not actively compete within CTSOs, my hand remains on the pulse of their practices because they offer some of the most realistic, hands-on leadership experiences learners can encounter. The CTSO leadership model is invaluable because it not only cultivates critical thinking, soft skills, teamwork, and industry-specific leadership but also builds essential career and workforce readiness skills.

This approach has greatly influenced my leadership style and actions in my current role. I consistently draw from the CTSO framework to enhance classroom instruction, inspire learner engagement, and build strong connections between education and the workforce. I advocate for integrating CTSO principles because they empower learners to practice leadership in real-world contexts, positioning them to excel as proactive, confident professionals in their chosen fields.

By embracing the CTSO leadership model, I aim to build a culture of leadership and career readiness that equips my learners to thrive in any industry they pursue.

One of the most critical challenges we must address is future-proofing the next generation of workforce leaders.

Q: What do you see as the future of CTE in New Jersey and what challenges do you think need to be addressed?

A: I believe the future of CTE in New Jersey hinges on our ability to train workforce leaders who are not only skilled but also adaptable and forward-thinking. To achieve this, we must build strong partnerships between educational institutions, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. Creating and nurturing these connections will ensure that our programs remain relevant, dynamic, and aligned with evolving workforce needs.

One of the most critical challenges we must address is future-proofing the next generation of workforce leaders. This goes beyond simply equipping learners with technical skills, it requires empowering CTE administrators and educators to stay ahead of industry trends and embrace innovative teaching practices. Additionally, we need to ensure that learners have ample opportunities to gain real-world experience within their chosen fields. By integrating micro-credentialing and workforce skills training early on, we can help learners seamlessly transition into the industry with confidence and competence.

Another challenge is preparing learners with sustainable skills that not only help them secure employment but also support their long-term success and career growth. This means focusing on soft skills, leadership development, and critical thinking to ensure that they can thrive and evolve within their chosen professions.

By addressing these challenges head-on and fostering strong partnerships, we can ensure that CTE in New Jersey continues to be a driving force for developing future workforce leaders who are ready to make an impact.

Q: You’re clearly passionate about creating long-term change. What advice would you give to others who want to make a difference in CTE and postsecondary participation and attainment?

A: First, understand your unique value within CTE. Recognize that there is only one you and you have the power to lead the next generation of workforce leaders. Don’t hold on to the experiences and knowledge you’ve gained over time; instead, share them freely and continue to be a lifelong learner. The more you grow, the more you can empower others.

Second, prioritize creating strong partnerships with industry leaders, employers, and community stakeholders. These relationships are essential for ensuring that the education learners receive aligns with the real-world skills employers need. They also provide critical opportunities for mentorships, internships, and job-shadowing, which directly contribute to workforce readiness.

Along with partnerships, advocate for and implement hands-on learning experiences such as industry tours, internships, and micro-credentialing programs. These experiences help learners apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios, making their education more relevant and giving them the practical skills needed to transition smoothly into their careers.

To truly make a difference, commit to long-term change. This means continuously advocating for learner success, embracing innovative approaches in education, and ensuring that every learner has the chance to thrive, not just in college but in their future careers also.

Q: As a participant in Advance CTE’s national Fellowship, what do you hope to gain from this experience?

A: As a participant in the Advance CTE National Fellowship, I hope to gain a stronger voice within my area of influence and a deeper understanding of the direction that CTE is headed. I am excited to be part of the change in CTE programs and contribute to shaping their future. I also look forward to connecting and collaborating with other CTE thought leaders and experts, which will strengthen my ability to advocate for CTE on both the state and national levels.

Additionally, I am eager to build partnerships that will sustain relationships with industry leaders, employers, and stakeholders, ensuring long-term success for CTE programs. I also aim to enhance my skills to better meet the needs of my learners and institution, while bringing back practical tools and techniques that will improve the quality of education and workforce readiness.

Lastly, I am committed to leaving the fellowship as a thought leader with a concrete, real-world project that aligns with my future-proof  CTE framework, ensuring lasting impact on the programs I develop and the learners I serve.

In September 2024, Advance CTE and ECMC Foundation announced the third cohort of The Postsecondary State Career Technical Education Leaders Fellowship at Advance CTE—Sponsored by ECMC Foundation (Fellowship). The Advance CTE — ECMCF Fellows are aspiring leaders from across the nation and an embodiment of the Fellowship’s goal of intentionally building leadership pipelines to address the shortage of successive talent available in state postsecondary career technical education leadership.

Katina’s journey to CTE leadership is a testament to the empowerment learners experience while participating in CTE programs and the inherent leadership skills developed within the program’s sphere of activities. Her insights are just one example of the incredible work being done by the fellows of the Advance CTE National Fellowship. To learn more about Katina and other inspiring leadership fellows, visit the Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship page, where you can discover why committing to high-quality CTE programs is a smart investment in our nation’s economic future. 

If you are interested in launching a CTE Leadership Fellowship in your state please contact Dr. Kevin R. Johnson Sr. at [email protected].