This month, a new chapter of engaging workers and learners begins as National Skills Coalition welcomes another group of leaders to the Voices for Skills Leadership Council, building on what the first cohort started. The next council will expand our efforts to engage and keep workers and learners at the forefront of this broad network, including the opportunity to co-develop and carry out a research project aimed at improving education and training systems, so they work better for everyone. This will open new possibilities for incorporating student and worker insights into our advocacy and policy work.
The Leadership Council will continue to inform NSC’s policy research, advocacy, and recommendations as part of our Making College Work Campaign and our larger Voices for Skills network.
The second cohort of the Leadership Council is made up of nine current and former students who are now (or have been) enrolled in career-focused programs at community or technical colleges. Council members also represent NSC’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive cohort, including parents and other caregivers, first-generation students, immigrants, people impacted by the justice system, and people with disabilities.
These student advisors will participate in a two-year program where they will share their perspectives and experiences pursuing and navigating community colleges, workforce pathways, and career-focused credentials and inform policy solutions to improve access and completion of quality postsecondary programs. Their primary objective is to co-develop student-centered research and policy recommendations that address the unique challenges and aspirations of individuals navigating these educational pathways.
The Leadership Council will have the opportunity to:
Taneil Fanklin (California) holds two Associate of Arts (AA) degrees in Political Science and Behavioral & Social Sciences. With lived experience, she is a longtime advocate for youth in foster care and young people experiencing homelessness. She also earned a phlebotomy certificate through the Department of Rehabilitation and uses her journey to support storytelling, policy advocacy, and systems change.
Diamond Grace’s (Illinois) career journey began in the restaurant industry and customer service. Diamond enrolled in a CompTIA boot camp through Per Scholas. With a certificate in hand, she began a new job search and landed an apprenticeship with Google in data analytics. She’s eager and ready to push herself for what’s next. Diamond is using this motivation to be an advocate for policy change that helps real people learning new and different skills.
Trina Green (California) is a veteran of the United States Army, where she served for 10 years in support roles including Recruiting. After working primarily in administrative roles in and out of the Army, she sought something different. This is when Trina landed in the IT/tech industry. Trina completed multiple certificate training programs through providers like Per Scholas and the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or ISC2. She is currently training for CompTIA Security+ certification.
Melissa Gurule (California) didn’t know that a shift working at a local Greek restaurant would land a job interview at a dental office. After being hired as a dental assistant for a pediatric office nearby, Melissa learned about Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and their free, no-cost Dental Assisting program. After completion, Melissa received a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license, and better pay. She Currently works in pediatric dentistry at a bigger office and works to help others in studying for their RDA license. Melissa looks forward to using this opportunity to share her journey to inspire others to not to give up.
Malaya Lambert (New York) had earlier college attempts, but financial barriers led her into the workforce. Since then, she has navigated periods of instability while holding a range of jobs before intentionally pursuing a career in healthcare. The NYC Individual Training Grant enabled her to complete a clinical certificate program debt-free. After completion, Malaya gained renewed momentum, secured work, and discovered a strong passion for patient care. She values training programs and tuition support that create real pathways to career growth and long-term stability, and she plans to continue advancing within the healthcare field.
Christian Marzan (Idaho) holds multiple certifications centered around his passion for helping his community. He also completed his AA degree in Forestry. Using voices for policy change is not foreign to Christian, as he worked in mitigation work in the Sequoia National Park to make roads more accessible. Christian is hoping to use this opportunity to become more knowledgeable in policy so that he can also apply it to his daily work in California. Currently, Christian is completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry at the University of Idaho.
Chelsea Talley (Texas) completed a Hospitality Training Certificate program while completing courses for her Associate’s degree. Chelsea is currently navigating vocational rehabilitation at the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which grants access to various services for reentry into the workforce, including education and job placement. When choosing her next career, Chelsea states she will prioritize jobs that are inclusive and offer a livable wage. Chelsea comes to the Council with prior experience advocating on the state and federal levels, and an understanding of what policy change can do. Chelsea will graduate in October 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts.
Denise Thomas (Oklahoma) was introduced to Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), and they “saved her life.” JVS offered a 10-week training program that included supportive services contributing to her quality of life while completing her training program. The completion of Denise’s training program awarded her a job with the University of California at San Francisco. She remains employed with them, 10 years later. Denise’s passion and willingness to learn have earned her recognition from JVS and opportunities to tell her story. She hopes to continue to have opportunities to give back to others.
Ndungako Yochembeng (Maryland) immigrated to the United States with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After practicing for 5 years in Cameroon, he found that it was not as easy for his skills and education to be recognized in the US. Seeking to provide for his family, Ndungako turned to his passion for construction and enrolled in a certification program for HVAC at Frederick Community College. Ndungako is passionate about creating opportunities for those who may be underserved, especially in communities where education is limited.
