Washington, D.C. (October 16, 2024) – National Skills Coalition (NSC) announced today the addition of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Bishara Addison, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Fund for Our Economic Future; Mauricio Garcia, Senior Vice President for Programs at UnidosUS; and Chandler C. Morse, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Workday. Their individual and collective expertise in workforce development, policy advocacy, and community engagement will enhance the Coalition’s mission to advance policies that ensure equitable skills training and create pathways to economic opportunity for today’s workforce.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bishara, Mauricio, and Chandler to the National Skills Coalition’s Board of Directors,” said Robert Espinoza, CEO of National Skills Coalition, a national, bipartisan policy organization that fights for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that more people have access to a better life, and more local businesses see sustained growth. “Their diverse backgrounds and deep commitment to workforce equity and opportunity will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for inclusive policies and practices that empower workers and strengthen our economy.”
Dr. Girard Melancon, Board Chair at National Skills Coalition, added, “The addition of these three remarkable individuals to our board is a significant step forward for our organization. Their unique perspectives and dedication to workforce equity will help us continue our vital work in advancing policies that empower all workers, particularly those from marginalized communities, and local businesses from all over the country.”
Bishara Addison (Cleveland, OH) serves as the Director of Workforce Innovation at the Fund for Our Economic Future, where she spearheads initiatives aimed at equitable economic growth through talent development. Addison’s work is centered on aligning regional and national partners to create innovative solutions that address labor market participation and job quality. Her portfolio includes serving as the NE Ohio Site Director with the National Fund for Workforce Solutions, supporting local talent strategies, and working with communities to attract competitive federal funding to build capacity to execute talent initiatives. Addison also has experience in policy advocacy and previously served as a State Representative for Ohio House District 9. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from The George Washington University and a master’s in policy management from Georgetown University.
“It’s an incredible honor to join the National Skills Coalition Board,” said Bishara Addison. “NSC has served as my own training ground to learn and promote inclusive workforce policy. From serving as a state lead for the Ohio Delegation at NSC’s annual Skills Summit, to serving on one of its industry recovery panels, this organization has been instrumental to my own growth. It’s an incredible privilege to have another opportunity to drive meaningful policy and systems change with the NSC network.”
Mauricio Garcia (New York, NY) is the Senior Vice President for Programs at UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. With nearly 20 years of experience, Garcia oversees the organization’s programmatic efforts in education, health, housing and financial empowerment, and workforce development, collaborating with over 300 affiliates nationwide. His prior roles include Chief Program & Engagement Officer at Friends of the High Line and Deputy Director at Cities of Service, where he provided technical assistance to municipal leaders. Garcia holds a master’s degree in public administration from CUNY’s Baruch College and a bachelor’s in business administration from Oakland University. He is a graduate of the Coro Leadership New York program and serves on the Board of Directors of Next City.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the board of National Skills Coalition, an organization committed to championing inclusive, high-quality skills training that helps create brighter futures for all Americans,” said Mauricio Garcia. “For over two decades, the Coalition has been the go-to resource for so many policymakers and practitioners, including me. My career has been dedicated to uplifting and empowering systemically marginalized communities, and I’m eager to bring this experience and perspective to the Coalition and help pave the way for its next 25 years.”
Chandler C. Morse (Washington, D.C.) is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Workday, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s engagement on workforce development, privacy, sustainability, and inclusion policies. Since establishing Workday’s Washington, D.C. office in 2018, Morse has led efforts to modernize federal labor market data and has been instrumental in advocating for smart regulatory frameworks around artificial intelligence. With over a decade of experience on Capitol Hill, including service as Chief of Staff to former Republican Senator Jeff Flake, Morse’s expertise spans technology policy, immigration reform, and international trade. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in environmental policy and holds an M.S. in environmental science from the University of Maine.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the National Skills Coalition Board and support the mission of an organization I hold in the highest esteem,” said Chandler Morse. “Support for a skills-based approach to talent continues to build momentum, helping realize incredible opportunities benefiting workers, employers, the U.S. economy, and beyond. I look forward to helping the Coalition continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of work.”
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Contact:
Carlos Diaz Barriga
Managing Director of Communications and Narrative Change
carlosdb@nationalskillscoalition.org
