The biggest opportunity to meet the diverse skilled talent needs for Lake County businesses and stimulate economic growth is to align all organizations that contribute to the creation of the talent pipeline in evidence-based practices that address the current realities challenging Lake County’s workforce needs. There is no single solution nor any one entity that can address the workforce needs in a holistic way. It is imperative we leverage our collective resources, align efforts and build cross-organizational systems that aim us toward solutions to meet the major industry sector needs of Lake County for small, medium and large businesses.
How is CLC preparing for Lake County's future talent needs?
Over the past three years, College of Lake County (CLC) has been investing in strategic initiatives to advance equity in access and success of students to increase degree attainment rates, as well as expanding programs and community partnerships in the industry sectors of health and wellness, manufacturing and information technology. A key strategic initiative to meet the Industry 4.0 manufacturing and technology needs of Lake County is the development of an Advanced Technology Center (ATC), which will be a center of excellence in manufacturing. The ATC will provide Lake County residents access to advanced education and training to pursue industry-responsive careers aligned with local workforce and economic needs.
How did you get into education?
My journey to higher education has been a winding path. I began my career as a speech-language pathologist working in hospital settings and rehabilitation centers and later as a director of rehabilitation in a long-term care setting. I enjoyed my career in this field and believe my early years spent focusing on patient-centered care were the early formation of my student-focused culture work at CLC.
I transitioned to higher education when I was offered a faculty position at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to develop a speech-language pathologist assistant associate degree. I am fortunate to have worked in a progressive organization that invested in its talent and provided many opportunities for development, new challenges and career progression. I served as an associate dean and then vice president of learning, building my skills on national, state and regional efforts in student success and workforce development.
I was honored when given the opportunity to lead the College of Lake County. It is my privilege to serve in this capacity that offers the opportunity to leverage the power of education to transform the lives of individuals. At CLC, I work with a talented team committed to the purpose of being responsive to the Lake County community and ensuring that every student completes their educational goals within a student-ready inclusive environment.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy spending my free time doing the same things I love to do when working—building, growing things, being with people and learning—but in a different form. I occupy my time flower and vegetable gardening, crafting, doing home renovation projects, genealogical research and reading. Most of all, I enjoy spending my free time with my family—cooking, traveling, hiking, playing board games or listening to The Moth Radio Hour on our road trips.
We appreciate your leadership and all you have done to prepare the local workforce and support Lake County Partners.
I am immensely grateful for the strategic partners and collaborative partnerships in our ecosystem that are being strengthened and developed, including community organizations, municipalities, local government, K12, universities, businesses and community foundations. It is exciting to be a part of so many great efforts in the County. I am also grateful for the support of the CLC Board of Trustees in advancing a bold strategic plan and the partnership of the CLC Foundation Board. Together, we are keeping students at the center of all we do, and there is nothing better than that.