2016 NAWDP Nominations for Region 2 Director

2016 NAWDP Nominations for Region 2 Director 1 Candidate: 1 Position

Candidate Bio Platform Statement Luayda Ortiz In 1997, Luayda started with Rural Opportunities What is your vision for the workforce development profession and for NAWDP? Senior Director, T&E as a teacher’s assistant at a Migrant Head Start My vision for the workforce development profession is to have the opportunity to growth even in the budget Programs Center located in Coatesville Pennsylvania. In year cuts and the financial crisis that the federal government have we are here to create innovative ideas to serve PathStone Corporation 2000 Luayda initiated her journey in the National the communities we are and have the accessibility and opportunity to collaborate in finding creative solutions Ponce, PR Farmworkers Job Program (NFJP) as a Training and by expanding and strengthening partnerships not only locally but nationwide with other organizations. Success Employment Coordinator. Her experience in the requires Knowledge and collaboration we need to work together to prepare our workforce for the future. We program has been diverse. She worked as a need to create a skilled and knowledgeable leadership to assist workforce professionals in meet the needs of those individuals who are in need of our services. For the NAWDP my vision is to enhance professional Training & Employment Coordinator, Training & development resources continuing to be the voice for the profession providing information, assistance, Employment Manager, Regional Administrator, credentialing and networking opportunities. Deputy Field Operations and Training and Employment Director and currently she’s the Why do you want to serve on the Board? Senior Director for Training & Employment I see it as an honor to serve on NAWDP’s Board of Directors since 2014. My interest is in continue to be part of Program for Puerto Rico operations. the NAWDP’s Board and be able to connect more professionals in Puerto Rico, Virgin Island, New York and New Jersey to the professionals nationwide and give them access to ideas, resources, training, and credentialing opportunities. To strengthen the bond between the workforce professionals and employment and training programs by continual communication and coordination between the communities we serve and public/private sectors.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge? I have been in the NAWDP’s Board of Directors since 2014. I have grown as leaders. I think that I am better prepare know to support member and help others organizations that do not know about the NAWDP engage them to be part of the association and be the voice for them. I have worked in the training and employment field serving specials populations for over 16 years. I am currently part of the state Work Investment Board where I have the opportunity to represent other professionals in our field. Since early childhood I have been a volunteer in some programs for youth and for individuals with disabilities. This experience has provided a wealth of learning and expertise in helping others as well as working with my peers to further strengthen my skills as well as provide the tools and education for others to be successful in this field. Since early childhood and university years, I developed a strong interest and passion for helping others, brings a sense of satisfaction to my life which I understand will continue to grow having the opportunity to be a part of NAWDP’s Board of Directors.