Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2025

About the Academy

The Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by the Center for the Future of Arizona, Pima Community College, and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Southern Arizona workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects.

The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.

Alumni of the Academy become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining more than 370 alumni from 22 previous Academies in 17 cities in the US and Canada.

About Center for the Future of Arizona

Center for the Future of Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “do-tank” that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. Through survey research & reports, Arizona Progress Meters, and impact initiatives & programs, CFA listens to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, shares trusted data about how Arizona is doing in those priority areas, brings critical issues to public attention, and works with communities and leaders to solve public problems.

CFA leads impact initiatives and programs across the state in the areas of education, workforce development, and civic health, recognizing how essential these are to advancing economic prosperity, quality of life, and opportunity for all. Learn more at arizonafuture.org

“We are pleased to partner with the Aspen Institute to bring the Workforce Leadership Academy to the Southern Arizona area. A high-capacity, responsive, and adaptable workforce system is essential to developing and sustaining the equitable and strong economic growth that Arizonans want. The Academy program expands and strengthens the capacity of our local workforce leaders to address system-based challenges.” — Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future for Arizona.

About Pima Community College

Pima Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution serving students and employers throughout Pima County in Arizona and beyond. We welcome everyone striving to achieve a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Students have access to a broad range of high-quality programs that prepare them with the skills needed by today’s employers and to transfer successfully into four-year programs. Pima is focused on strengthening partnerships and expanding employer engagement in order to ensure that today’s students are prepared now and for years to come. For more information, visit pima.edu

“We at Pima Community College are so proud to partner with the Aspen Institute and Center for the Future of Arizona to launch the second cohort of the Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy. I want to thank all of the members of our advisory council who are helping us identify and mentor the next generation of leaders in workforce development.” — Ian Roark, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development & Innovation at Pima Community College.