Category: Blog

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that serves to lead and govern the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. In this role, we are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Simply put, we connect local people — youth and adults — to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs.

To help us bridge our region’s skills gap, we are excited to welcome Ernesto Del Valle to our board of directors. Ernesto currently serves as the director of portfolio management at CrowdStrike, a global cybersecurity leader.

Get to know Ernesto in our Q&A below, and connect with him on LinkedIn to see his extensive experience in information technology, digital analytics, and process improvement.

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Q: Where is your hometown?

A: Mexico City

Q: How did you first become involved with Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS)?

A: I have been part of the tech migration to Austin. As part of this transformation, I have experienced first-hand the incredible growth of tech in the Capital Area, but also lived through the skilled labor shortages in this industry. By working with WFS, I believe we all can make a difference by connecting the right folks to the right opportunities, specifically in tech.

Q: How is WFS a go-to resource for employers in Austin?

A: WFS is a key resource for anyone that is in the market (either willingly or due to other external circumstances). WFS is also a great resource for people who are seeking a shift in their career from one area to another, and it’s a great one-stop place to get the bearings to navigate these career moves.

Q: What is the value of connecting local people to local jobs?

A: Texas is the eighth largest economy in the world and worth $2.4 trillion! We have an endless spectrum of possibilities and some of the most capable and hard-working people. Connecting local people to local jobs will simply strengthen our economy and, more importantly, ensure that every Central Texan has an opportunity to grow.

Q: How does upskilling benefit your industry?

A: To me, upskilling is the most important opportunity for an individual in the workforce. Upskilling allows individuals to remain valuable and relevant to the changing needs of our economy — local, state, national or even international.

Q: How has skills training helped you develop your career?

A: I consider myself a life-learner. I am always looking to learn new skills. Throughout my career, these learned skills have helped me progress, and, most importantly, allowed me to help others to access opportunities by sharing my experiences and lessons learned along the way.

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BONUS QUESTIONS

Q: What does your ideal day in the Austin area look like?

A: Finding that next perfect spot for BBQ, breakfast tacos or coffee, always in good company having a meaningful conversation.

Q: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: Hot dog is a sausage wrapped in an edible mitten.

Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

A: Never be afraid to take a risk, listen to your heart, and if people do not believe in you, prove them wrong!

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is excited to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to key positions within our board of directors. Each continues their long-standing service to lead the Austin-Travis County workforce development system.

“Our dynamic board is committed to supporting and connecting local people to local jobs,” says Tamara Atkinson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area CEO. “This group brings a diverse wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within workforce development, and a proven track record of impactful leadership.”

Our New Board Officers

• Mark Sherry, stepping into the role of Board Chair, brings over 30 years of experience in workforce development, talent acquisition, and organizational change management. He currently serves as the VP of HR Strategic Business Services at Baylor Scott & White Health. Mark is also a national Apprenticeship Ambassador representing Central Texas, chosen by the Department of Labor for his commitment to modernizing, diversifying, and expanding Registered Apprenticeship to support the success of American workers, employers, and communities.
• Dave Parks, our new Vice Chair, is an entrepreneur and a digital transformation innovator with over 30 years in the technology sector. Dave is currently the CEO of Austin-based enChoice Inc, a prolific provider of digital business automation services for midsize and large organizations in both public and private sectors. Dave is also a board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area and is involved in supporting various charitable organizations, including 100 Men in Austin Who Give a Damn, Goodwill, and Samaritan Health Ministries.
• Michelle Teakell, taking on the Secretary/Treasurer role, is a tech industry leader known for her passion for efficiency, data, and people. For over 15 years, Michelle has built cultures within global tech companies that achieve results and align with company goals. She currently serves as Amazon Web Services’ Senior Technical Program Manager for Data Center Engineering.

A Word from Our New Board Chair

“Our mission has never been more critical,” says Sherry. “In a world where change is the only constant, we are tasked with not just keeping pace but setting the pace. I’m honored to lead this talented group of individuals. Together, we will innovate, inspire, and impact workforce development in ways that truly make a difference.”

Honoring Our Immediate Past Board Chair

As we welcome our new officers, we also extend our heartfelt thanks to our immediate past Board Chair, Melanie Flowers, for her unwavering dedication and leadership. “Melanie’s local, state, and national contributions have left an indelible mark on our agency, and we are grateful for her service,” says Atkinson.

Looking Ahead

With these new appointments, we are poised for an exciting new chapter in our history. Please join us in welcoming Mark, Dave, and Michele to their new roles and in celebrating the legacy of leadership and service that continues to guide our work.

We’re thrilled to share that our presentation at Goodwill Excel Center High School for Adults was a resounding success! We opened up a world of opportunities for the students on Jan. 22. We talked about how we can help them with occupational training scholarships, resume building, interview tips, and even access to our resource room. Carolina Ralston, the College and Career Coordinator at Goodwill Excel Center, and Priscilla Torres, community liaison for WFS Capital Area, were convinced that this information would empower the students. Now, as they gear up to complete their coursework and earn their high school diplomas, they’ll know exactly what resources are at their fingertips. Let’s spread the word about organizations like ours that are committed to helping the community flourish!

We’re honored to be one of 57 nonprofits chosen as grant partners through Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s workforce development and safety training grant cycle focused on fortifying businesses to strengthen the state’s economy!

Learn more

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves to lead and govern the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. In this role, we are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Simply put, we connect local people — youth and adults — to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs.

To help us bridge our region’s skills gap, we are excited to welcome Lourdes Zuniga to our board of directors. Lourdes currently serves as executive director and founder of Financial Health Pathways.

Get to know Lourdes in our Q&A below, and connect with her on LinkedIn to see her extensive experience in economic empowerment, philanthropy, and education.

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Q: Where is your hometown?

A: Lima, Peru

Q: How did you first become involved with Workforce Solutions Capital Area (WFS)?

A: As an active community leader working on poverty issues through my nonprofit Financial Health Pathways, I have seen the work WFS does in the community and how they equip our residents to achieve their full potential. We both worked together in bringing knowledge, life skills and training to low-income communities, and that alignment has grown stronger over the years.

Q: How is WFS a go-to resource for employers in Austin?

A: WFS puts an incredible effort in building intentional relationships with Austin employers so that they can not only identify their needs but supply them with the best local human capital. That level of commitment to the Austin community is what makes WFS a great resource, a great partner and a great asset to the community.

Q: What is the value of connecting local people to local jobs?

A: We have a great economy here in Texas, and it is our duty to ensure all our residents can benefit from the wealth and resources we have in the state. Connecting our local talent to local, in-demand jobs not only benefits employers but also improves the quality of life of our residents and the community as a whole.

Q: How does upskilling benefit your industry?

A: The social sector has been critical, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. When government and corporations were struggling, it was the social sector that tripled their operations and delivery of services. So, it is important to have skilled professionals who are capable of redesigning strategies and implementing and executing systems of care for the ever-changing needs in our community.

Q: How does your organization support growing Austin’s workforce through local education programs and schools?

A: We serve as ambassadors for WFS and support the work they are doing in the schools, showing students the potential and the opportunity. Financial Health Pathways creates awareness about those innovative approaches and serves as connectors between WFS and the community.

Q: How has skills training helped you develop your career?

A: In every field, it is important to continuously improve our skills. I am a forever learner, so I actively seek learning opportunities that make me a better professional and also help me stay relevant. Updating knowledge and skills has been critical to innovate and succeed in my career, so it has definitely been a practice I follow and embrace.

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BONUS QUESTIONS

Q: What does your ideal day in the Austin area look like?

A: I love going to Mozart’s by the lake. It reminds me of my years living in Lima. I also love eating out in local restaurants. Our city has such diverse and rich variety of restaurants. It’s almost like an invitation to explore the city every weekend.

Q: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: Its a sandwich. And a delicious one!!!

Q: Which famous person do you look up to, and why?

A: I think Jesus and Mother Teresa are definitely the people I look up to. I aim to have their leadership skills and humility. It is easy to lose sense of why we do what we do, and when that happens, I turn to them and how they led. Their strength during difficult times showed me that it is possible to stay true to your values even under distress, but it takes a great deal of discipline, focus and commitment.

Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

A: The most important thing is not that people believe in you, it is that you believe in yourself.

Austin Business Journal on Aug. 31 revealed the 11 winners and 19 finalists for the 2023 Women in Business Awards.

The women span industries from technology to media, real estate to nonprofits, and include business owners, CEOs and senior executives.

Finalist Tamara Atkinson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area CEO, stood out to the judges because of her career and community impact.

Tamara Atkinson has unique insight into the workforce needs of Central Texas. As CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, she is a conduit between employers and jobseekers. She empowers women to find better jobs, prioritizing affordable child care for mothers learning new skills.

Q: What is your leadership style?
A: I strive to lead by example. When we work together and truly invest in our goals, we can make a great difference in our community. We reorganized our performance evaluation process and transitioned to catalytic coaching and have seen great success with this approach. We allocate a professional development budget for each staff member in recognition that every employee wants to grow professionally and personally.

Q: How do you lead in your company and community?
A: When I came back to this community after living abroad for five years, I came back with my oldest daughter who was very sick. This community gave my family and me a chance. I got a job and was able to advance based on my hard work and contributions. This community helped me care for my daughters and work at the same time. I enjoy preparing and connecting people to jobs because obtaining a quality job changed my life.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area is the non-profit organization that serves to lead and govern the Austin/Travis County area workforce system. In this role, we are responsible for the planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in the Capital Area. Simply put, we connect local people — youth and adults — to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs.

To help us bridge our region’s skills gap, we are excited to welcome Cathy McHorse to our board of directors. Cathy currently serves as Vice President of Success by 6 at United Way for Greater Austin.

Get to know Cathy in our Q&A below, and connect with her on LinkedIn to see her extensive experience in the child care industry.

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Q: Where is your hometown?

A: I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but grew up in Rockville, Maryland. I met my amazing husband in college at Duke University (go Blue Devils!), and we moved to Austin — where he was raised — in 1991.

Q: How is WFS a go-to resource for employers in Austin?

A: I joined the United Way for Greater Austin team and began working with the WFS Child Care Program as part of our collective impact efforts in early childhood. WFS is a member organization of our Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Coalition — which United Way convenes — and our ultimate goal is that all children enter kindergarten happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in school and beyond. A key part of our work is expanding access to high-quality child care in our communities, and WFS plays a crucial role in that.

Q: What is the value of connecting local people to local jobs?

A: This builds economic prosperity in our community and helps build and sustain a unique culture for all of us that call Austin home!

Q: How does affordable, quality child care impact employers and job seekers?

A: Affordable, high-quality child care is important to everyone! It’s important to:

• Employers, because their employees need access to reliable, affordable care to be able to enter and stay in the workforce.
• Employees and job seekers, because they need to trust their children are getting high-quality care while they’re at work.
• Children, because experiences during the first five years lay a critical foundation for lifelong learning… and children are our future workforce!

Q: How does your organization support growing Austin’s workforce through local education programs and schools?

A: United Way is building an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty, with impact today and tomorrow. Making an impact today, we run programs like our Parenting Students Project. In partnership with Austin Community College, we are supporting parenting students with financial assistance, child care scholarships, a peer community, advising, and more so they’re able to earn a credential, get a well-paying job, and break out of the cycle of poverty. Making an impact tomorrow, we are working in partnership with child and family advocates to transform our early childhood system. The first five years of a child’s life are foundational (when 90% of their brain develops), and investing in our future workforce in those early years is key!

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BONUS QUESTIONS

Q: What does your ideal day in the Austin area look like?

A: A long walk in my neighborhood with our dogs or along the Shoal Creek hike & bike trail, breakfast taco brunch, a trip to BookPeople, and then a movie at an Alamo theater!

Q: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

A: Yep — I support out of the box thinking!

Q: Which famous person do you look up to, and why?

A: Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She broke a lot of barriers with the intention of being a voice for others. I love this quote of hers: “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

A: In the words of Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus: “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”