Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy
The Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from the Fresno 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.
The Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy is one of three local academies launched in 2024. 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.
Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board
The mission of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) is to equip individuals with the practical skills needed for today’s job market through hands-on training and job readiness strategies. The FRWDB is a Joint Powers Authority between the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno and is committed to advancing economic opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents. Key initiatives include our Greater Sierra Forestry Corps (GSFC) program, established in 2019, and our ValleyBuild program, established over a decade ago, which prepares individuals for careers in construction through comprehensive training and support.
“On behalf of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, we are honored to partner in the establishment of an Aspen Institute – Workforce Leadership Academy in Fresno. This WLA initiative marks a transformative step toward building a stronger, more equitable workforce ecosystem in our region. By bringing together local leaders and stakeholders across sectors, the Academy will foster collaboration, drive innovation, and address systemic challenges to create meaningful opportunities for Fresno’s residents and businesses. We look forward to the shared learning, insights, and solutions that will emerge from this partnership, empowering our community and advancing economic mobility throughout the Central Valley.”
— Blake Konczal, Executive Director, Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board
