Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy

The Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by United Way of the Greater Triangle and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Greater Triangle 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 Greater Triangle 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.

United Way of the Greater Triangle

United Way of the Greater Triangle’s mission is to invest in community-driven solutions that advance racial and economic justice. Their vision to eradicate poverty and increase social mobility through the power of partnerships is supported across four counties in North Carolina: Durham, Johnston, Orange, and Wake. Through three impact focus areas – Cradle to Career, Healthy Families, and Equity in Leadership – United Way supports more than 100 nonprofit organizations, collaboratives, and community leaders doing the on-the-ground-work needed to break the cycle of poverty. To learn more, visit www.unitedwaytriangle.org

“At United Way of the Greater Triangle, we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Aspen Institute through the Workforce Leadership Academy. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing regional workforce solutions that empower communities and drive equitable economic mobility. Together, we aim to leverage skills-based approaches and innovative learning models to foster sustainable pathways for career growth, supporting a workforce ecosystem that benefits all across the Triangle and beyond.” — Jeff Howell, Chief Program Officer at United Way of the Greater Triangle

Get acquainted with the fellows of the Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy.

Get acquainted with members of the facilitation team for the Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy.

Learn more about our local partner, United Way of the Greater Triangle

About the Workforce Leadership Academies

The Aspen Institute’s Workforce Leadership Academies, part of the Economic Opportunities Program, bring together leaders across the many siloed fields of practice, organization types, and government policies that make up the field. The Academies strengthen Fellows’ capacity to develop and sustain effective workforce strategies, collaborate more deeply with employers, and expand the number and quality of leaders who advance opportunities for low-wage workers and job seekers as they meet employers’ talent development needs.

About the Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. We recognize that race, gender, and place intersect with and intensify the challenge of economic inequality and we address these dynamics by advancing an inclusive vision of economic justice. For over 25 years, EOP has focused on expanding individuals’ opportunities to connect to quality work, start businesses, and build economic stability that provides the freedom to pursue opportunity.