Are You Ready for Graduation Pathways? Employability Skills, Compliance and Innovation

Speakers

• Ben Carter

  Director of Workforce and Innovation – Indiana Department of Education

  Ben Carter is the IDOE lead on Graduation Pathways, Work Based Learning and Career Coaching and Navigation. Prior to coming to the Department, Ben led career education in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) as the Career and Technical Education Director. He also spent time as a Work Based Learning Coordinator in Warren Township.

• Andy Tucker

  Director of Postsecondary Readiness – Colorado Department of Education

  Andy Tucker has been an educator for more than 20 years with roles including secondary Spanish teacher, high school counselor, and building- and district-level administrator.  In his current role, Andy and his team are committed to providing Colorado students with multiple pathway options to graduate from high school and become postsecondary and workforce ready.

• Ryan Gensler

  Director of National Partnerships – CareerWise Colorado

  Ryan Gensler earned his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management and marketing from Creighton University. He contracted with the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance to build workforce development programs across Colorado, which led him to manage the startup of CareerWise Colorado, a systemic approach to youth apprenticeships. Ryan has consulted with various nonprofit and government organizations on workforce development initiatives, including developing a 20-state network focused on skills in the digital economy.