The 2025 CTE Leadership Collaborative Convening: Fellowship and the Future of Postsecondary CTE
February 17, 2026
Since 2018, ECMC Foundation’s CTE Leadership Collaborative (LC) has served to bring together emerging postsecondary CTE leaders (known as ECMC Foundation Fellows, or Fellows) and equip them with the tools, network and resources needed to advance the field and improve economic opportunity across the country.
In October 2025, Fellows traveled across the country to attend the seventh and final CTE LC Convening in Austin, TX.
The passion and dedication of the ECMC Foundation Fellows (Fellows) is felt deeply each year at the event, where individuals from a variety of disciplines and geographies gather for community building and engaging programming centered on collaboration and innovation as vehicles for improvement in postsecondary CTE.
2025 Convening Resources
More than 200 Fellows and fellowship leads attended the 2025 CTE LC Convening, with representation from each of the six fellowship programs: the CTE Research Program at Old Dominion University, The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE, Talent of Tomorrow Fellowship at JFF, The Higher Education Media Fellowship at the Institute of Citizens and Scholars, The Strategic Data Project - CTE at Harvard University Fellowship and Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship Program at Advance CTE. This event marks the largest gathering of postsecondary CTE leaders representing all facets of the field--research, data, faculty and administration, state government, industry sectors and journalism.
Fellows enjoyed dedicated time with their individual fellowships as well as networking opportunities across programs, keynotes, breakout sessions and workshops designed to promote personal and professional growth, as individuals and as a community.
Program highlights included an opening keynote from Dr. Colette Pierce Burnett, Chief Executive Officer at Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, accomplished community leader and expert in civic engagement, executive leadership and organizational growth. Dr. Burnett delivered a presentation on Meeting the Moment: Leadership in Times of Restricted Resources that resonated with Fellows as they require courage to face unprecedented challenges in supporting students in changing environments.
Wynn Rosser, PhD, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner, shared his personal experience with postsecondary CTE as a foundational jumping off point during remarks entitled Postsecondary CTE as a Way to Power Positive Impact on the second morning, introduced by ECMC Foundation President Jacob Fraire.
A panel discussion on day three centered on Pathways to Possibility: Youth Voices on Apprenticeship and Career Growth. Three dynamic CareerWise DC youth apprentices shared details from their personal journeys into apprenticeship, the challenges and triumphs they've encountered and how these hands-on learning experiences have shaped their career paths. Maegan Godoy, Axel Orellana and moderator Jubei Brown-Weaver detailed candid insights into the transformative power of apprenticeship and illuminated the value of investing in youth talent and the future of workforce development.
Breakout sessions explored topics ranging from how federal policy changes are impacting the changing role of apprenticeships in traditional higher education; ways AI tools can transform work for postsecondary CTE professionals; talent pipelines that mutually benefit adult learners and companies; charting future trends in postsecondary CTE research; and identifying hurdles and solutions in higher-ed journalism. Workshops touched on self-care and community impact; inspiring stories of leadership and large-scale change; and communications and research strategies. These sessions and topics supported the Fellows in illuminating a variety of challenges and solutions in postsecondary CTE and avenues for personal and professional growth.
A programmed lunch session featured a panel discussion on the hurdles and opportunities in building meaningful partnerships between employers and community college talent pipelines, with panelists Jacqueline Martinez (Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Walmart), Christina Cook (Global Talent Development Manager, Google Operations Center) and Cory Christmas (Sr. Director, Training & Development, Highline Warren), moderated by ECMC Foundation’s Vice President of Grants, Archie Cubarrubia.
At an offsite visit to Austin Community College, Fellows had the privilege to see firsthand an excellent example of what’s possible with support and collaboration from multiple parties to create a successful program. The visit underlined the possibilities when “many hands make light work.”
On the last day of the Convening, Anna Fontus, ECMC Foundation Program Officer who oversees the CTE LC, led an interactive closing session entitled What’s Next for Postsecondary CTE?, where all fellowships collectively discussed the future of postsecondary CTE and systems change, followed by closing remarks and reflections on the incredible and lasting impact of the CTE LC Initiative.
Throughout the event, there was an air of commemoration and gratitude. Fellows echoed this in their takeaways. Highlights include:
NinaFe Giron-Awong, The Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship Program at Advance CTE
“Truly inspiring. From practitioner-led research discussions to transformative strategies connecting education and workforce systems, each conversation reinforced why this work matters so deeply.”
Dominique Footes, The Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship Program at Advance CTE
“I’m deeply grateful. Over the years, these experiences have reminded me that the hard conversations matter—especially when we’re talking about growth and change in education and workforce.
“Grateful for the lessons, the people and the ongoing conversations as we continue the work.”
Jacob Kassuba, The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE
“The energy, insights and collaboration throughout the convening were nothing short of transformative. It’s clear that the future of CTE is in strong, visionary hands.”
Christian Zimmerman, The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE
“I am incredibly proud of my fellow Fellows and all that they have accomplished, and will accomplish, in the decades to come. I feel as though it is the last day of summer camp, as I bid farewell for now to people who have supported and shaped me into the person I am today. “
Nzingha Williams, The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program at ACTE
“The people in this network are phenomenal and I owe much gratitude. I look forward to seeing and partnering in all the amazing work that continues to amplify and enhance CTE for the future of work.”
ECMC Foundation’s CTE LC Convening offered this committed community of postsecondary CTE changemakers a powerful opportunity to envision the future together and recognize that their collective work will continue long beyond the life of the CTE LC. The fellows’ passion, expertise and dedication will shape the field for years to come.
As fellowship lead Sherrica Hill stated in her post-Convening reflection:
“The energy and commitment made one thing clear: this work will continue to grow and lead. Here’s to the Fellows, the friendships and the future of CTE.”
Learn More
