Albuquerque Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2025

About the Academy

The Albuquerque Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department, Central New Mexico Community College, and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque Workforce Leadership Academy is one of three new 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.

About the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department

The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department’s mission is to create a more diversified and equitable economy that works for everyone by growing and retaining local businesses and jobs, eliminating barriers to success in underserved communities, recruiting businesses in key industries, increasing Albuquerque’s competitiveness in the global market, and promoting environmental sustainability.

“Investing in our local workforce is a top priority for the City of Albuquerque. This funding will enable us to create more opportunities for our residents and further strengthen the local economy.” — Tim Keller, Mayor of Albuquerque

About Central New Mexico Community College

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is the largest, most comprehensive community college in New Mexico, serving more than 27,000 students annually at various sites in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. CNM offers more than 200 certificates, associate degrees, and workforce training pathways, ranging from career technical education courses to arts and sciences classes that transfer to universities to accelerated skills training programs. Advisory committees that include representatives from regional businesses and industries help CNM keep programs current to ensure students acquire the skills needed for success in the workforce.

“CNM (Central New Mexico Community College) (CNM) looks forward to participating in the Aspen Institute’s Workforce Learning Leadership Academy and joining other community leaders to develop equitable workforce solutions that will lead to more prosperous outcomes for community members, local employers, and our economy. This will provide a great opportunity for us to address workforce challenges in a collaborative way and identify strategies and solutions that will help more community members connect to rewarding careers in fields that fuel economic growth and improved quality of life in our region.” — Tracy Hartzler, President, CNM