Scaling Employability Skills from Middle School through High School into the Workforce

Violet Chazkel is the Communications and Development Coordinator at America Succeeds, leveraging a diverse background in education, human rights, and child advocacy. Violet graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Psychology, and received a master’s degree from the University of Denver in International Human Rights and Global Health Affairs. Her academic background has allowed her to approach complex issues with a holistic, research-informed perspective. With professional experience at nonprofits like UNICEF and the American Red Cross, she has deepened her appreciation for using effective communication strategies to mobilize resources and action for positive change.

Sylvester is the CEO and founder of Global CTE Learning, an online career and technical education curriculum & instruction company. He is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with school districts, colleges, & government agencies to provide digital curriculum and books that serve over 50,000 students in over 600 school districts across the United States & abroad. Sylvester is also the host of the Global CTE Podcast. It is the #1 Career Tech Education Podcast on Apple, Youtube, & Spotify where he interviews education thought leaders and innovators from around the world. ​

Brittany Griffin, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Learner-Centered Collaboartive, is an education change-maker with a commitment to learner-centered education. As a high school French teacher, she earned her MEd in Instructional Technology, went viral (with her students) in the world language Twitterverse, and co-authored an AP French textbook. She has invested the last decade affecting transformational change in education – classrooms, schools, districts, and states – through personalized learning, competency-based education, change management, technology, & organizational design. In her spare time, she can often be spotted working out or crafting with her elementary-age daughter.

David Mitchell is an education professional with 15 years of experience in various leadership roles. With an MBA from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Texas Christian University. His passion for education was fostered during his time with Teach For America. After completing his MBA, he honed his skills in driving operational excellence and fostering a positive learning environment at Rocketship Education. David leaned on his time as a teacher and school leader to support schools in Ed Tech partnerships. His experience as the Director of Partnerships at Schoolytics allowed him to successfully implement a new sales strategy for the company which significantly increased the average contract size. Additionally, at Discovery Education, David secured a game-changing statewide partnership in Mississippi. With his extensive background and dedication to education, David is excited to work with the team at CompTIA Spark, supporting teachers and students across the country, and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the field of education.

Tim Taylor is the Co-founder and President of America Succeeds, a nonprofit that engages business leaders in championing a modernized education system that creates opportunities for all learners to succeed. Prior to America Succeeds, Tim served as the founding president Colorado Succeeds where he achieved key legislative wins for students working alongside the business community. Tim is a fellow of the 14th class of the Aspen-Pahara Education Fellowship and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He is an avid outdoorsman and live music junkie who lives in Denver, Colorado.