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Meet the Foundation leaders driving digital reskilling innovations that empower underserved communities, close workforce gaps, and create impactful opportunities. Discover how their leadership is reshaping the future of work.
In today's fast-moving digital economy, technical skills aren't just a bonus—they’re a must-have. By 2030, around 85 million jobs could go unfilled worldwide, largely because of a growing skills gap. Fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data science are hit the hardest, but the impact is felt most by underserved communities. These are places where access to quality education and digital training is still far behind.
Foundations are stepping up. No longer just about traditional philanthropy, many are launching innovative social impact initiatives to help reskill and upskill people who’ve been left behind. Their focus is on more than education—they’re creating real pathways to sustainable employment and economic mobility.
Leading this movement are visionary executives who’ve transformed how we think about impact at scale. They’re not just running programs; they’re driving tech-driven workforce development and working with governments and industries to make sure everyone has access to digital skills.
These efforts go beyond short-term fixes. They’re transforming entire ecosystems—building long-term, lasting change. Today, we celebrate these executives for their commitment to a future where digital education is a fundamental right, and where the workforce of tomorrow is diverse, inclusive, and ready to meet the demands of the digital age.
The digital economy holds immense promise, but millions of people are still locked out due to systemic barriers. For marginalized communities—including women, people of color, and those living in low-income areas—the dream of joining the digital workforce can seem out of reach.
Lack of access to quality education, outdated infrastructure, and scarce resources have created a digital divide. In fact, the World Economic Forum reports that more than 60% of adults worldwide don’t have the digital skills required for most jobs today.
But it’s not just about education. Other barriers, like discrimination, geographic isolation, and economic inequality, continue to prevent talented individuals from gaining the skills—and access—they need to transform their lives. These obstacles don’t just limit people’s potential; they widen social and economic gaps, creating cycles that are tough to break.
This is where digital reskilling comes into play. By offering access to tech training, career development resources, and real-world experience, reskilling programs are equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven economy.
It’s not just about teaching people to code. It’s about giving them the confidence and skills to reshape their futures—while addressing the talent shortages many industries face.
Increasingly, Foundations are seeing the power of digital reskilling as a force for social change. By investing in long-term programs that remove barriers to access, they are helping marginalized communities gain the skills needed for sustainable, well-paying jobs in fields like software development, data analytics, and digital marketing.
These programs, spearheaded by forward-thinking executives, are doing more than just teaching new skills. They’re democratizing access to the digital economy. By empowering those who’ve been historically left behind, these leaders are strengthening communities and creating a more inclusive workforce.
In the following sections, we’ll introduce you to the visionary leaders who are at the forefront of this movement. These pioneers are breaking down barriers and laying the groundwork for a more equitable future—one where access to digital skills is within reach for everyone.
At the heart of the digital reskilling movement are visionary executives who are driving change through their innovative leadership. These are the people reshaping how we think about education, workforce development, and social impact.
Let’s meet the leaders who are breaking barriers and empowering communities through their transformative initiatives.
At the helm of Google.org’s philanthropic efforts, Lisa Cohen Gevelber is reshaping how people access the digital economy. As the Managing Director of Grow with Google and VP of Marketing for the Americas, Lisa is a driving force behind initiatives that upskill people from all walks of life for the future workforce. Recognized as one of Forbes' Future of Work 50, Lisa’s work is focused on democratizing access to digital tools and education.
Lisa Gevelber Founder of Grow With Google | Transforming The Economy Through Education
Joining her in this mission is Amanda Brophy, the Director of Grow with Google. Amanda’s background in leading social impact initiatives complements Lisa’s vision, and together they are empowering underserved communities to gain the tech skills needed in a rapidly changing job market.
The Grow with Google program is a lifeline for those left behind by traditional education systems. The initiative has reached over 10 million Americans since its inception, with a career advancement rate of over 50% for graduates. It’s not just about training people in high-demand tech skills—it’s about connecting them to real jobs in areas where opportunities were once out of reach.
Lisa and Amanda’s leadership has set the standard for what it means to deliver equitable access to digital education. Their vision is simple yet powerful: Create pathways to success for everyone, regardless of background, by offering free, high-quality tech training.
Lisa explains, “We’re proud that over 50% of our graduates are from underrepresented communities. It’s about creating real economic opportunities.”
Their work continues to break barriers, offering not just skills but hope and economic mobility to those who need it most.
Seema Jalan and Iris Mwanza are the dynamic leaders behind the Women in Leadership initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a program focused on advancing gender equity across the globe.
As the Deputy Director of Gender Equality, Seema Jalan brings over 20 years of experience in advocating for women’s rights. Prior to joining the Gates Foundation in 2022, she led the Universal Access Project at the United Nations Foundation, where she spearheaded the Resilience Fund for Women in Global Value Chains. This pioneering initiative helped ensure that women worldwide had access to the resources needed for economic stability.
At the Gates Foundation, Seema’s focus is on dismantling structural barriers that prevent women—particularly in underserved communities—from reaching leadership positions. Her advocacy work has had a global reach, including efforts that supported the creation of USAID’s gender policy and the U.S.’s first-ever strategy on violence against women.
Iris Mwanza, born and raised in Zambia, complements Seema’s work with her extensive experience in international development and health systems strengthening. At the Gates Foundation, she is focused on improving women’s representation in fields such as health, law, and economics. Iris is especially passionate about ensuring that women in Africa and Southeast Asia not only have access to leadership roles but also become influential voices in industries where they have been traditionally marginalized.
Through their joint efforts, Seema and Iris are creating an inclusive environment where gender no longer dictates professional opportunities or career advancement.
Their work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is transformational. By focusing on long-term systemic change, they are ensuring that more women from marginalized communities rise to positions of influence and leadership, reshaping the global workforce in the process.
Few are as committed to empowering the next generation of women in STEM as Dawn Jones, President of the Intel Foundation, and Orietta Verdugo, Intel’s Director of Philanthropy. Together, they lead the groundbreaking Million Girls Moonshot initiative, aiming to engage one million school-aged girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by 2025.
Dawn Jones has dedicated her career to advocating for women and minorities in tech. Under her leadership, Intel has become a leading force in social impact, investing heavily in STEM education and workforce development. She is a tireless advocate for ensuring that Intel’s philanthropic efforts empower underrepresented groups, using education as a tool to break down barriers.
Recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona in 2022, Dawn has ensured that Intel’s initiatives not only make a tangible impact but also inspire a cultural shift toward greater diversity in tech.
Dawn Jones was recognized as one of Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2022
As Intel’s Director of Philanthropy, Orietta Verdugo plays a key role in cultivating strategic partnerships that extend Intel’s reach into underserved communities. With her guidance, Million Girls Moonshot has partnered with nonprofits and school districts to provide hands-on STEM experiences to girls across the country.
Orietta’s dedication to closing the gender gap in tech has helped enroll tens of thousands of girls in STEM programs in just two years. Her ability to build powerful alliances has made the Million Girls Moonshot a resounding success, with over 5.2 million youth and 2.6 million girls exposed to STEM through this initiative.
Through the combined leadership of Dawn Jones and Orietta Verdugo, the Intel Foundation is shattering stereotypes and creating opportunities for girls to thrive in STEM careers. Their work is not only inspiring a new generation of women in tech but also ensuring that the future of STEM is more diverse and inclusive.
At the forefront of digital skills training innovation are Allison Scott, Ph.D., and Kirsten Lundgren from the Kapor Foundation. Together, they are dedicated to creating equity in the tech ecosystem, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Kapor Foundation, Allison Scott’s leadership is marked by her commitment to dismantling barriers for underrepresented populations in tech. With a Ph.D. in Education from UC Berkeley and a background in psychology, Allison brings a unique perspective to the table, blending her knowledge of education with a focus on workforce development.
Prior to her current role, she served as the Chief Research Officer, where she led efforts to develop strategies that foster greater inclusion in the tech industry. Her work aims to break down systemic barriers, ensuring that Black, Latine, and Native talent can access high-wage, high-demand careers.
More Equity in the Tech Ecosystem | WorkingNation Overheard | JFF Horizons
Joining Allison is Kirsten Lundgren, the Director of Economic and Workforce Initiatives. A proud Oakland native, Kirsten has been instrumental in creating programs that connect underrepresented talent to high-wage tech jobs. She leads the Inclusive Pathways to Tech initiative, which focuses on promoting equity by helping underrepresented communities gain access to digital skills and career advancement.
Kirsten’s work extends beyond traditional upskilling programs. She is dedicated to addressing systemic barriers that prevent individuals from entering tech industries and ensuring inclusive upskilling opportunities are available to those who need them most.
Together, Allison Scott and Kirsten Lundgren are redefining what it means to have a diverse and inclusive tech workforce. Through innovative programs and partnerships, they are opening doors to high-demand tech careers, ensuring that marginalized communities have the tools and support to thrive in the digital age.
At the forefront of New York’s fight against poverty, the Robin Hood Foundation is reshaping access to reskilling and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Leading this charge are Matthew Klein, Deborah McCoy, and Chymeka Olfonse—three dynamic executives committed to driving social impact through innovative initiatives.
As the Chief Program & Impact Officer, Matthew Klein is responsible for aligning Robin Hood’s programmatic efforts with strategies that create meaningful change for low-income individuals. With a rich background that includes leadership roles in the New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, Matthew brings a deep understanding of the importance of equitable access to resources.
His focus is on systemic change—ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
For nearly two decades, Deborah McCoy has translated her passion for education and workforce development into robust programs at Robin Hood. As the Managing Director of the Young Adults program, Deborah has crafted initiatives that help low-income teens and young adults meet their basic needs, earn college degrees, and secure well-paying jobs.
Her work is particularly focused on creating sector-based job training programs and ensuring that participants have the support systems necessary to achieve economic stability.
With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Chymeka Olfonse serves as Managing Director of Adults & Household Supports. She focuses on grantmaking initiatives that provide access to job training, housing, and other vital resources. Chymeka’s clear strategic vision helps connect adults to the skills and resources they need to flourish in their careers and lives.
Her efforts have resulted in successful programs that address the complex challenges families face, from housing instability to financial insecurity.
This Robin Hood Moment: Chymeka Olfonse on Developing New York's Workforce
Together, Matthew Klein, Deborah McCoy, and Chymeka Olfonse are driving transformative social impact through the Robin Hood Foundation’s targeted initiatives. Their work creates equitable pathways to career opportunities, ensuring that underserved individuals and families have a fair shot in one of the world’s most competitive job markets.
In Kansas City, two visionary leaders are leading a transformative movement through the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President & CEO, and Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, Chief Impact & Strategy Officer, are not just executives—they are trailblazers dedicated to fostering equitable economic mobility for underserved communities.
With over 25 years of experience across diplomacy, higher education, and public administration, Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace has a deep commitment to service and believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. She made history as the first African-American Secretary of Administration and Chief Information Technology Officer for the State of Kansas, bringing a wealth of leadership and strategic insight to the Kauffman Foundation.
Under her guidance, the Foundation supports programs like 1 Million Cups, Kauffman FastTrac®, and Real World Learning, all designed to empower individuals to pursue entrepreneurial and educational dreams. Dr. Burns-Wallace is committed to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented, advocating for policies that dismantle systemic barriers.
Allison Bajracharya complements Dr. Burns-Wallace’s vision with her expertise in building inclusive economic growth. As a fourth-generation Kansas Citian, Allison has dedicated her career to advancing economic transformation through education and workforce development.
Before joining the Kauffman Foundation, Allison served as Chief Strategy and Communities Officer at America Achieves, where she built coalitions to drive economic change. At Kauffman, she focuses on ensuring that the Foundation’s programs deliver measurable results, promoting entrepreneurial support and workforce development for underserved communities.
Together, Dr. Burns-Wallace and Allison are not only creating opportunities for economic mobility, but they are also building a future where education and entrepreneurship are accessible to all, regardless of background.
Through the leadership of Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace and Allison Greenwood Bajracharya, the Kauffman Foundation is fostering a bold, innovative approach to economic mobility, ensuring that marginalized communities have the tools to thrive.
In a world where technology often advances faster than society can adapt, Vilas Dhar and Nick Cain of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation are leading a transformative charge. Their mission is to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital revolution, especially those in underserved communities. Together, they are rewriting the narrative of digital access and reskilling.
As the President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Vilas Dhar is deeply committed to social equity and human rights. His background as a technologist and entrepreneur uniquely positions him to address the intersection of technology and humanity. Vilas is also a key player on the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, where he’s not only participating in discussions—he’s shaping them.
A powerful advocate for ethical technology, Vilas believes that technology should always serve humanity, not the other way around. His LinkedIn Learning course, Ethics in the Age of Generative AI, has resonated with over 100,000 learners globally, reflecting his commitment to educating future generations on the responsible use of technology.
A New Code for AI | Vilas Dhar | TEDxPaloAlto
As the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Nick Cain brings a deep understanding of tech-driven solutions to the McGovern Foundation. His previous experience at Google.org, where he managed a $30 million portfolio focused on leveraging technology for good, has been invaluable in guiding the Foundation’s initiatives.
Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit was demonstrated during the pandemic when he founded Frontline Foods Portland, an initiative that raised over $200,000 to support local restaurants during a critical time. His ability to mobilize resources and foster community impact has translated seamlessly into his current role, where he helps create programs that address digital inequities.
Together, Vilas Dhar and Nick Cain are not just addressing immediate challenges; they are laying the groundwork for a more equitable future where digital skills are accessible to all. Their approach ensures that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier, empowering underserved communities to thrive in the digital age.
In today’s rapidly changing economy, Ryan Erickson-Kulas and Miguel Leon of the Michelson 20MM Foundation are reshaping the workforce by providing adult learners with the tools they need to thrive. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy, especially those who face systemic barriers to education and employment.
As a leader at the Michelson 20MM Foundation since 2017, Ryan Erickson-Kulas has been instrumental in developing strategies that address the education gap for adult learners. His focus is on workforce readiness, particularly for those who have faced challenges in accessing higher education or technical skills training.
Ryan’s commitment to equity in education is evident in his leadership of programs like ReUp Education, which supports adults who have started but not completed their degrees. His strategic vision is focused on bridging the gap between education and workforce demands, ensuring that adult learners have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in a competitive environment.
Since joining the Foundation in 2018, Miguel Leon has been leading initiatives that directly impact the lives of adult learners. His focus on workforce development ensures that individuals from underserved communities can access practical, job-focused education that aligns with the needs of today’s evolving job market.
Miguel’s dedication to social equity is reflected in his advocacy for programs that uplift adult learners, helping them gain new skills and secure better employment opportunities. Under his leadership, the Foundation’s initiatives have shown measurable success, helping individuals not only re-enroll in degree programs but also achieve economic stability.
Through their combined leadership, Ryan Erickson-Kulas and Miguel Leon are transforming the narrative around adult education. By focusing on the specific needs of adult learners, they are creating a future where anyone can gain the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy.
At the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, three visionary leaders—Janet Mountain, Virginia Potter, and Nichole Aston—are transforming the way communities access reskilling and economic opportunities. Their mission focuses on empowering individuals to overcome urban poverty and thrive in the digital economy.
As the Executive Director of the Foundation since 2003, Janet Mountain has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s investments in public education, healthcare access, and economic stability. Under her leadership, the Foundation has invested over $2 billion in programs across the U.S., India, and South Africa.
Janet’s work is rooted in her passion for educational equity. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Janet’s legacy lies in her ability to create innovative programs that deliver measurable impact. Her ability to bridge the philanthropic and corporate worlds has led to powerful partnerships that amplify the Foundation’s mission.
Since joining the Foundation in 2008, Virginia Potter, the Senior Programs Director for U.S. Programs, has managed over 200 national projects with an annual commitment exceeding $270 million. Her deep understanding of the cultural nuances of different communities drives her work in enhancing educational access for underrepresented students.
Virginia is particularly focused on addressing the challenges faced by students of color and those from low-income backgrounds, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed in college and career paths.
As the Senior Program Manager, Nichole Aston focuses on programs that improve the lives of children and families in Greater Austin. Since 2003, Nichole has championed initiatives that provide workforce development and family stability. Her strategic vision goes beyond immediate solutions—Nichole is committed to building long-term community change, ensuring that families have the resources they need to navigate pathways to prosperity.
Together, Janet Mountain, Virginia Potter, and Nichole Aston are reshaping access to education and workforce development. Their collaborative efforts ensure that underserved communities have the tools they need to overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
At the PepsiCo Foundation, C.D. Glin and Charlene Denizard are leading efforts to democratize access to education and workforce development, helping underserved communities break through economic barriers. Their focus is on creating long-lasting impact by equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive workforce.
As the President of the PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact at PepsiCo Inc., C.D. Glin is committed to a new model of philanthropy that emphasizes collaboration and systemic change. Since joining the Foundation in 2018, C.D. has driven efforts to address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly through partnerships with community colleges and other educational institutions.
Under his leadership, the PepsiCo Foundation has launched transformative initiatives like a $40 million investment to support 20 community colleges, providing not just financial aid but also comprehensive support systems to help students overcome challenges and succeed academically.
As the Head of North America Programs at the PepsiCo Foundation, Charlene Denizard is focused on designing programs that uplift underserved communities through education and job training. Charlene’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding the Foundation’s reach, particularly through initiatives like the International Youth Foundation’s Passport to Success® Traveler program, which equips young women with essential life and digital skills.
Through her work, Charlene is addressing the skills gap by creating opportunities for young women to gain the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Her focus on scholarships and mentorship opportunities ensures that individuals from underserved backgrounds have the support they need to achieve economic mobility.
Passport to Success Traveler: a free, mobile-optimized course, that will help 1 million young women learn life skills essential to the workplace.
Together, C.D. Glin and Charlene Denizard are not only driving economic mobility but are also reshaping how education and workforce development programs are delivered. Their efforts are ensuring that marginalized communities gain access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.
As the President of the Caterpillar Foundation, Asha Varghese is a leader in corporate social responsibility, championing initiatives that provide underserved communities with access to education, reskilling, and job opportunities. Under Asha’s leadership, the Foundation has become a key player in addressing economic inequality, with a particular focus on empowering women and minorities in fields where they have been historically underrepresented.
Asha’s mission is to create equitable opportunities in technical fields, including construction and engineering, where women represent only a small percentage of the workforce. She oversees programs that are designed to meet the specific needs of local labor markets, ensuring that individuals gain the skills demanded by employers, making them workforce-ready.
Her leadership has led the Caterpillar Foundation to launch several impactful workforce readiness programs, providing technical education, digital skills training, and hands-on experience for economically vulnerable groups.
Asha is also a vocal advocate for social equity and regularly shares insights on corporate responsibility, emphasizing the importance of tailoring education to local labor market needs as a critical component of sustainable economic development.
Through her visionary leadership, Asha Varghese and the Caterpillar Foundation are not only preparing individuals for the workforce but are also catalyzing broader societal change, empowering underserved groups to break through barriers and realize their full potential.
As the digital economy continues to reshape the world, the collective efforts of these visionary leaders are driving a powerful movement toward inclusivity in the workforce. They aren’t just closing the skills gap—they are fundamentally transforming the landscape of opportunity for historically marginalized communities.
What ties these leaders together is a shared commitment to equity in education and workforce development. They understand that access to digital skills isn’t just a pathway to employment—it’s a necessity for building sustainable futures in a technology-driven economy. By creating tailored programs that address the unique challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds, these leaders are unlocking opportunities for those who need them most.
At the core of their initiatives lies a deep understanding of the importance of partnerships. The work of these leaders shows that scaling efforts to empower marginalized communities requires an integrated approach—one that combines education, community engagement, and industry collaboration. By partnering with community colleges, local organizations, and industry leaders, they are building ecosystems that support individuals from multiple entry points, creating comprehensive pathways to success.
Their collective impact is seen in measurable outcomes: higher enrollment rates, enhanced job placements, and communities overcoming systemic barriers. Each Foundation’s strategies contribute to a larger narrative of progress, proving that inclusivity in the digital workforce is an achievable reality.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the most effective Foundations recognize that collaboration is key to amplifying their impact. By working together with innovative partners, they can leverage specialized resources, insights, and networks to make a deeper, more meaningful difference in underserved communities.
That’s where we come in. At NoCode Institute, we’re passionate about democratizing access to software-building skills through no-code development. Our mission is to make the digital economy accessible to everyone, particularly those who don’t have the time or resources to acquire traditional coding skills. We focus on creating tailored training programs that empower individuals with the practical skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven job market.
Our approach aligns seamlessly with the goals of forward-thinking Foundations. Together, we can design bespoke digital reskilling initiatives that bring tangible results to the communities you serve. Whether it’s creating new training modules, sharing resources, or building customized pathways for individuals to enter the digital economy, we’re ready to work hand in hand with your organization to make an impact.
We’re here to help you scale your social impact. By partnering with NoCode Institute, you’ll not only provide the communities you serve with essential digital skills, but you’ll also be offering them a future-proof pathway into the job market.
Ready to explore how we can work together to create tailored digital reskilling programs that align with your mission? Let’s have a conversation. Visit NoCode Institute to learn more or reach out directly to discuss how we can collaborate to drive greater social impact.
The future of work is digital, and the efforts of today’s leaders in education and workforce development are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive economy. By equipping individuals with the skills to participate in this future, we aren’t just preparing them for jobs—we’re empowering them to shape their own success.
We believe that by working together—Foundations, organizations like ours, and communities—we can build a world where everyone has access to the opportunities that come with the digital economy. Let’s make that future a reality, together.
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