NEW YORK, NY, May 29, 2026 — The New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC), representing more than 220 workforce development and training providers across the five boroughs, today announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
Together, these leaders will help advance NYCETC’s mission to expand access to quality jobs, strengthen New York City’s workforce development ecosystem, and create more equitable pathways to economic mobility for all New Yorkers.
The newly appointed leaders include:
Board of Directors
- Sunil B. Gupta, Vice President, Division of Adult Continuing Education & Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College, CUNY
- Diallo Shabazz, Managing Director, Braven Solutions and Chief Executive Officer, STEAM Engine
NYCETC’s Board of Directors provides governance and strategic oversight for the organization, helping guide its advocacy, policy priorities, member engagement, and long-term vision for New York City’s workforce development sector.
Advisory Council
- Keisha Katz, Senior Director of Workforce Partnerships, Reel Works
- Yahshaanyah Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation
- Courtney Granger, LMSW, Vice President of Workforce Development, Project Renewal
- Celeste Frye, CEO & Principal, Public Works Partners
The Advisory Council brings together leaders from across industries and issue areas to offer perspective, expertise, and partnership in support of NYCETC’s mission.
“New York City’s economy is changing rapidly; the strength of our workforce system depends on the leaders, organizations, and partnerships working together to connect New Yorkers to opportunity,” said Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC. “Adding Sunil and Diallo to our Board, and Keisha, Yahshaanyah, Courtney, and Celeste to our Advisory Council deepens the experience and perspective that guides our work. Their dynamic engagement and leadership will help ensure our efforts remain responsive to the needs of businesses, workers, and communities while advancing a more equitable and competitive New York City economy.”
“Sunil Gupta and Diallo Shabazz bring the kind of leadership NYCETC needs at this moment: grounded in community, focused on results, and deeply committed to expanding economic opportunity for New Yorkers,” said Leslie Abbey, CEO, Hot Bread Kitchen and NYCETC Board Co-Chair. “Their experience across education, workforce development, sustainability, and adult learning will strengthen our Board and our collective work to build pathways that help more New Yorkers access good jobs, build stability, and contribute to a stronger city. We are thrilled to welcome them to NYCETC’s Board and look forward to the perspective, partnership, and urgency they will bring to this work.”
“NYCETC’s strength has always come from the breadth and depth of leaders around the table — people who understand that workforce development is not a single program or intervention, but a citywide strategy for opportunity, equity, and economic mobility,” said Christopher Watler, Executive Vice President at Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and NYCETC Board Co-Chair. “Diallo and Sunil bring valuable expertise, lived commitment to this work, and a clear understanding of what it takes to connect people to training, credentials, and careers that can change the trajectory of their lives. As Co-Chair, I’m excited to welcome them to the Board and to work alongside them as we continue pushing for a more equitable workforce system that advances all New Yorkers and moves our city forward.”
“I’m honored to join the NYCETC Board and support an organization that has long played such an important role in strengthening New York City’s workforce ecosystem. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative access to education, training, and career pathways can be for individuals and communities,” said Sunil B. Gupta, Vice President, Division of Adult Continuing Education & Workforce Development, LaGuardia Community College, CUNY. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members and contributing to NYCETC’s efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen employer partnerships, and help more New Yorkers connect to meaningful careers and economic mobility.”
“NYCETC’s work speaks directly to the kind of systems change New York City needs — workforce solutions rooted in equity, community, and tangible pathways to economic mobility,” said Diallo Shabazz, Managing Director, Braven Solutions and Chief Executive Officer, STEAM Engine. “Expanding opportunity requires more than good intentions; it requires strong partnerships, accountable institutions, and a commitment to making sure New Yorkers have access to the training, support, and connections they need to thrive. I’m honored to join NYCETC’s Board and help advance a workforce agenda that centers people, strengthens communities, and opens doors to careers, allowing New Yorkers and their families to thrive.”
“New York City is full of talented people with stories to tell, skills to build, and futures to shape. Through Reel Works’ workforce program, MediaMKRS, we create tangible pathways into media and entertainment careers by bridging training, mentorship, credentials, and employer partnerships,” said Keisha Katz, Senior Director of Workforce Partnerships, Reel Works. “I’m excited to join NYCETC’s Advisory Council and work with partners across the city to expand access, build more inclusive career pathways, and make sure emerging talent has a seat at the table.”
“NYCETC’s Advisory Council brings together leaders who understand that workforce development is central to neighborhood strength, small business growth, and long-term economic opportunity,” said Yahshaanyah Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation. “At UMEZ, our strategic grantmaking strengthens local institutions and creates economic opportunities for Upper Manhattan residents. We also facilitate economic development throughout New York City by providing businesses and projects with needed capital. I’m honored to join NYCETC’s Advisory Council and contribute to a citywide effort focused on building stronger career pathways, connecting communities to opportunity, and ensuring that economic growth reaches the New Yorkers and neighborhoods that need it most.”
“I’m honored to join NYCETC’s Advisory Council. At Project Renewal, our workforce programs are built on the understanding that lasting employment requires more than job placement — it takes housing stability, health support, and dignity,” said Courtney Granger, LMSW, Vice President of Workforce Development, Project Renewal. “NYCETC brings together partners who share that conviction, and I look forward to contributing to a coalition working to strengthen the systems that help New Yorkers truly thrive.”
“NYCETC plays a vital role in convening practitioners, employers, policymakers, and community leaders together around a shared commitment to building a stronger, more equitable workforce system for New Yorkers,” said Celeste Frye, CEO & Principal, Public Works Partners. “At Public Works Partners, we believe lasting impact happens when institutions are equipped to better serve communities through thoughtful strategy, strong partnerships, and community-centered implementation. I’m honored to join NYCETC’s Advisory Council and contribute to advancing practical, people-centered solutions that expand economic opportunity, strengthen organizations, and help New Yorkers access the pathways to long-term success and stability.”
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About New York City Employment and Training Coalition
As the largest city-based workforce development association in the country, the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC) supports the workforce and economic development community to ensure that every New Yorker has access to the skills, training and education needed to thrive in the local economy; and that every business can maintain a highly skilled workforce. Throughout its 25-year history, NYCETC has sought to increase the availability of and access to investments and supports that position underserved New Yorkers — primarily New Yorkers of color, New Yorkers with low- or moderate incomes, New Yorkers with multiple barriers to employment, and New Yorkers who have been left out of the growing economy due to systemic and historic marginalization – for success in the workforce. Currently, 224 organizations are members of the NYCETC. These organizations are responsible for serving the needs of 200,000+ New Yorkers seeking access to education and employment opportunities each year. The primary recipients of services are women, young adults (18-24 years of age), public housing residents, justice-impacted individuals, and immigrants.
Media Contact
Emily Kaufold, emily@hayesinitative.com, (203) 295-5783