Year Up Executive and Leadership Team

Ellen McClain, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Year Up, directs the organization's overarching strategy and national operations. Overseeing all functional areas, McClain ensures Year Up's mission to empower urban young adults through intensive training and career-focused education remains central to every initiative. This leadership role involves guiding expansion across multiple sites, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, and the San Francisco Bay Area, and fostering key partnerships within growing professional industries. By aligning program development with market demands, Ellen McClain drives the organization's impact and financial sustainability, securing its position as a leading nonprofit in workforce development. The Chief Executive Officer & President also engages with the Board of Directors to set long-term organizational goals and champion the unique value proposition of Year Up's model.

Eric Westphal, the Chief Operating Officer at Year Up, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the organization's extensive training programs across the United States. Overseeing site operations, student support services, and program delivery, Westphal ensures consistent quality and effectiveness in all Year Up locations, from Boston to the National Capital Region. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation, streamlining processes, and driving operational excellence to support the intensive, year-long training provided to urban young adults. By focusing on efficient program delivery, Eric Westphal directly contributes to Year Up's ability to scale its impact and serve more students in growing professional industries. The Chief Operating Officer also collaborates with other leaders to align operational strategies with the organization's broader mission and strategic objectives.

Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, architects the technological infrastructure supporting the organization's nationwide training programs. Overseeing all aspects of IT and digital innovation, Shahariya ensures that the technology platforms effectively deliver Year Up's intensive, year-long training and career-focused education. This leadership position involves developing and implementing scalable solutions that enhance student learning experiences and operational efficiency across all sites, from New York City to Puget Sound. By driving technological advancements, Arman Shahariya directly supports the organization's ability to adapt to evolving professional industries and maintain a competitive edge. The Chief Technology Officer also guides data security protocols and digital transformation efforts, ensuring robust and reliable systems for students and staff alike.

Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key initiatives for the organization's leadership team. Overseeing special projects and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, Seewald ensures alignment with Year Up's mission of empowering urban young adults through intensive training. This role involves managing critical communications, driving strategic planning processes, and enhancing organizational effectiveness across all national sites. By acting as a central point of coordination, Alisa Seewald directly supports the Chief Executive Officer & President in executing strategic priorities and advancing the organization's goals in growing professional industries. The Chief of Staff also plays a vital part in ensuring seamless operations and effective decision-making throughout Year Up.

Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, directs the organization's brand strategy and outreach efforts to attract students and engage stakeholders. Overseeing all marketing and communications functions, Zeledon ensures Year Up's compelling narrative of intensive training and career-focused education reaches urban young adults nationwide. This leadership position involves developing innovative campaigns that highlight the program's success in preparing individuals for growing professional industries across sites like Miami and Chicago. By amplifying Year Up's impact and value proposition, Roberto Zeledon directly contributes to student recruitment and organizational visibility. The Chief Marketing Officer also leads efforts to build strong relationships with corporate partners and community organizations, further solidifying Year Up's market presence.

Laura McInnis, the Chief of Staff, Enrollment at Year Up, spearheads strategic initiatives focused on optimizing the student enrollment process nationwide. Overseeing critical aspects of recruitment and admissions, McInnis ensures that Year Up effectively reaches and engages urban young adults seeking intensive training and career-focused education. This role involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance accessibility and streamline the application journey across all operational sites, from Providence to the Puget Sound region. By focusing on efficient and effective enrollment, Laura McInnis directly supports the organization's mission to provide opportunities in growing professional industries. The Chief of Staff, Enrollment also collaborates closely with marketing and program teams to ensure a cohesive and supportive experience for prospective students.

Isaac Buwembo, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Year Up, provides essential support to the executive leadership team, focusing on operational efficiency and strategic project execution. Overseeing key internal initiatives and facilitating cross-functional collaboration, Buwembo ensures that Year Up's intensive training programs are delivered effectively across its national network. This role involves managing critical projects that enhance program delivery and organizational effectiveness, supporting the mission to empower urban young adults for careers in growing professional industries. By driving project completion and operational improvements, Isaac Buwembo directly contributes to Year Up's capacity to serve students in diverse locations. The Deputy Chief of Staff also assists in strategic planning and communication efforts, reinforcing the organization's commitment to excellence.

MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, leads the human resources strategy to cultivate a supportive and high-performing organizational culture. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and retention initiatives, J. ensures Year Up attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary to deliver its intensive training programs. This leadership role involves developing policies and programs that foster employee growth and well-being, aligning with the organization's mission to empower urban young adults. By focusing on people operations, MiMi J. directly contributes to Year Up's ability to effectively serve students and expand its reach in growing professional industries. The Chief People Officer also champions diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts throughout the organization.

MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, directs human capital strategies to support the organization's mission of empowering urban young adults. Overseeing talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development, Jennings ensures Year Up maintains a robust workforce capable of delivering intensive, year-long training. This critical role involves implementing HR best practices that foster a positive and productive work environment across all national sites, from Atlanta to the San Francisco Bay Area. By focusing on people operations, MiMi Jennings directly contributes to Year Up's capacity to achieve its goals in growing professional industries. The Interim Chief People Officer also guides initiatives aimed at enhancing employee experience and supporting the organization's commitment to its staff.