Year Up Executive and Leadership Team

Ellen McClain, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Year Up, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Overseeing all national initiatives, McClain ensures Year Up's mission to provide urban young adults with intensive, year-long training programs and career-focused education in growing professional industries remains central to all activities. This leadership role involves guiding expansion across multiple sites, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Providence, San Francisco Bay Area, the National Capital Region, and Puget Sound. By fostering key partnerships and driving programmatic innovation, Ellen McClain secures the organization's long-term sustainability and impact. The Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment with the core values of empowering students for success in professional careers.

Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, provides direct support to executive leadership, facilitating strategic initiatives and ensuring operational efficiency across the organization. Managing critical projects and cross-departmental coordination, Seewald drives the implementation of key programs that align with Year Up's mission of empowering urban young adults. This role involves streamlining internal processes and enhancing communication channels to support the year-long training program and career-focused education offered at sites nationwide. By optimizing resource allocation and supporting executive decision-making, Alisa Seewald contributes significantly to the organization's ability to serve students effectively. The Chief of Staff ensures seamless execution of strategic priorities.

Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to elevate the organization's brand and expand its reach. Overseeing all communication efforts, Zeledon drives awareness of Year Up's intensive training program and career-focused education for urban young adults across national sites. This leadership position involves developing compelling narratives that highlight student success and industry impact, thereby attracting potential students, partners, and donors. By leveraging digital platforms and strategic outreach, Roberto Zeledon ensures Year Up's value proposition resonates with diverse audiences. The Chief Marketing Officer plays a crucial role in communicating the organization's mission and fostering community engagement.

Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, directs the strategic development and implementation of technology infrastructure to support the organization's educational and operational goals. Overseeing all technology initiatives, Shahariya ensures robust and scalable systems are in place for Year Up's year-long training program and career-focused education. This critical role involves managing the technology stack that enables student learning, administrative functions, and data management across all national sites. By driving innovation in educational technology and cybersecurity, Arman Shahariya enhances the effectiveness and security of Year Up's services. The Chief Technology Officer is essential for maintaining a cutting-edge technological environment.

Gary Flowers, the Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services at Year Up, leads the strategic direction for information systems and technology transformation initiatives. Overseeing the integration of new technologies and the optimization of existing IT services, Flowers ensures Year Up's operational backbone supports its mission of empowering urban young adults. This executive function involves driving digital transformation projects that enhance efficiency, data security, and service delivery across all national locations. By aligning technology services with organizational objectives, Gary Flowers facilitates seamless program delivery and robust data management. The Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services champions technological advancement for improved student outcomes.

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 Year Up attracts and selects qualified urban young adults for its intensive training program. This leadership role involves developing and implementing effective strategies to enhance student access and streamline the application journey across all operational sites. By fostering collaboration between enrollment teams and program staff, Laura McInnis contributes directly to the organization's capacity to serve students effectively. The Chief of Staff, Enrollment drives the successful intake of participants into Year Up's career-focused education.

MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, directs all human resources functions, championing a culture that supports the organization's mission and its employees. Overseeing talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies, J. ensures Year Up attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary to deliver its intensive training program. This executive position involves cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment, aligning HR policies with organizational goals, and fostering employee engagement across all national sites. By prioritizing people strategies, MiMi J. strengthens the internal capacity required for Year Up's success. The Chief People Officer is fundamental to building and maintaining a high-performing workforce.

MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, provides critical leadership for human resources operations during a transitional period. Overseeing talent management, employee relations, and organizational development, Jennings ensures continuity and strategic focus within the People department. This role involves maintaining robust HR infrastructure to support Year Up's mission of empowering urban young adults through career-focused education. By guiding HR initiatives and fostering a supportive workplace culture, MiMi Jennings contributes to the organization's stability and ongoing success across its national network. The Interim Chief People Officer ensures essential HR functions continue to drive employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.