Year Up Executive and Leadership Team

Ellen McClain, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Year Up, directs the national nonprofit's strategic vision and operational execution. Overseeing all facets of the organization, McClain ensures Year Up effectively delivers its intensive, year-long training program and career-focused education to urban young adults. This leadership role involves guiding expansion efforts across multiple sites nationwide, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York City, Providence, San Francisco Bay Area, the National Capital Region, and Puget Sound. McClain drives the organization's mission to close the opportunity divide by connecting students with high-demand professional industries. By fostering key partnerships and maintaining rigorous program standards, Ellen McClain secures Year Up's position as a leader in workforce development and economic opportunity.

Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to advance the organization's mission. Zeledon oversees all brand initiatives, public relations, and digital outreach efforts designed to attract students, engage corporate partners, and build broader public awareness. This role involves translating Year Up's impact into compelling narratives that resonate across diverse audiences, driving enrollment and support for the training programs. By leveraging data-driven insights, Roberto Zeledon ensures marketing campaigns effectively communicate the value proposition of Year Up's unique model. Zeledon's leadership focuses on amplifying the organization's reach and impact across its national footprint, solidifying Year Up's reputation as a premier provider of opportunity for urban young adults.

Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, provides critical strategic and operational support to the executive leadership team. Seewald manages key organizational initiatives, facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, and ensures alignment with Year Up's core objectives. This position involves streamlining internal processes, optimizing resource allocation, and driving the execution of strategic priorities across the national network of sites. By acting as a central point of coordination, Alisa Seewald enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of leadership decision-making. Seewald's focus is on enabling the organization to scale its impact and deepen its commitment to providing urban young adults with transformative career opportunities in growing professional industries.

Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, directs the organization's technology strategy and infrastructure to support its educational and operational goals. Shahariya oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that enhance the student learning experience and streamline administrative functions across all national sites. This leadership role involves managing the technology roadmap, ensuring data security, and leveraging digital tools to expand Year Up's reach and impact. By driving technological advancements, Arman Shahariya enables Year Up to effectively deliver its intensive training programs and connect urban young adults with career opportunities in growing professional industries. Shahariya's expertise ensures Year Up remains at the forefront of educational technology.

Gary Flowers, the Chief Information Officer, Transformation & Technology Services at Year Up, leads the strategic direction for information systems and technology services critical to the organization's operations and transformation initiatives. Flowers oversees the integration of technology solutions that support Year Up's mission of providing urban young adults with intensive training and career-focused education. This role involves driving digital transformation efforts, ensuring robust IT infrastructure, and managing technology services that enhance program delivery and administrative efficiency across national sites. By focusing on innovation and service excellence, Gary Flowers ensures that technology acts as a catalyst for Year Up's growth and impact in connecting students with professional industries. Flowers' leadership strengthens the organization's technological foundation.

Laura McInnis, the Chief of Staff, Enrollment at Year Up, spearheads strategic initiatives and operational enhancements within the enrollment division. McInnis focuses on optimizing the student recruitment and admissions process, ensuring Year Up attracts and selects qualified urban young adults for its intensive training programs. This role involves developing data-driven strategies to improve application rates, streamline onboarding, and enhance the overall student experience from initial contact through program entry. By aligning enrollment operations with Year Up's mission, Laura McInnis plays a vital part in expanding access to career-focused education in growing professional industries. McInnis's leadership ensures a consistent and effective pipeline of talent for Year Up's national sites.

Isaac Buwembo, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Year Up, provides essential support to the executive leadership in driving strategic projects and operational improvements. Buwembo collaborates across departments to facilitate the execution of key organizational priorities, ensuring seamless coordination and alignment with Year Up's mission. This position involves managing complex initiatives, analyzing operational data, and implementing solutions that enhance efficiency and effectiveness throughout the national network. By supporting the Chief of Staff, Isaac Buwembo contributes significantly to the smooth functioning of Year Up's leadership operations. Buwembo's efforts are crucial in advancing the organization's goal of empowering urban young adults with career-focused education.

MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, leads the human resources strategy to cultivate a high-performing and supportive organizational culture. J. oversees all aspects of talent management, including recruitment, employee development, compensation, and benefits, ensuring Year Up attracts and retains top talent essential for delivering its mission. This role involves fostering an inclusive environment that reflects Year Up's commitment to diversity and equity for both staff and students. By championing people-centric initiatives, MiMi J. ensures the organization's workforce is equipped and motivated to provide intensive training and career-focused education to urban young adults. J.'s strategic leadership strengthens Year Up's capacity to achieve its national objectives.

MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, provides critical leadership for human resources functions during a transitional period. Jennings ensures continuity in talent management strategies, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development to support Year Up's mission. This role focuses on maintaining a robust and engaged workforce dedicated to empowering urban young adults through intensive training and career-focused education. By guiding HR operations, MiMi Jennings supports the organization's commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment across all national sites. Jennings's interim leadership ensures that Year Up's people strategies remain aligned with its overarching goals of closing the opportunity divide.