Year Up Executive and Leadership Team

Ellen McClain, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Year Up, directs the overarching strategic vision and national mission of the organization. Overseeing the expansion of professional training programs across major metropolitan regions, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment between educational outcomes and corporate partner requirements. This leadership role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and driving long-term financial sustainability to support urban young adults. By optimizing the national operational framework, Ellen McClain directly impacts the scalability of the training model. McClain maintains rigorous standards for program quality while fostering innovation in workforce development. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the resources necessary for sustained growth. Ultimately, McClain advances the organizational goal of bridging the opportunity divide through targeted, industry-relevant education and professional development initiatives across the United States.

Alisa Seewald, the Chief of Staff at Year Up, coordinates cross-functional initiatives and streamlines executive decision-making processes. Managing the flow of information between leadership teams, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain synchronized with the broader mission of providing career-focused education. This role involves facilitating strategic planning sessions and monitoring the execution of key operational milestones across various regional sites. By refining internal communication channels, Alisa Seewald enhances the efficiency of the executive office. Seewald translates complex organizational goals into actionable tasks for department heads, ensuring consistent progress toward national objectives. Through meticulous oversight of administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the leadership team in maintaining focus on student success and corporate partnerships. Ultimately, Seewald drives operational excellence by removing bottlenecks and fostering a culture of accountability throughout the entire organization.

Arman Shahariya, the Chief Technology Officer at Year Up, architects the digital infrastructure required to support national training programs and student data management. Overseeing the implementation of scalable learning platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that technological resources remain accessible to young adults across all regional sites. This leadership role involves integrating advanced software solutions to track student progress and improve educational outcomes. By modernizing the digital ecosystem, Arman Shahariya enables data-driven decision-making for the entire organization. Shahariya manages cybersecurity protocols and infrastructure stability to protect sensitive information while facilitating seamless remote and in-person learning experiences. Through collaboration with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Technology Officer aligns technical capabilities with the evolving needs of professional industries. Ultimately, Shahariya secures the technological foundation necessary for the organization to deliver high-quality, career-focused education at scale.

Roberto Zeledon, the Chief Marketing Officer at Year Up, drives brand awareness and manages strategic communications to attract corporate partners and prospective students. Overseeing national outreach campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the organization maintains a strong presence in growing professional industries. This leadership role involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight the value of urban young adult talent to potential employers. By optimizing digital marketing channels and public relations efforts, Roberto Zeledon expands the reach of the training model across diverse geographic markets. Zeledon collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging that resonates with local business communities and educational stakeholders. Through data-driven analysis of market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer refines recruitment strategies to ensure consistent enrollment growth. Ultimately, Zeledon strengthens the organizational brand, facilitating deeper connections between talented young adults and the professional workforce.

MiMi J., the Chief People Officer at Year Up, directs human capital strategies and fosters an inclusive organizational culture. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management, the Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of providing intensive professional training. This leadership role involves designing programs that support staff retention and professional growth across all national sites. By implementing equitable hiring practices and robust training initiatives, MiMi J. cultivates a high-performing team dedicated to student success. J. collaborates with executive leadership to address organizational needs and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Through the development of comprehensive human resources policies, the Chief People Officer maintains operational stability and employee engagement. Ultimately, J. drives the organizational commitment to excellence by investing in the people who deliver career-focused education to young adults.

MiMi Jennings, the Interim Chief People Officer at Year Up, manages immediate human resources operations and stabilizes internal personnel structures. Overseeing the transition of key talent initiatives, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that staff support systems continue to function effectively during periods of organizational change. This leadership role involves maintaining compliance with labor regulations and supporting the professional development needs of the workforce. By facilitating clear communication regarding personnel policies, MiMi Jennings sustains morale and operational continuity across regional offices. Jennings works closely with department heads to address staffing requirements and promote a collaborative work environment. Through the oversight of compensation and benefits administration, the Interim Chief People Officer ensures that the organization remains competitive in attracting top talent. Ultimately, Jennings provides the necessary stability to allow the team to focus on delivering high-quality training and education to students.