To support the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board (WFWIB) with providing a wide range of social, economic, health, and education services to the diverse population of Westmoreland and Fayette counties, the WFWIB has selected Shawna Little as its new Workforce Development Director.
This newly designed position became available following the WFWIB’s receival of increased state and local funding for workforce development activities and the need of an individual with the expertise to oversee internal workforce development efforts. The Workforce Development Director will be primarily responsible for communicating the WFWIB vision to staff to meet desired organizational and program outcomes, and ensure compliance in areas of finance, personnel, and program services.
“Shawna Little brings not only her strong background in workforce development and education but also her passion and drive to make an impact on our community,” shared WFWIB Executive Director Janet Ward. “We couldn’t be more excited to have her join our team as our new Workforce Development Director! We look forward to her leading WFWIB initiatives that enable a strong workforce here in the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Development Area.”
Little joins the WFWIB with extensive experience in education and workforce development. In her most recent role as Workforce Development Coordinator for Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center, Little played a critical role in fostering community, education, and industry partnerships in Fayette and Westmoreland counties. Specifically, Little researched, developed, implemented grant proposals and related grant activities. She additionally provided career guidance and job-seeking services to students with a focus on finding employment in their program of study and acted as the SkillsUSA advisor. Little started her professional career in education as a Residence Hall Coordinator at West Virginia University, where she gained organizational, management, and leadership skills overseeing more than 320 residing students. In other previous roles, Little expanded her experience and expertise in education and management roles that would assist her in being selected for her current role with the WFWIB. Beyond her professional experience, Little has extensive experience forming strong connections with the community, as was recently portrayed in The Daily Courier, and plans to maintain her role as Connellsville Area High School girls varsity basketball coach. Shawna Little holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Communications Arts from Allegheny College, a Master of Science Degree in Sport Management Studies from California University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate of Education from Concordia University.
“One of the main reasons I was interested in working with the WFWIB was that I had partnered with them on several youth programs in my previous position at the Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center, and I knew the caliber of people I would have the opportunity to work alongside,” said Little. “Another reason I was interested in working with the WFWIB is because they are the leader in workforce development activities in our region, and I am proud to be part of an organization that is so motivated to address the challenges facing today’s workforce and do their part to develop solutions.”
In her role as Workforce Development Director, Shawna Little will additionally develop and implement a strategic plan for workforce development initiatives and programs with staff and community partners. She will be responsible for promoting programs that provide hands-on experience, job possibilities, career guidance, education, and training to advocacy group networks. Among several other responsibilities, Little will oversee resources and staff management to maximize program effectiveness.
“I think what I am most excited about in my new position as Workforce Development Director is branching out into Westmoreland County and making new connections with business and industry partners,” Little continued. “I feel my past experience working in career and technical education prepared me for this position, because it opened my eyes to the demand in our workforce region for jobs in the skilled trades and how important it is to change the stigma surrounding these types of high-priority occupations.”
Recent Comments