National Skills Coalition (NSC) is excited to announce that their board of directors has named Melinda Mack, Executive Director of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), as the first recipient of the Dr. Alma Salazar Bridge Builder Award.

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This award is given to a member of NSC’s network who exemplifies Dr. Salazar’s commitment to bringing together uncommon allies in support of inclusive skills policy.

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​​During 2021, Melinda exemplified the spirit of the award, bringing together a coalition of diverse stakeholders – workforce boards, colleges, community organizations, business, and labor – to advocate for an inclusive economic recovery nationally and in New York. Centering racial equity in her efforts, Melinda led the New York SkillSPAN coalition in saving the state’s summer youth employment program and was the most engaged member of NSC’s network in mobilizing her coalition to advocate for investments in people under federal recovery efforts.  

 

“I am humbled to receive this award named for my fierce friend and colleague,” shared Melinda Mack. “I learned many things from Alma, but my biggest takeaways are to be effective you must be generous with your knowledge and build bridges to reach a common ground.  Thank you for this incredible honor.”

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The award was presented to Melinda by NSC CEO Andy Van Kleunen as part of the closing of NSC’s 2022 Skills Summit on February 17, 2022. View the virtual award presentation can be found at: https://www.nationalskillssummit.com/content