We’re excited to welcome Mohamed Thiam and Christa Matolka as Workforce Development Specialists, further advancing the organization’s mission to expand early career exploration and strengthen workforce pipelines across New York State through innovative apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programming.

Mohamed joins Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), a MACNY affiliate, where he will lead youth-focused workforce initiatives in the Syracuse City School District, including the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs, Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler and ITC, K-8 Smart Start Program, and the Career, Technology & Education Fair. His work will focus on building school-to-career pathways by connecting students with employers, coordinating hands-on experiences, and aligning programming with industry needs.

Mohamed brings nearly a decade of experience in workforce and economic development, community organizing, and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Before joining PEB, he served as a Job Coach at InterFaith Works of CNY, where he helped immigrants and refugees navigate employment barriers, built partnerships with employers, and supported career advancement. He’s also a former graduate teaching assistant with a master’s degree in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University. Fluent in English and French, he is deeply committed to equity and cross-cultural engagement.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mohamed to the PEB team,” said Taylor Hodge, Director of PEB, “His deep commitment to equity, combined with his experience in workforce development and community-centered initiatives, makes him an incredible asset to our work. Mohamed’s ability to connect with students, educators, and employers will play a vital role in expanding access to career exploration opportunities and preparing young people for success in today’s workforce.”

Christa joins MACNY’s Talent Development team to support the Real Life Rosies® and Advance 2 Apprenticeship® pre-apprenticeship programs, which prepare participants for careers in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand fields. She will collaborate with employers, educators, and community partners to recruit participants, support program delivery, and help participants successfully transition into Registered Apprenticeship programs and careers.

Christa brings over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with a proven track record in highly process-driven environments. She has held key roles at industry leading organizations such as LOTTE Biologics, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Ecovative Design, where she specialized in quality compliance, equipment validation, training development, and project execution. Her ability to manage complex systems, adhere to strict regulatory standards, and deliver effective team training positions her well to support pre-apprenticeship participants as they prepare for success in technical careers. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University at Albany and brings a deep appreciation for continuous learning and professional growth.

“We’re excited to have Christa join our team,” said Colleen Blagg, Manager of Corporate Services & Workforce Development at MACNY. “Her extensive background in regulated industries, paired with a deep commitment to training and continuous improvement, makes her exceptionally well-suited to help organize and execute our pre-apprenticeship programs. Christa brings a unique perspective that will enhance our ability to expand MACNY’s Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship programs across New York State.”

Together, Mohamed and Christa bring a dynamic blend of experience, passion, and industry insight that will elevate MACNY’s statewide efforts to develop a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready workforce through meaningful career exploration and apprenticeship opportunities.

To learn more about PEB, visit www.macny.org/peb. Connect with Mohamed at [email protected]. For more information about MACNY’s pre-apprenticeship programs, visit www.nysapprenticeship.org. Get in touch with Christa at [email protected].