Partners for Education & Business, Inc.

Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the K-16 arm of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) Workforce Development Team. We believe workforce development begins well before high school graduation, and we are committed to closing the gap between education and industry. Our team accomplishes this through engaging local employers across industry sectors in work-based learning programming for schools through facility tours, job shadows, internships, professionalism workshops and guest speakers. We also collaborate with partners to facilitate larger events and initiatives to foster an interest in the STEM career pathways in our community. During the 2021-22 school year, our team engaged over 120 businesses with almost 400 activities!

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

EDUCATOR

EDUCATORS


Connect your students to industry.

We take pride in connecting our school partners and local educators with professional development opportunities and resources for students. Our team recognizes the logistical and systemic barriers. Let us be the intermediary in finding creative ways to engage with local companies and infusing skills for the future workplace into your classroom.

BUSINESSES

EMPLOYERS


Engage your future workforce.

When tomorrow’s workforce is equipped to pursue their potential, we cultivate a stronger community and thriving industries. Let us help you explore the possibilities of connecting with students and preparing them to be first in line with your company to keep talent here in Central New York.

STUDENT

STUDENTS


Explore local career pathways.

Our team knows the importance of finding the right fit. We want you to feel empowered to find a career that aligns with your passion, not just a job. Through connections to work-based learning (job shadowing, internships, etc.), scholarship opportunities, and career exploration resources, we can help you make a more informed decision about your future.

MEET OUR TEAM

Tanya M. Eastman, Ed.D.
Tanya M. Eastman, Ed.D. Wanted to be an attorney

Tanya M. Eastman, Ed.D.

Director, Partners for Education & Business, Inc.

[email protected]
315-474-4201 ext. 24

I joined the team at MACNY with over two decades of experience building and leading program, talent, data, and administrative systems in the nonprofit and private sectors. Most recently, I served as the Director of Education and Training at United Way of Northern New York. Prior to 2021, I was the Director of Operations at On Point for College where I worked for a decade with predominantly first-generation students from lower-income backgrounds seeking to pursue post-secondary and career opportunities. I have a track record of partnering with community-based organizations, higher education, the public sector, and industry to support access to education and career opportunities, with a particular interest in students historically underrepresented in post-secondary education and key career industries.

In addition to my role at MACNY, I continue to serve as the Foundation Administrator for the Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation and as an adjunct instructor in the St. John Fisher University Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Manhattan College, my Master of Business Administration degree in Strategy and Management from Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and my doctorate in the Ed.D. Program in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher University.

Fun fact about me: I am a proud graduate of the Syracuse City School District, where my daughter now attends high school.

Emily Langan
Emily Langan Wanted to be an archaeologist

Emily Langan

Manager, Partners for Education & Business, Inc.

[email protected]
315-474-4201 ext. 12

I am passionate about working with students because no two career paths are the same, nor should they be.  The beauty of career exploration programs is that it allows students to discover the vast number of options we have right here in Central New York.

Previously, I served as the community engagement coordinator at Syracuse University, engaging with administration, professors, staff, and staff involved in community-engaged work.  I also worked at the United Way of CNY in the community impact and resource development departments.  I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Nazareth College and my Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Fun fact about me: I love running and racing.  I completed my first marathon in October 2021, and I love competing in triathlons, Spartan races, and any other road race around!

Amy Stewart
Amy Stewart Wanted to be an author

Amy Stewart

Workforce Development Specialist

[email protected]
315-474-4201 ext. 26

After pursuing jobs that were not the right fit for me, I became passionate about helping others find a career that supports their goals and well-being. I also love developing opportunities to connect the classroom with industry, so we have stronger communities in Central New York.

Before PEB, I worked at Onondaga Community College in Career Services for four years. I supported students with all phases of career development, specifically within career and technical education programs. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Master of Science in Student Affairs Counseling from Syracuse University, as well as an Associate of Arts in Humanities from OCC.

Fun fact about me:  I love making greeting cards with word puns. I find puns otterly hilarious!

Murjan Abdi
Murjan Abdi Wanted to be a teacher

Murjan Abdi

Workforce Development Assistant

[email protected]
315-474-4201 ext. 62

I am passionate about working with students and ensuring that all students have an opportunity to pursue a STEM education and explore careers in STEM industries. I am a part of the New American community in Central New York, I speak multiple languages, and I am a proud graduate of the Syracuse City School District’s CTE Program in Computer Science. I am excited about the opportunity to represent my community and to advance exposure and participation in the STEM industry by historically underrepresented community members. Working for an organization that directly supports CTE programs is very awesome! Seeing young people thrive and engaged in learning is the best feeling ever.

I earned my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Onondaga Community College and will be pursuing my bachelor’s degree within the next few years.

Fun fact about me: I love spending time with family and mentoring siblings and community members. I love connecting with people on social media – click here to reach out to me on LinkedIn.