Description

In 2022 JobPath began a push for growth across southeast Arizona. After serving Pima County for 25 years, the growth and connectivity with neighboring counties created a new area of need that JobPath was interested in serving. Similarly, over the past two years, Social Venture Partners Tucson also embarked on an expansion initiative for their 2Gen Collaboration, growing from coordinating three organizations in the collaboration to eight. Both of these expansions are bearing fruit but the road wasn't always easy. Learn how JobPath and SVP prepared for their respective expansions from marketing to staffing and every other aspect of operations in between. The presenters will also share how their expansions were funded and plans for future sustainability. Hear about the challenges, missteps, and lessons learned for organizations that are thinking of expanding their service area, adding new programs, or simply want to scale what they already do. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Share how to plan for an expansion of a program or organization. 
• Understand the operational implications of expanding a program. 
• Learn options for funding and sustaining growth.

Meet our Speakers:

Dr. Ana Greif, CEO, JobPath

Dr. Greif is an innovative workforce development leader, skilled at growing organizations, advancing research-based initiatives, and informing policy that promotes equitable economic opportunity. Her passion for education led her to her role as CEO of JobPath, a non-profit that provides financial and socioemotional support to adults pursuing short-term training in high-demand industries. Dr. Greif leads a talented team that helps 700 students annually pursue industrial trades, information technology, and healthcare careers, increasing their income by an average of $40,000 per year.

Prior to JobPath, Ana worked in Pima Community College’s Workforce Development Division, where she built relationships between the College’s career and technical education programs and industry stakeholders to inform College workforce initiatives so graduates have the skills needed to operate successfully in today’s economy. She followed regional economic development trends and government policy initiatives to inform academic program development.

Dr. Greif’s past work also includes founding Varela Consulting, which assisted governments, universities, and public and private institutions worldwide in developing programs and policies to support entrepreneurship. She worked in thirteen countries across six continents, leading trainings, conducting research, and speaking at conferences and events.

Ana holds a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University with a specialization in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education. Her dissertation research explored the manufacturing skills gap, focusing on how nontechnical skills attainment impacts manufacturing technicians’ workplace behavior. Dr. Greif also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

Jennie Grabel, Vice President of programs, Social Venture partners Tucson 

Jennie Grabel is a committed, caring, strategic, and optimistic leader with a passion for the profound and necessary work of the nonprofit sector. She believes that anything is possible when passion and purpose align with hard work, thoughtful planning, and adaptive execution. Her background in communications, program development, marketing, and team building adds enthusiasm, innovation, empathy, and strategy to any project she leads or helps.

Jennie returned to SVP Tucson in 2022 as Vice President of Programs previously serving the organization 2014-1018 as Director of Community Impact. She brings an understanding and deep appreciation of the nonprofit ecosystem, as well as a desire to enhance and elevate social service work to create a greater community impact. During her previous tenure with SVP Tucson, Jennie was the lead staff in bringing Fast Pitch, one of SVP Tucson’s signature programs to the community.

In her new role, Jennie is leading SVP’s 2Gen approach, focus, and collaboration. This opportunity is one that plays to her passion and strengths. A bridge builder and expert collaborator, Jennie sees the value in connectivity, process evaluation, program innovation, and cross-sector partnership. She is committed to creating positive systems change that benefits families in our community. The opportunity to understand and implement the components of a 2Gen approach centered on family voice, equity, and impact is a professional dream come true for someone deeply committed to society doing better for our families.

Jennie is an Arizona native, raised in Bisbee, a University of Arizona graduate, and a former commercial and community radio host. She was named Extraordinary Citizen by the Office of the Tucson Mayor and City Council and Six to Watch by the Arizona Daily Star in 2006 and was selected for the Ronald L Kurth Leadership Award by her Greater Tucson Leadership class of 2021. She loves music, exercise (she’s a Peloton fanatic), hiking, and cooking. Her commitment to social change and community is driven by her deep love for her husband Michael and four children, Richard, Kylene, Sage, and Sam.