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Headline Speaker
Sarah Mitchell
CEO, National Apprenticeship Partnership
Bio:
Sarah Mitchell is the CEO of the National Apprenticeship Partnership (NAP), where she has led efforts to innovate and scale apprenticeship programs across the country. With over 20 years of experience in workforce development, Sarah has been a pioneering voice in connecting industries with underrepresented communities to create pathways to sustainable careers. Under her leadership, NAP has successfully partnered with over 100 corporations and community organizations to create apprenticeship programs that reach more than 50,000 participants annually. Sarah is passionate about ensuring that apprenticeships are not only accessible but also equitable, with a particular focus on closing the skills gap in technology and manufacturing sectors. At the 2026 AFA Summit, Sarah will share insights on the evolving role of intermediaries in scaling apprenticeship programs and how partnerships can help achieve sustainable impact in underserved regions.
Session Speakers
Jason Herrera
Director of Workforce Development, TalentForge Solutions
Bio:
Jason Herrera is the Director of Workforce Development at TalentForge Solutions, where he leads a team focused on apprenticeship recruitment and pipeline development. Over the past 10 years, Jason has worked with major corporations and local workforce boards to develop apprenticeship models tailored to diverse sectors, including IT, healthcare, and construction. He is an advocate for harnessing data and technology to optimize apprenticeship matching and retention. Jason’s session at the AFA Summit will explore innovative strategies for improving recruitment efforts, expanding outreach to untapped talent pools, and enhancing apprenticeship retention by fostering a culture of mentorship and growth. He is committed to ensuring that apprenticeships serve as sustainable pathways for individuals from all backgrounds to succeed in the modern workforce.
Emily Rivers
Director of Apprenticeship Programs, New Horizons College
Bio:
Emily Rivers serves as the Director of Apprenticeship Programs at New Horizons College, a community college known for its work in developing high-quality apprenticeship programs in both the public and private sectors. With a background in education policy and vocational training, Emily has successfully helped integrate academic degrees with apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to earn credentials while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. Emily is passionate about the intersection of higher education and workforce development and believes community colleges play a key role in creating more accessible, flexible apprenticeship programs. At the 2026 AFA Summit, Emily will lead a session focused on the role of community colleges in apprenticeship, highlighting best practices for building stronger connections between educational institutions and industry partners to support the success of diverse apprentices.
Now Accepting Session and Speaker Proposals
Got insights, ideas, or experiences worth sharing? Submit a session proposal and showcase your expertise to an engaged audience, inspire meaningful conversations, and help shape the future of the 2026 AFA Summit! Your voice could be the highlight of the event.
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