At America Succeeds, we believe the transformation of education to workforce pathways hinges on cultivating Durable Skills. These essential non-technical skills, which encompass critical thinking, communication, leadership, and more, are the key to unlocking economic mobility and driving a more prosperous future for learners, employers, and their communities.
At the beginning of this year, in collaboration with CompTIA and more than 800 stakeholders nationwide, America Succeeds released the groundbreaking Durable Skills Advantage Framework. The Framework is a first-of-its-kind, employer-generated common lexicon for Durable Skills. This tool – ready and available for a variety of uses – will help catalyze a more holistic approach to developing every student’s unique potential and improving pathways into economically mobile careers.
Today, we proudly introduce two individuals who are joining our team to propel this work forward, bringing with them a wealth of experience and connections to the K12 and workforce ecosystems.
Welcome Alicia Boddy, Vice President of Partnerships
As Vice President of Partnerships, Alicia Boddy is responsible for executing a comprehensive fundraising plan, managing funder and corporate relationships, and maintaining and developing partnerships across education, workforce, and employer organizations.
Prior to joining America Succeeds, Alicia founded and led the VET TEC Working Group, a technical assistance group of workforce training providers. She collaborated with industry leaders and legislators to develop and influence federal policies related to workforce development, technology hiring initiatives, and the importance of supporting veterans in civilian careers. From 2017 to 2023, Alicia also supported Code Platoon, a nonprofit coding bootcamp exclusively serving the military community, and played a pivotal role in helping the organization grow. Read her full bio here.
“I am thrilled to join America Succeeds and continue shaping the future of education and workforce development. The belief in cultivating Durable Skills is not just a philosophy but a transformative approach towards unlocking economic mobility and fostering prosperity for learners, employers, and communities alike. Together with our partners, we will drive positive change in education, fostering a future where students are equipped not only with technical know-how but also with essential non-technical skills that are crucial for success in the workforce. The journey ahead is promising, and I am honored to be a part of a team dedicated to creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.” – Alicia Boddy
Welcome Michael Crawford, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
As Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Michael Crawford is responsible for leading, developing, and expanding the Durable Skills Advantage work with a focus on research and impactful, quality implementations of this tool.
Prior to joining America Succeeds, Michael served as Director of Community Research for VELA Education Fund and as Strategic Partnerships Manager for Western Governors University. He’s been an invited mentor, advisor, speaker, and facilitator for work related to human development, entrepreneurship, and education, and he’s been a guest on wide-ranging podcasts and panels about technology and the future of learning and work. Read his full bio here.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the incredible team at America Succeeds, an organization at the forefront of shaping the future of education and workforce readiness. The Durable Skills work is not only groundbreaking; it’s life-changing, with the power to uplift individuals, invigorate industries, and transform communities in profound ways. I’m eager to contribute to this mission — alongside the countless allies and trailblazers — inspired by the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of learners and earners across the country.” – Michael Crawford
Opportunities to Engage with Durable Skills
Durable Skills are the common thread across K-12, postsecondary, and the workforce; and we are bullish that the Durable Skills Advantage Framework will create incredible opportunities to benefit learners and employers over time. Upcoming areas of focus for America Succeeds include: expanding state partnerships to modernize graduation requirements and accelerate the shift toward competency-based learning; creating a suite of professional development resources that can serve as inspiration and guidance for educators looking to integrate Durable Skills into their classrooms and curricula; and developing a system to differentiate the partners implementing the framework in learner-centered, equitable, and rigorous ways through a research collaborative – similar to B Corp Certification.
We believe that now is a critical moment to act. We invite all our partners and supporters to join us in this transformative journey. To learn more about how you can get involved and to get in touch with the newest members of our team, please contact us here.