Carla Biro
2515 East 99th Street,IL
Summary
Dedicated Executive Director of Workforce Development with over 7 years of experience in higher education and community programming. Proven expertise in managing cross-sector partnerships and using data analytics to enhance educational access and completion for marginalized populations. Successfully led initiatives that improved workforce pathways and advanced equitable teaching practices for over 300 organizations. Passionate about facilitating impactful learning and community engagement, bringing valuable insights to support the mission of any educational institution.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director of Workforce Development
Indiana Wesleyan University
06.2022 - Current
- Orchestrated the development and implementation of postsecondary and workforce pathways for under-resourced, first-generation, adult, and system-impacted learners through strategic initiatives at Indiana Wesleyan University National and Global, including the Mobile Career Lab.
- Oversaw multi-program portfolios, budgets, and cross-sector partnerships with school districts, community organizations, correctional facilities, employers, and higher education institutions to enhance access, persistence, and completion outcomes.
- Utilized data dashboards, retention analytics, and evidence-based practices to assess program impact, bridge equity gaps, refine interventions, and produce comprehensive reports and presentations for institutional leaders and external stakeholders.
- Cultivated and maintained collaborative relationships with diverse partners while serving as a community-facing leader, facilitating alignment across teams, and representing initiatives at meetings, trainings, and public events.
Education Professor, Ivy Tech-Dual Credit, Bethel College
Indiana Wesleyan University, Plainfield Correctional Facility
06.2013 - Current
- Developed, delivered, and assessed courses aligned with postsecondary, workforce, and reentry success, integrating culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practices, and real-world skill development.
- Co-developed DEI curriculum frameworks and data dashboards that enhanced community support for underrepresented populations.
- Facilitated high-engagement learning through workshops, individualized coaching, and technology-enhanced instruction, incorporating AI-supported learning resources and accessible digital content.
- Collaborated with correctional education leadership, academic departments, and community partners to dismantle barriers, bolster persistence, and expand meaningful pathways to degrees, credentials, and career opportunities.
DEIB Specialist
SPARK Learning Lab
02.2021 - 06.2022
- Championed a statewide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging professional learning strategy for early childhood educators.
- Engineered and implemented training programs for over 300 organizations, promoting equitable teaching practices and enhancing leadership capacity.
- Forged cross-sector partnerships to elevate mental health awareness, stabilize families, and expand access to essential supports.
K-12 Public Education Leader
Elkhart County Schools
08.2006 - 08.2020
- Functioned as a classroom instructor, interventionist, CTE instructor, and K-6 building administrator supporting diverse learners in Title I and alternative education settings.
Gr8t Beginnings County Coalition Director
Gr8t Beginnings in Elkhart County
06.2016 - 08.2019
- Established and directed a countywide education coalition focused on equitable access to learning, mental health support, and family stability.
- Engaged in regular collaboration with Boards of Directors, presenting program data, financial reports, and strategic recommendations.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion10-2026
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Goshen College
Goshen08.2006
Skills
- Workforce Development
- Education Models
- Community Programs
- Mental Health Resources
- Data Dashboards
- Data Analytics
- Presentations
- Professional Learning
- Training Program Design
- Leadership Capacity Building
- Early Childhood Education
- Curriculum Development
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- AI-supported Learning Resources
- Correctional Education
- Salesforce
- Power BI
- Microsoft Office
- LMS Data Analytics
- Executive Leadership
- Community Engagement
- Partnership Building
- Facilitation
- Goal Setting
- Empowerment
- Individualized Coaching
- Communication
Accomplishments
- Curriculum Design - Designed, developed and implemented daily lessons for 90 students.
- Data Organization - Organized scores of over 80 students into online database for parents' immediate access.
- Curriculum Development - Tailored educational curriculum to students with range of learning styles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Developed innovative semester lesson plans and practical application exercises for classroom, reversing scores on Physical Science tests from 65% average to 87% average.
- Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
Certification
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist Certificate
- -NCDA-Nationally Certified Career Coach
LANGUAGES
English (Native)
Timeline
Executive Director of Workforce Development
Indiana Wesleyan University
06.2022 - Current
DEIB Specialist
SPARK Learning Lab
02.2021 - 06.2022
Gr8t Beginnings County Coalition Director
Gr8t Beginnings in Elkhart County
06.2016 - 08.2019
Education Professor, Ivy Tech-Dual Credit, Bethel College
Indiana Wesleyan University, Plainfield Correctional Facility
06.2013 - Current
K-12 Public Education Leader
Elkhart County Schools
08.2006 - 08.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Goshen College
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Indiana Wesleyan University
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction
Indiana Wesleyan University