Laura Demarse

Dr. Laura Demarse has been actively involved in skills transformation across various sectors such as higher education, the private industry, and philanthropy. Her endeavors have received funding from notable organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Career Development Association. Dr. Demarse has been recognized with prestigious awards like the 2020 Blackburn Award for Excellence and the 2019 NAGAP Exemplary Programs Award. She is known for her role as the founder of the Accelerate to Industry Program (A2i), a widely acclaimed workforce development model implemented in over 30 institutions globally. Laura holds a doctorate in Higher and Adult Education, a master's in counseling psychology, a bachelor's in psychology, and a Certificate in Higher Education Leadership. She has held various leadership positions, including Directing the STEM Office for Outreach and Engagement at Ford Motor Company and currently serving as the Vice President for Future of Work at the Charles Koch Foundation.