We’re pleased to introduce the facilitators of the 2025 Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy! The Academy — launched in partnership by the United Way of the Greater Triangle and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Durham workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects. The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.
The Greater Triangle Workforce Leadership Academy is one of three local academies launched in 2024. Alumni of the Academy become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining more than 370 alumni from 22 previous Academies in 17 cities in the US and Canada.
Facilitators
Hannah Parker
Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement
United Way of the Greater Triangle
Hannah Parker is the Manager of Volunteer and Community Engagement with United Way of the Greater Triangle, an organization rooted in racial and economic justice in the piedmont of North Carolina. Hannah was born in the South and was raised by a collective network of family, friends, and neighbors. This upbringing has shaped the way she lives and works, centering community through collaboration and symbiotic support. After many years in the music industry, she’s happy to be back in the beautiful belly of the nonprofit beast. When Hannah’s not working, you can find her in the woods, on her bicycle, in a body of water, writing short stories, or taking on house projects she will never quite finish.
Jeff Howell
Chief Program Officer
United Way of the Greater Triangle
Jeff Howell is a visionary leader and connector with a deep commitment to social impact and equity. As Chief Program Officer at United Way of the Greater Triangle, he has led transformative community initiatives, investing over $30 million in nonprofit programs and spearheading collaborative Action Labs aimed at addressing systemic inequities. Known for his strategic vision and authentic approach, Jeff excels in building strong partnerships, distilling complex challenges into actionable plans, and fostering inclusive environments where teams and communities can thrive. His unique blend of empathy, innovation, and strategic acumen drives his work in advancing racial and economic justice.
Crystal Wilson
Chief Outreach Officer
United Way of the Greater Triangle
Crystal Wilson is a strong relationship builder who over the course of her 22-year career has had the opportunity to leverage her skill sets of motivating, inspiring and aligning. She is a native of Flint, Michigan earning her B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan (Ann-Arbor) and her M.B.A. from Winston-Salem State University.
Her professional background is largely grounded in Insurance for 20 years, however throughout her career she has always been active with her true passion, being non-profit organizations. Currently, Crystal is the Chief Outreach Officer of the United Way of the Greater Triangle and has been in this role a little over a year. Over the course of that year, she has had the opportunity to create and drive strategic vision for her team and the organization. Including hiring and onboarding top talent to the organization. She is inspired each day by the mission to invest in community driven solutions that advance racial and economic justice.
Crystal is also a part of the nationally recognized organization, Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. She has been a member of the local Burlington-Graham Chapter for five years and served in numerous leadership capacities. Currently, Crystal is the President of the local chapter. She is excited about leading this amazing group of mothers along with creating and executing the strategic vision for 2023-2025.
