We’re pleased to introduce the facilitators of the 2025 Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy! The Academy — launched in partnership by the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Fresno 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.
Facilitators
Beatriz Lopez
Senior Project Coordinator
ValleyBuild – Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board
Beatriz is a Senior Project Coordinator for the Special Projects Sector at the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board. She is responsible for providing technical assistance on a regional level (14 counties) for the MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Program.
Beatriz is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz and has over a decade of experience in providing social services. Helping, empowering, and advocating for others has always been work she adores. Beatriz has experience working with a wide range of people from different backgrounds; from being a college advisor, case manager at a state prison, community college instructor, child advocate for a non-profit, high school teacher, and most recently a Senior Project Coordinator for ValleyBuild, a construction training program.
Janay Conley
Economic Development Specialist
City of Fresno
Janay E. Conley is a prominent advocate for community and small business growth, with over 25 years of combined professional experience in business and education. Her 17-year expertise in commercial, SBA, and nonprofit mission-based lending has facilitated thousands of businesses in accessing direct economic investment, supporting their development and growth initiatives.
As a driven and results-focused professional, Janay excels in collaborative settings, leveraging her dedication, strategic approach, and meticulous attention to detail to deliver project outcomes. Her greatest passion lies in empowering business professionals and small business owners with the resources necessary to launch, grow, and expand. Janay holds an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management, a Master Degree in Business Administration, and a Certificate of Completion- Intro to Economic Development.
Sandra Vidrio
Business Services Manager
Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board
Sandra Vidrio is a native of Fresno County and a first-generation alumnus of California State University, Fresno. Sandra’s career in economic development started as a student assistant to assist innovators and entrepreneurs. Shortly after, she joined a Community Development Financial Institution, expanding her skills in small business development and gaining a new perspective on the ongoing challenges of small-to-medium sized businesses.Finding solutions through innovative strategies and educational programs has been Sandra’s passion. She continues to grow this mission by leading the Business Services Center at the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board.
