The MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board was honored to be selected to present at the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Youth Symposium in New Orleans this November. Executive Director Kara O’Donnell-Galvin and Director of Youth Services Samantha Fonseca led a session on effective board development, sharing the strategies, tools, and lessons that have transformed CIWB’s governance and strengthened workforce programming across the region.

They were joined by panelists:

  • Dr. Barbarajean Chavin, a long-time board member of the CIWB is the Executive Director for the Martha’s Vineyard Boys and Girls Club 
  • Kelly Hanlon, Associate Director of Massachusetts Workforce Association 
  • Mike Looney, a community partner of the CIWB from Mashpee Regional HS who served as the moderator of the panel 

Each brought valuable perspective and experience to the national conversation. 

Kara opened the session by reflecting on the evolution of the CIWB Board, noting that stronger structures and intentional composition have fueled growth: “We have cultivated a high-functioning, collaborative, and strategically engaged Board whose leadership has been instrumental in our expansion.” She emphasized that rebuilding the Board began with clarity: “The instability we faced made it clear that we needed a stronger governance foundation to move our mission forward.”

She shared CIWB’s revamped orientation model, which pairs new members with seasoned mentors and introduces them to the full regional workforce system. “When members understand the ‘why’ behind our work and how their expertise ties into it, their participation and investment grow.”

Samantha highlighted how this increased governance strength directly impacts young people across the Cape and Islands. “Board engagement has been the driving force behind the growth and sustainability of our youth programming,” she said. “Their advocacy opens doors with schools, employers, and community partners, resulting in stronger partnerships and expanded opportunities.”

She also celebrated measurable outcomes, including expanded Connecting Activities partnerships, hands-on learning with Upper Cape Tech, Lindsay Cole’s leadership in construction career pathways, and the launch of the first-ever YouthWorks program on Martha’s Vineyard.

CIWB was proud to share this work on a national stage, and is grateful to all who continue to champion equitable access, meaningful career pathways, and regional workforce strength.