Workforce Development Strategist

Karla Yoder

Turning research, data, and partnerships into programs that open doors to economic opportunity.

Let's Work Together
Karla Yoder

About

I'm an independent consultant with 15+ years designing, launching, and improving workforce and education initiatives that expand economic opportunity. I specialize in translating research, data, and partner input into practical program models, learning materials, and implementation guidance that actually get used.

From federal agencies and international development organizations to community colleges and state governments, I've helped partners build systems that connect people to good jobs — equitably and durably.

Core Competencies

  • Systems & Program Design
  • Performance Management
  • Research & Data Analysis
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Communication & Knowledge Sharing

Experience

  1. Karla Yoder Consulting Feb 2025 – Present

    Workforce Development Consultant

    • Provide strategy, research, analysis, and program design expertise to help scale economic opportunity.
  2. World Learning Sep 2022 – Feb 2025

    Senior Workforce Specialist

    • Led strategy, portfolio direction, and learning for workforce and entrepreneurship initiatives.
    • Directed development of a multi-year workforce strategy grounded in emerging trends in technology and the green economy.
    • Served as workforce subject matter expert for Uzbekistan's national high school curriculum reform, embedding work readiness and entrepreneurship.
  3. D.C. Workforce Investment Council Jul 2021 – Jul 2022

    Workforce Advisor (FUSE Executive Fellow)

    • Led system-alignment assessment across workforce and economic development sectors, engaging 50+ stakeholders.
    • Designed and launched two workforce initiatives serving 5,000+ residents, embedding equity and employer engagement.
  4. Global Communities May 2016 – Jul 2021

    Economic Opportunity Director / Specialist

    • Oversaw performance management and learning across a $40M economic opportunity portfolio in 10+ countries.
    • Led design and implementation of a systems-based youth employment initiative in Ghana, invited into the World Bank's Solutions for Youth Employment portfolio.
  5. Global Communities Nov 2009 – Apr 2016

    Program Development Manager / Officer

    • Led strategy and proposal development for foundation- and federally-funded workforce initiatives.
    • Secured landmark awards including a federal contract and an $18.5M Mastercard Foundation initiative, establishing a new youth workforce development portfolio.
  6. FHI 360 National Institute for Work and Learning May 2002 – Jun 2007

    Program Officer / Associate

    • Supported three Georgia counties to launch career academies; authored replication manual that informed statewide expansion to 55 academies.
    • Co-authored the U.S. Department of Education guidebook on labor market responsiveness for community colleges.
    • Managed Johnson & Johnson's Bridge to Employment initiative connecting students to STEM careers.

Education & Engagement

Education

  • Certificate in Systems Thinking Cornell University
  • Master of Arts in Sociology George Washington University (Focus: Quantitative Research Methods)
  • Bachelor of International Studies School for International Training

Professional Engagement

  • AI Upskilling Advisory Council Member Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board (2025) — advising on AI upskilling roadmap and state investment priorities.
  • Proposal Reviewer Oakland Workforce Development Board (2022) — reviewed WIOA funding proposals for quality and alignment.

Let's Work Together

I take on a limited number of consulting engagements each year. If you're working on workforce or economic opportunity initiatives and could use a strategic partner, I'd love to hear from you.

karla.yoder@gmail.com LinkedIn Profile