Karla K. Shields Email & Phone Number

Waxhaw, Nc, Us

Teaneck, New Jersey, Us

• Developed enterprise workforce strategies to help leaders understand their talent gaps and create targeted programs for a future-ready workforce.• Collaborated with strategic alliance partners to expand Cognizant’s Apprenticeship program globally, building equitable opportunities in high-demand technology areas such as software development, quality engineering, data intelligence, and GenAI.• Led the Cognizant Pre-Employment Training function, creating cost-effective talent development solutions, including learning pathways to improve employability skills, hire-train-deploy models, and contact-to-hire channels for Cognizant Service Lines.• Engaged and collaborated with various internal and external stakeholders to address challenges in optimizing the talent supply chain for both vertical and service lines.• Provided a unique balance of learning design, technical depth, and business knowledge to build and grow Pre-Employment alternative talent supply channels.• Oversaw the development of all technical training programs and resources, managing the lifecycle from creating learning objectives, scoping, research and analysis, design, development, and implementation for all Pre-Employment and Apprentice Related Technical Instruction.

Monroe, Nc, Us

• Served as the College's primary external liaison for workforce solutions, interacting, engaging, and collaborating with business and community partners, to position South Piedmont Community College as the primary provider of education and training in the College’s service area. • Provided vision and direction in developing, implementing, assessing, and revising strategic plans for practices, policies, and procedures that encourage employer engagement in workforce development and apprenticeship programs.• Led the formulation and implementation of annual and long-range plans for workforce and employer engagement, including program planning, events, and assessment activities.• Expanded and scaled the College’s employment matching services for all guided career pathways, encompassing student opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships, internships/externships, job placement, and support.

Charlotte, North Carolina, Us

• Spearheaded the establishment of the Non-Degree Computer Technology Institute, leading its development from concept to implementation.• Provided visionary and strategic leadership for the Computer Technology Institute, collaborating with the Associate Vice President for Corporate and Economic Development and senior management to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans, and policies. Oversaw budgets and ensured proper allocation of resources to meet departmental goals.• Utilized talent intelligence to identify skill gaps and build future programs, proactively developing organizational capabilities to meet evolving community and workforce needs.• Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with internal and external partners to achieve department and division economic development goals.• Led a team instrumental in building career pathways, bridging the skills gap and developing a diverse IT talent pipeline in the Charlotte Region.