HOUSTON (Dec. 16, 2024) — The Greater Houston Partnership has announced Rafael “Rafa” Alvarez as the organization’s new Senior Vice President of Regional Workforce Development, leading the nationally acclaimed UpSkill Houston initiative. Alvarez, a Forbes-recognized social entrepreneur and founder of Genesys Works, brings a proven track record in workforce development and a deep commitment to creating opportunities that bridge skills training and industry. “Throughout my career, I have been inspired by how the right career opportunities can transform lives and change trajectories. With UpSkill Houston’s strong foundation and opportunity to leverage critical advancements like Texas House Bill 8, we are at a pivotal moment to connect workforce and education at scale,” Alvarez said. “By bridging the gap between available jobs and untapped talent, we can ensure Houston's businesses and residents thrive together for generations to come.” Launched in 2014, UpSkill Houston has set a national benchmark by aligning workforce training with industry needs, linking employers, educators and over 200,000 students and workers. Alvarez is positioned to lead its next chapter by leveraging his extensive expertise.  As the founder of Genesys Works, Alvarez transformed the lives of thousands of students from underserved communities by creating pathways to career success through internships and corporate training. Under his leadership, the nonprofit expanded to seven cities, employed over 1,000 people, and helped people realize their potential in the workforce. "Rafa’s dedication to workforce development for many years well-positions him as the ideal leader to drive UpSkill Houston’s next chapter,” Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “His tenacity for creating opportunities for individuals and businesses alike will be pivotal to scale the work of UpSkill Houston and create opportunity for Houstonians.” After leaving Genesys Works in 2019, Alvarez joined the founding leadership team of Moderno Porcelain Works, where he led the People and Training function. He was instrumental in hiring and training the first 300 employees, helping the company expand to 14 cities in just three years. Alvarez’s earlier career includes 11 years at Compaq Computer Corporation as a corporate strategist, project manager and design engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Houston. Alvarez has called Houston home for over 30 years.  Outgoing Leader Peter Beard to Join U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Alvarez joins the Partnership following the announcement that Peter Beard, who has led UpSkill Houston since 2014, will join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation early next year. Beard was instrumental in shaping UpSkill Houston into a national collaborative model that engaged over 150 employers and more than 70 educational and workforce organizations. Based in Washington, D.C., Beard will focus on scaling similar efforts nationwide, building a resilient and adaptable workforce to meet the country’s evolving needs. "Peter’s exceptional ability to unite industry, education, and community stakeholders has driven meaningful progress in workforce development,” Kean said. “His new role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation reflects the significant impact of his work here in Houston and the value it brings on a national level." ### MEDIA CONTACT:           Brina Morales               Communications Director bmorales@brotifken.com            

A letter from Peter Beard, Sr. Vice President, Regional Workforce Development. Houston’s talent and human capital, whether it's cultivated and developed here at home or attracted from other regions, is the backbone, brainpower, innovation, and energy that powers our diverse economy. So, as UpSkill Houston looks to its next five to ten years, Greater Houston is poised to significantly move a talent and skills first approach that increases mobility and opportunity for the region’s residents and strengthens the region’s economy. At the end of the day, our work is a marathon which can improve the resilience of Houston and its residents. UpSkill Houston, with more than a decade of collaborative work, demonstrates strong and effective employer, education and community partnerships focused on creating results and improving student and adult learner outcomes and opportunities. By celebrating individual achievements, we inspire others to emulate success. This collective approach drives systemic change, enabling transformative impact on scale. The leaders and organizations that are part of UpSkill Houston’s collective table have built a strong -foundation —a “good start”—and have propelled us in the “right direction” However, there is much “more to do” in order to fulfill the mission: ensuring the Houston and Gulf Coast region has one of the finest skilled workforces in the world while providing opportunity and mobility for the residents of the region. As regional economies continue their transition from industrial economies to knowledge-based and digital and technology enabled ones, the skills individuals will need to succeed in their occupations will continue to evolve at an increasing pace. At the same time, every individual will need to be equipped with a core set of foundational and essential skills to succeed in life, work and education. We are hearing from employers in Houston that individuals being work-ready requires they have skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, communications, continuous learning, grit and persistence, digital literacy, teamwork and collaboration, ability to learn, etc. While this is a substantial list many of these skills are developed and refined over time and with practice by applying them at home, on the playground, in school, on the playing field, and in so many other places. Whether it is the artificial heart or cancer cures, new energy technologies like CCS, or putting a man on the moon, Houston innovates on some of the world’s most challenging problems. On this most fundamental and existential challenge of Talent and Skills First, we will need to develop new partnerships and efforts to ensure that young people attending our schools can enter the workforce with a good job and adult learners, in collaboration with community and education partners, develop new skills to get amazing career opportunities. We have several outstanding examples of effective practices including but not limited to, Genesys Works, Junior Achievement’s 3DE, the Industrial Craft Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. UpSkill Houston’s opportunity is to leverage its employer-led approach to build new partnerships with education and community partners, and together we can reach back into the early grades and support young people as they progress through the K-12 system and enter the post-secondary system or the workforce. Our goal is to scale these efforts across the region, creating meaningful impact for generations to come. Are you ready to be part of this transformative journey? Join us in shaping the future!