As Executive Director, Amy Desjardins is a leader and advocate for workforce development, with a career dedicated to fostering economic growth and enhancing opportunities for individuals and communities. Before joining WDI, Amy was Assistant to the President at the New York State AFL-CIO, helping implement organizational strategies using member engagement in issue advocacy. From her years working for the NYS labor movement, she has seen firsthand how labor standards can raise workers' pay, benefits, and safety on the job.
Under Amy's leadership, the Workforce Development Institute has expanded its invaluable partnerships with labor, employers, apprenticeships, and community organizations. These collaborations have resulted in pioneering initiatives that empower individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in new emerging industries.
She believes that access to quality education and training should be a fundamental right for all, regardless of background or circumstance. She has led programs with partners that break down barriers and create pathways to success for underrepresented communities.
Amy joined WDI's Board of Directors and Executive Committee in 2011, where she acted as a liaison for labor to provide strategic coordination of workforce trends and opportunities across the state. As an upstate transplant from Staten Island, she resides in the Capital District with her husband and son. Amy is an avid hockey mom who enjoys spending time with her family when not fighting to help strengthen New York's workforce.