Our Team

We are business, education, and community leaders with expertise in partnering businesses and educators to develop work-based academic programs for young people to explore, learn, and earn money or college level credit.

Leadership

Vickei Hrdina

Executive Director
vickei.hrdina@esd112.org

Vickei works to align and support career-related initiatives while advocating to ensure all SW Washington students graduate career ready.

Melanie Walker

CTE and CCL Coordinator
melanie.walker@esd112.org

Melanie works to support and expand the career connected learning continuum through CTE development and Career Launch pathways.

Chad Mullen

CCSW Network Manager
chad.mullen@esd112.org

Chad works to expand access and partnerships to connect students with high-quality career-connected learning, career pathways, and postsecondary opportunities.

Our Statewide Partners

Career Connect Southwest (SW) is one of nine regional career connected learning networks under the larger Career Connect Washington (CCW) as well as a partner network of Washington STEM.

Career Connect Washington

Career Connect Washington works statewide to combine classroom learning with practical career experiences for youth and young adults.

Washington STEM

Washington STEM advances excellence, innovation, and equity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for all Washington students.

OSPI

Working with the state’s 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.