Sheri Gonzales Warren has been involved in economic development since 2001. She began this work at a large, public university to help develop curriculum in response to workforce needs. She then spent a series of years living and working overseas to create market-driven, community development systems that address basic human needs. She joined Mid-America Regional Council in 2015 to help spur inclusive economic opportunity in the place she calls home – Kansas City. She is MARC’s Program Director for its postsecondary attainment and workforce development efforts – known as GradForce KC. She also leads MARC’s work on human capital as part of the KC Rising initiative, a business-led economic development initiative for the Greater Kansas City region. Ms. Warren’s work involves project management for specific programs such as KC Degrees and the Talent-to-Industry Exchange (TIE) analyses. KC Degrees supports adult learners to return and finish a high quality certificate or degree. The TIE program involves extensive analysis of demographic and economic data for the region as well as analysis of post-secondary programs. Sheri holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Kansas.