TOPIC

Reskilling with Purpose: Designing a People System That Strengthens Culture and Performance

Urban Assembly undertook a comprehensive overhaul of its talent systems to strengthen a hybrid workplace, build staff competency, and create clearer pathways for professional growth. By grounding every decision in performance data, staff survey feedback, and hiring trends, the organization restructured policies, clarified expectations, and invested in targeted skill development. This session illustrates how a diverse nonprofit workforce was upskilled through competency-based training, supervisor development, revised growth fund processes, and transparent internal mobility pathways. Participants will leave with clarity around how to use data to build stronger cultures, higher retention, and more confident, capable employees.

What you'll learn:

• Evaluate workforce data to identify skill gaps and design targeted upskilling/reskilling strategies.
• Implement competency-based talent systems that clarify expectations, improve performance, and increase professional growth.
• Build structures that support internal mobility, including fair hiring processes, supervisor training, and clear advancement pathways.
• Strengthen organizational culture through transparent policies, hybrid-work norms, and employee-led learning initiatives.

Presenter: Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is the Deputy Chief of Staff – People at Urban Assembly, Inc., where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness, enhance workplace culture, and support staff success. She joined Urban Assembly in 2024 and plays a key role in aligning people strategy with organizational goals through data-driven decision-making, operational clarity, and community building.