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Greater Peoria Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA)

The Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA) is a collective impact organization formed in 2017 under the CEO Council to address Greater Peoria’s workforce challenges. The RWA unites business leaders, educators, economic development professionals, community stakeholders, and more to build a qualified workforce that drives regional economic growth.

Mission

The RWA aims to increase post-secondary credential attainment in Greater Peoria from 40% to 60%, ensuring individuals have the skills needed for gainful employment and economic stability. Through collaboration, the RWA addresses gaps across the career continuum—from K-12 students to working adults and beyond.

Our
Approach

The RWA’s strategy is built on three interconnected pillars:

Emerging Workforce

Focuses on K-12 education, career and technical education (CTE), and college readiness to prepare students for success and retain talent locally.

2. Upskilling Workforce

Targets working adults to help them build new skills and credentials, equipping them for critical, in-demand roles.

3. Multiple Barriers

Assists adults with minimal credentials or employment barriers by connecting them to community resources and pathways to sustainable full-time jobs.

Why It Matters

The Regional Workforce Alliance was formed in response to critical workforce challenges identified by the CEO Council in 2017. The research highlighted three pressing issues that made action necessary:

Only 40% of adults in Greater Peoria held a post-secondary credential, far below the 60% seen in economically thriving communities.

Employers across the region were facing persistent talent shortages that impacted their ability to grow and meet operational demands.

Data showed that 90% of new jobs created between 2010 and 2016 required some form of post-secondary credential, highlighting the urgent need for workforce upskilling.

These findings underscored the importance of aligning efforts to strengthen the workforce pipeline, ensuring the region remains competitive and prosperous.

Leadership & Collaboration

The Regional Workforce Alliance is led by dedicated community leaders who drive collaboration and alignment across Greater Peoria. Each individual brings expertise and passion to guide the workforce development efforts.

Executive Co-Chair

Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey

President, Illinois Central College

Jessica Linder Gallo

CEO, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Administrative Coordinator

Jeffrey Inman

Director of Workforce Solutions, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

Emerging Workforce Co-Chair

Beth Crider

Superintendent, Peoria Regional Office of Education (ROE 48)

Multiple Barriers Co-Chair

Dr. Arnitria Shaw

Vice President of Workforce and Diversity, Illinois Central College

Multiple Barriers Co-Chair

Felisa Durr

Vice President of Workforce Development, Tri-County Urban League

Upskilling Workforce Co-Chair

Dr. Jamel Wright

President, Eureka College

Upskilling Workforce Co-Chair

Jason Fark

Vice President, Chase Bank

Key Achievements

• Increased regional credential attainment from 40% to 43% since inception.

• Built partnerships with 50+ organizations, including educators, employers, and nonprofits.

• Launched initiatives like GPEAK to prepare individuals for careers with essential employability skills.

Get Involved

Join the RWA in building a brighter future for Greater Peoria! Whether you’re an employer, educator, student, or community member, your contribution matters. Together, we can expand economic opportunity and transform lives.