Carolyn Gonzalez-Bright, department associate on the Program team, joined The Skillman Foundation in August 2026. In this role, Carolyn supports the Program team’s strategic and operational work, helping to coordinate projects, strengthen internal processes, and advance the team’s grantmaking and programmatic priorities in alignment with the Foundation’s People Powered Education strategy.

A Detroit native, Carolyn, brings a deep commitment to young people and extensive experience in workforce development, youth programming, employer engagement, and cross-sector partnership building. Prior to joining The Skillman Foundation, she served as a work-based learning coordinator with Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, where she helped connect young Detroiters to meaningful career exposure, work-based learning experiences, and employment opportunities while building partnerships across employers, community organizations, and workforce systems.

Carolyn’s approach to her work is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a belief that young people should have meaningful opportunities to shape their own futures. She is especially passionate about connecting education, workforce development, and community partnerships in ways that expand access and opportunity for Detroit youth.

Carolyn earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science with a minor in African American studies from Oakland University.

Areas of expertise:
Community and youth engagement, building meaningful partnerships, program coordination, and connecting people and ideas to advance work

How I can help partners:
Making connections, thinking through ideas, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and being a thought partner

Some of my favorite things:
Cozy days, fall, vacations, good music, and a really good meal

How I reenergize:
Going to the gym, being near water, and taking time to reset

A quote that describes my outlook:
“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lorde

Favorite musicians:
Cleo Sol, Khruangbin, and anything lo-fi