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ALBANY, N.Y. -- SUNY Corning Community College Professor, Boby Akhi, has been selected for the inaugural New York State Association for Career and Technical Education (NYSACTE) Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship. Instructor Akhi is one of 15 leaders from across New York State to be selected for the NYSACTE Fellowship.

The NYSACTE Fellowship – sponsored by the ECMC Foundation – strives to address the growing shortage of postsecondary CTE leaders by closing representation gaps and removing barriers to leadership advancement within New York State.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as one of 15 leaders for the inaugural NYSACTE Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship in New York State for 2025,” said Professor Akhi. “This fellowship reflects my commitment to advancing equity and access to education while preparing students for meaningful careers. It provides a valuable platform to address systemic inequities and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. I am dedicated to using this opportunity to inspire change, empower students, and create an inclusive environment where every learner can thrive, driving equitable leadership and impactful CTE programs across New York State.” 

Through their participation, Fellows will gain strategic, equity-minded leadership skills and build networks to help address systemic inequities through one-on-one mentoring, workshops, a local real-world project, and events.

“New York’s Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are as diverse as the students they serve, with over 40% of our postsecondary learners identifying as Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian, and nearly equal representation of men and women,” said Erin Smith, president of NYSACTE. “It’s crucial that we develop leaders who not only understand this diversity but are ready to support and uplift it. That’s what the NYSACTE Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship is all about—giving these emerging leaders the tools and connections they need to make a real difference.”

About NYSACTE
The New York State Association for Career and Technical Education (NYSACTE) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and promoting high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) across New York State. NYSACTE serves educators, administrators, and industry partners involved in CTE by offering professional development opportunities, advocating for CTE policies and funding, and providing a network for collaboration and resource sharing.

About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary education; build the capacity of institutions, systems, and organizations; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grant making and program-related investments, to invest in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners, and peers, ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.