Mariana Torres on Expanding Economic Opportunity Through Workforce Innovation

With over a decade of experience advancing workforce development, Mariana Torres brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Program Officer at LISC Phoenix. Her work centers on expanding access through community-driven partnerships, data-informed program design, and impactful career pathways for under-resourced populations.

We sat down with Mariana to discuss her journey into workforce development, the role of community partnerships, and her vision for the future of the MDM2 medical device manufacturing consortium.

A Career Sparked by Service and Systems Thinking

Q: What led you to your role as program officer for LISC Phoenix? 

A: I began my career as an adult career advisor under the WIOA program. It was my first introduction to workforce development, and I quickly realized how essential this work is to help both individuals and communities thrive.

That early experience gave me insight into interpreting labor market data and mapping occupational pathways. I learned how to guide job seekers through the complexity of Phoenix’s workforce systems. Later, a friend introduced me to LISC. I hadn’t heard of the organization before, but after learning more, I was drawn in by its mission and its deep community roots.

At LISC Phoenix, I began by supporting our Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) partners—integrating workforce services, financial coaching, and income support. As my role evolved, I found myself working more with economic development initiatives. But my passion remains consistent: strengthening workforce and financial stability as foundations of economic growth.

Community Partnerships as Catalysts for Economic Development

Q: What role do community partnerships play in advancing economic development within the consortium, and how does LISC Phoenix cultivate these relationships? 

A: The MDM2 Consortium recognizes that authentic, long-standing community partnerships are central to economic development. Bringing LISC Phoenix into the consortium meant extending reach into neighborhoods and communities where trusted relationships already exist.

At LISC, we partner with organizations that have deep knowledge of the populations they serve. We provide capacity-building support, facilitate strategic collaborations, and help design solutions tailored to emerging community needs. Listening to these organizations—and responding with flexible, timely resources is how we support locally driven solutions. 

Programs That Deliver Measurable Community Impact

Q: Can you share examples of programs or initiatives where LISC Phoenix has effectively supported communities? 

A: I started at LISC in March 2020, during the onset of the pandemic. One of the first projects I helped facilitate was the rapid distribution of food grants. What struck me was how quickly our team gathered community input and mobilized support.

Another program I’m especially proud of is our work in the childcare sector. We helped create over 2,800 new childcare slots by providing infrastructure grants to expand capacity—ultimately resulting in over 2,800 new childcare slots. Today, we continue to support home-based childcare providers with homeownership opportunities.

And of course, there’s the ongoing impact of our FOC partners, who provide coaching and services that help individuals improve credit, boost income, and build wealth. These initiatives are a powerful engine for economic mobility.

Priorities for Building a Diverse Medical Device Workforce

Q: As the medical device manufacturing consortium looks ahead, what are the key priorities related to expanding the workforce, and how will success be tracked and evaluated? 

A: Through best practice exchanges and collaboration with local stakeholders, we’ve identified several key strategies. One is expanding apprenticeship and earn-to-learn models, which provide paid, hands-on training alongside formal instruction. These models build real-world skills and create employer-aligned talent pipelines.

We also see the need to co-design curriculum with employers to ensure training reflects real-time industry needs. It’s equally important to start early, building a strong K–12 pipeline with consistent exposure to careers in medical device manufacturing.

To track success, we can measure:

• How many students are introduced to the field

• Participation rates in training programs

• Career pathway development and placement outcomes

Centering Innovation and Access

Q: How does the consortium ensure that access is prioritized in the design and development of medical devices, particularly for communities that have traditionally faced barriers to healthcare?

A: Each of the consortium’s strategic pillars—incumbent worker strategy, lab-to-market, venture development, and workforce development—plays a role in advancing access to opportunity.

From a workforce perspective, exposure is key. The more individuals from under resourced communities learn about and engage in medical device design, the more likely they are to create innovations that reflect their lived experiences. For example, someone who grew up with limited rural healthcare access could design a device that directly addresses that challenge. Access starts by inviting people into the field and equipping them with the tools to lead.

Looking Ahead: A Vision Rooted in Community

Q: Anything else you’d like to share? 

A: I’m truly excited about the impact that the MDM2 Consortium can have. We still have a long road ahead, but I believe in the vision and strategy we’re building together. If we remain centered on community voice, inclusive opportunity, and shared growth, this work can benefit so many in our region.

About Mariana Torres

Role: Program Officer, LISC Phoenix Specialties: Workforce strategy, community partnerships, financial coaching integration, systems change Focus: Empowering under-resourced communities through economic development and career pathways