Biography
Shanena Lewis is a passionate Workforce Specialist at Catalyst Connection, committed to fostering inclusivity in the manufacturing sector. Since joining Catalyst in 2025, Shanena has leveraged her extensive experience gained from leadership roles at the Women and Girls Foundation, Allegheny County Criminal and Family Courts, where she focused on strengthening family connections through workforce development using a strength-based approach.
Shanena holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Geneva Christian College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Point Park University. Shanena has also received her grant writing certification from the University of Pittsburgh.
In her role at Catalyst Connection, Shanena oversees a variety of initiatives, including pre-apprenticeship programs, new school onboarding, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council registrations, and state reporting. She actively promotes School to Work programs and women through the Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations initiative.
Additionally, she manages the Apprenticeship Collaborative, which encompasses video production, partner engagement, and data collection, while also facilitating teacher involvement in the Industry 4.0 Teachers Academy.
Shanena’s impactful work in the community has earned her recognition for her efforts to combat gun violence, including a proclamation from Mayor Ed Gainey and an award from WPXI as a Community Champion.
Through her unwavering dedication to diversity and empowerment, Shanena is dedicated to creating pathways for all individuals to thrive in the evolving manufacturing workforce.