Elevate+ Appoints Workforce Development Leader Dr. Kristina Testa-Buzzee to Board of Trustees
The Elevate+ Board Adds Economic Mobility Expert as Trustee
Elevate+, committed to expanding access to paid internships and professional development for underserved students, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristina Testa-Buzzee to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Testa-Buzzee brings over 20 years of experience advancing economic mobility through innovative workforce development strategies. She currently serves as Grants Performance Manager at the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy, where she works with federally funded, multi-sector training programs across the state. Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Dr. Testa-Buzzee’s deep local knowledge and statewide leadership reflect Elevate+’s growing investment in the region and its commitment to scaling its programs in the state.
“Kristina brings a rare combination of systems thinking and community-grounded leadership,” said Stacey Slater, Chair of the Elevate+ Board of Trustees. “She understands how to build cross-sector coalitions that create real pathways to opportunity, and we are fortunate to have her perspective at our table.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Testa-Buzzee has held key leadership roles in higher education and government, including Chief Regional Workforce Development Officer for Connecticut State Community College and Dean of Workforce Development at Norwalk Community College. She has built and sustained high-impact programs focused on career pathways, adult education, and immigrant workforce readiness—experience that closely aligns with Elevate+’s mission to level the playing field for underserved students.
“We’re proud to welcome Kristina to the Board, not only for her incredible expertise but because she represents our deepening commitment to students in Connecticut,” said Andrew Walker, Founding Executive Director of Elevate+. “As we expand our presence there, her insight into local workforce needs and institutional partnerships will be instrumental to our impact.”
“I’m honored to join the Elevate+ Board and support an organization that is opening doors for young people who have historically been excluded from these kinds of opportunities,” said Dr. Testa-Buzzee. “The commitment to paid internships and long-term student support is exactly the kind of systemic change we need to promote economic mobility.”
Dr. Testa-Buzzee holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University, an M.A. in Student Personnel Administration from NYU, and a B.A. in Communications from Western Connecticut State University.
With her appointment, Elevate+ continues to strengthen its Board with seasoned leaders who share its vision: to ensure that a young person’s future is determined not by circumstance, but by talent, ambition, and drive.
