Corina Isabel Zepeda
Corina I. Zepeda is a respected workforce development strategist, executive speaker, and community builder with more than a decade of experience designing systems that connect education, industry, and community priorities. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Corina Isabel Innovative Collective, she is known for her ability to translate complex workforce challenges into clear, scalable strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. Her core areas of expertise include workforce development, education-to-industry alignment, talent pipeline strategy, and community-based economic development, with a focus on creating sustainable solutions that benefit both employers and workers.
Corina’s career spans leadership roles across higher education, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial environments, where she has consistently advanced innovative workforce initiatives. Her work includes spearheading employer training partnerships at Texas State Technical College, advising on apprenticeship and customized training programs, and contributing to the development of Austin Community College’s Mobility & Infrastructure career pathways. Through Corina Isabel Innovative Collective, she provides strategic consulting, program design, and operational guidance to organizations throughout Texas, helping them secure grant funding, align credit and non-credit education pathways, and build strong employer partnerships—particularly within high-growth sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and aerospace. One of her most notable professional achievements is the successful launch and growth of her consultancy, which has become a trusted partner for organizations seeking to scale workforce impact with clarity and purpose.
Beyond her professional work, Corina is deeply committed to civic engagement and community leadership. She is actively involved with chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and regional workforce organizations, and serves as a founding member of the Hutto Organization for Latino Advocacy (HOLA!), where she helps amplify underrepresented voices and expand economic opportunity. Her leadership is grounded in the values of authenticity, service, collaboration, and impact, guiding both her professional and personal endeavors. Outside of work, Corina is passionate about entrepreneurship, supporting local businesses, and community building, including the launch of a catering venture with a colleague. She credits her growth to mentors and community leaders who emphasized accountability and service, as well as to hands-on leadership experiences that continue to shape her mission-driven approach to creating lasting, community-centered workforce solutions.
• Ashford University - BS
• "Ally in Workforce", Austin Regional Manufacturers' Association
• "Top 100 Growth Acheiver", Scouting America, BSA
• "Pat Cassidy Volunteer of the Year" Award Nominee, Hutto Chamber of Commerce
• "Women of Wilco" Awards Nominee
• Co-founder, Hutto Organization for Latino Advocacy (HOLA!)
• Ray Elementary PTA
• Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, Talent and Workforce Development Committee
• Texas Defense Aerospace Manufacturing Steering Committee
• Chair of City of Hutto Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Commission
• CAPCOG Economic Development Committee
• Round Rock Chamber Talent Development Council
• Deputy Voter Registrar, Willliamson County)
• Friends of the Hutto Public Library
What do you attribute your success to?
Corina attributes her success to intentional relationship-building, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of purpose. She believes meaningful progress is achieved when people collaborate across sectors, take initiative, and work together to solve real-world problems with clarity and impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I am truly a BIG IDEAS thinker- and the best career advice which I have ever received is from a pastor who was breifly my direct supervisor at a large non profit. During a time of professonal crises he assured me with this advice: "Don't cast pearls before swine... don't give them your unique ideas - it's not FOR them; they don't appreciate them, the don't want them...they do not deserve them".
That advice has grounded me so many times and helped me walk back from frustration. It is very important to be mindful of who we share our ideas with. Not everyone will understand them while many of those same persons, (especially those who are deeply insecure in their own station) will criticize, dismiss or claim new ideas as their own.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Corina encourages young women to study the labor, education and talent data which is already available for their own region or state. The US Dept of Labor partners with state level agencies primarily through WIOA to help drive workforce development and innovation. Just as important is to become involved with local trades groups, higher education, econoimic development and chambers of commerce. It is critical to ask questions, offer time on committees and boards, speak up, take initiative, and not wait for permission to lead. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, understanding how systems operate, and trusting in one’s own ability to create meaningful change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Corina identifies one of the biggest challenges in her field as aligning education systems with rapidly evolving workforce talent needs. At the same time, she sees significant opportunity in cross-sector collaboration, workforce innovation, and community-based solutions especially in regions experiencing sustained economic growth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I highly value being who I am without apology or excuse, being of service, integrity, confidence and trust.
Locations
CI Innovative Collective and The Board Palate
Hutto, TX 78634