Theresa Riley
Theresa Riley is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a deep passion for workforce development, talent strategy, and empowering people through creativity and connection. With over a decade of experience in building employer partnerships, leading national initiatives, and driving organizational growth, she has cultivated a career dedicated to aligning people, purpose, and performance. As a former Director of National Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, Theresa led strategic programs that bridged workforce needs with training and opportunity—strengthening pathways for diverse talent across industries.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Theresa is the Owner and Founder of ToastEcandy, a lifestyle and gift brand that embodies her belief in creativity, empowerment, and joy. Through her ventures in e-commerce, Amazon KDP publishing, and YouTube content creation, she designs products and stories that inspire women, families, and entrepreneurs to live authentically and pursue their passions. Among her published works are You Are Enough: Living Loved, Whole, and Free and The Adventures of Randy and Mandy, both of which reflect her uplifting and imaginative approach to storytelling and personal growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Theresa is a devoted wife, mother of two, and lifelong learner with a Black Belt in Taekwondo and a Green Belt in Kung Fu—a testament to her discipline, balance, and resilience. She holds a Master’s degree in International/Global Studies from Arizona State University and has studied abroad in Japan at Kansai Gaidai University, experiences that shaped her global mindset and appreciation for cultural diversity. Theresa continues to bring strategic vision, creativity, and heart to every endeavor—whether leading teams, building brands, or inspiring others to grow into their fullest potential.
• Ability to Execute (A2E) Essentials
• Developing Your Emotional Intelligence
• Google Calendar Essential Training
• Google Drive Essential Training
• Learn Emotional Intelligence, the Key Determiner of Success
• Learning Salesforce
• Time Management Fundamentals
• Developing Your Leadership Philosophy
Leadership: Practical Skills
• Executive Leadership
• Leadership Foundations
• Recharge Your Energy for Peak Performance
• The Mindful Workday
• Arizona State University - MA
• Alpha Kappa Psi
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the love and support of my family, which continually inspires and grounds me. I’m also deeply motivated and driven to achieve my goals. As a self-published author of You Are Enough, I take pride in sharing my journey and encouraging others to recognize their own worth and potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I can do anything I set my mind to—as long as I dare to dream it and am willing to work hard to make it happen.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to never doubt yourself. Believe in your abilities and trust your instincts—remember, you are often your own biggest critic, so give yourself the same grace and confidence you would offer others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is finding balance—being present for my children and husband while also making time for myself and my career. However, I also see this as an opportunity to model balance, resilience, and self-care, showing that it’s possible to pursue professional goals without losing sight of what truly matters at home.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, continuous growth, and lifelong learning. I believe in challenging myself to learn something new every day, as growth keeps me inspired and engaged. I especially enjoy learning new languages—it’s one of the many ways I expand my perspective and connect with others.