Through intentional networking and collaboration, Hobbs has created and sustained a network of diverse nonprofits and other partners that impact the community and workforce positively. By connecting local employers with her trusted community relationships, she addresses a workforce development gap — essential to creating a DE&I plan that is strategic and viable for the blue-collar workforce. “I saw that employers were offering diversity, equity, and inclusion at a white-collar level, but not so much for our blue-collar workforce where it was really needed.”

Hobbs is also a concept originator of the Project Azul workforce development nonprofit, a group that helps English language learners and other underserved communities obtain skill-enhancing certification. They also help connect individuals with needed resources to be successful along with their newly earned certification. “I’m all about breaking the boundaries, changing things up, changing from the norm, especially when everything seems to always be so bland and so specific.”

Hobbs knows that she has a lot of work ahead of her, but she’s up to the challenge and is passionate to make a difference. “It’s about ensuring that everyone is being offered an equitable opportunity that they’re included in and that they can thrive in.”