Natalie Rishe

Background

About Natalie Rishe

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development I sit at the intersection of design education & workforce readiness, supporting programs that connect learners to opportunities & organizations to skilled, motivated talent. With 20+ years in higher ed, I’ve crafted and supported pathways that blend creativity, technology & employability. • 20+ years teaching in higher ed art and design programs / 19 years FT • Curriculum Design & Implementation - course design, development & management • Development – industry training, L&D, workforce readiness, professional coaching • Career Advising & Mentorship – career coaching, executive coaching, brand development • CTE Leadership & Committee Work – workforce development, policy advising, community partnerships • Grant Writing & Program Funding – secured/managed $40K–$100K annually for technology, program innovation & professional development Human-Centered Support & Coaching I lead with empathy & believe growth is most powerful when people feel seen, heard & supported. My work centers on confidence-building rooted in the unique strengths individuals bring to education & the workplace. • Neurodivergent Student & Employee Support – student-centered learning, accessibility consulting, ADHD/Autism coaching • Deep Listening & Empathy – executive coaching, org culture consulting • Growth Mindset – student empowerment, leadership coaching, PD workshops Innovation & Strategic Leadership I guide teams with a future-ready mindset through uncertainty, disruption & change. My focus is on aligning innovation with values & sustainable impact. • AI Taskforce Leadership – policy development, ethical AI advisory, trend analysis, future of work consulting • Industry Roundtables – facilitated 2x yearly to connect stakeholders, foster thought leadership & strengthen collaboration • Adaptation & Crisis Leadership – led pivots during COVID-19, ensuring continuity, resilience & program innovation Design & Technology Integration As a creative professional & educator, I merge design thinking & tech fluency to elevate branding, digital presence & accessibility. I help students, organizations & small businesses tell stories that resonate & endure. • Creative Mastery – Adobe suite, Figma, Canva for brand development, marketing, UX/UI design, surface design, studio artist • Web Development (HTML/CSS, UI/UX) – web & digital strategy, content accessibility • Photography & Content Creation – visual storytelling, small business identity • Accessibility in Design & Web – inclusive design & compliance consulting