The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Hires Pavitra Ciavardone as CareerEdge’s Program Director

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Hires Pavitra Ciavardone as CareerEdge’s Program Director

SARASOTA, Fla. (December 15, 2021) — The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Pavitra Ciavardone has been selected to fill the role of Program Director for the Chamber’s workforce development program, CareerEdge Funders Collaborative. The mission of CareerEdge is to provide an exceptional labor force to the region’s growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships. At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, we understand that one of the biggest challenges our local businesses face is attracting, retaining, and developing talent. CareerEdge’s unique training programs are employer-led and demand-driven. Its innovative funding model enhances the regional workforce by way of employer-based upskilling workers grants, and wage reimbursement opportunities for internships and on-the-job training.

Drawing upon decades of experience that ranges from executive coaching and training to program development, to fundraising and community relations, Pavitra brings a passion for workforce development to her new role. Pavitra is a natural relationship builder, networker, and strategic planner. For the past four years, she has successfully developed strong business and nonprofit partnerships for Goodwill Manasota, while spearheading their community engagement and development efforts. Pavitra understands the importance of cultivating a skilled and prosperous workforce through purposeful initiatives that will benefit the Greater Sarasota community.

A former healthcare professional and wellness consultant for SHAPE Magazine, Pavitra believes in volunteerism as part of overall health and well-being. Pavitra focuses her volunteer activities on youth leadership and family services, enjoying many years as a public speaking coach for Girls Inc. and co-creator of Easterseals’ “Cope with Hope” program for parents of children with special needs.

“We are so pleased to have Pavitra on our team. She brings deep creativity, knowledge, and experience,” said Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge. “The workforce challenges we face right now are unprecedented. As CareerEdge strives to meet the workforce needs of our local employers, we are confident with Pavitra’s leadership, we will exceed their expectations.”