Laura Heller

Senior Director, Initiatives

Laura Heller joined CAEL in 2022 and manages workforce & economic development projects focused on using data to support competency/career map development and stakeholder engagements to maximize client impact for adult learners. She has extensive expertise with federal grants and apprenticeships and robust project management experience with various clients and stakeholders. 

Heller served as Director of Administration at Midwest Urban Strategies, leveraging assets with workforce development boards across the Midwest to innovate and maximize services to drive local economic change. Before that, she spent six years at WRTP/BIG STEP (Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Building Industry Group Skilled Trades Employment Program). 

She began her career as Program Coordinator, supporting the BIG-STEP state-certified pre-apprenticeship program and entry-level construction training cohorts. She progressed to Construction Project Manager, where she was recognized as a Daily Reporter Women in Construction Honoree in 2020. As the Milwaukee Regional Director, she was responsible for the day-to-day operation of construction trade programs, developing creative strategies to address workforce issues, and supporting regional economic diversification. 

Heller earned her Bachelor of Arts in Professional & Technical Writing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has completed several nonprofit management, fundraising, and revenue development continued education courses.