The Medical Center of the Americas (MCA) Foundation recently hired Brenda Durner as its Workforce Coordinator. Brenda will lead MCA’s workforce development activities which focus on career exploration within the life sciences industry, teaching STEM concepts and hosting STEM camps at the Cardwell Collaborative, and creating awareness about biomedical career opportunities in the El Paso region.

“The MCA Foundation’s mission to create a life sciences ecosystem that competes globally must be supported by a strong workforce and STEM talent pipeline, says Jackie Butler, Senior Director of Operation at the MCA Foundation. “Brenda will work across the MCA’s programs and with our education and community partners to support and bring more STEM activities, programs, and opportunities to our region’s students from K – 12+.”

Brenda has over ten years of experience collaborating with state and local commerce to establish funding for numerous nonprofit organizations. More recently, Brenda was a technology teacher and facilitator in North Carolina where she led staff development and training programs. Brenda is excited to work with school district administrators, teachers, and parents and create rich educational experiences for students.

“Middle school students are naturally curious and are beginning to decide what career path they’d like to take. It is vital they are exposed to STEM during these years to better prepare them with problem-solving skills, and ensure they know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions,” says Brenda. “I am overjoyed to be part of an organization that values innovation, but most importantly I am excited to be able to provide the resources for El Pasoans wanting to make a difference.”

To learn more about the work the MCA is doing to foster a biomedical workforce, visit the MCA website at mcamericas.org.