Kay joined the staff of the Governor's Workforce Development Board as implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) began, contributing to the Board's organizational work that was required under the new federal law. She was the staff lead for the National Governors Association Talent Pipeline Policy Academy, a collaboration that brought together senior leadership from seven state agencies, including the departments of Employment and Economic Development and Education. She has contributed to the WIOA State Combined Plan and its modifications, as well as other publications, including the GWDB's Report to the Minnesota Legislature. Currently, a key focus is the GWDB's efforts to build industry-led sector partnerships at the state, regional, and local level.
After a career with domestic and international business development and project management roles in the private sector, Kay transitioned to the non-profit sector. At AccessAbility, based in Northeast Minneapolis, Kay served as the agency's Development Officer. In that role, she secured transitional work program funding for immigrants, refugees, veterans re-entering the civilian workforce, homeless individuals, and those with a history of incarceration. She has philanthropy community partnership experience with corporate and private foundations and the Greater Twin Cities United Way.
Collectively, these experiences inspired a passion for workforce development, especially for job seekers with significant barriers to employment. Kay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of North Dakota and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
