Building the Future Workforce: A Q&A with Sianna McKinley

Last month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Sianna McKinley, who joined Launchpad as the Strategic Partnerships Director in October. With 10 years of experience in business development, recruitment, and hiring, Sianna brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She is responsible for cultivating new partnerships with local organizations, helping guide our students through the LiftOff phase and ultimately launching their careers in the tech industry.

In this conversation, Sianna shares her journey into partnership building, her passion for fostering meaningful connections, and how Launchpad students are poised to play a pivotal role in building the Gen Z workforce. Her work not only creates opportunities for our students but also contributes to a more inclusive, diverse, and innovative workforce that represents Philadelphia.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a Philly area native and big Eagles fan. It takes courage to blaze a new path and
reinvent yourself. My creative journey began in Philadelphia’s theatre scene and the restaurant industry, where I learned the value of resourcefulness, adapting to new environments, and the power of teamwork. These early experiences taught me to think on my feet, stay active, and approach every situation with a collaborative spirit.

Throughout my career in business development and partnership-building, my neurodivergent perspective and growth mindset have kept me determined to persist through obstacles and remain open to new possibilities. This role blends my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for forging innovative connections. I’m an out-of-the-box thinker who thrives on tackling tough challenges and constantly learning along the way.

What’s the story behind your journey to Launchpad, and what’s got you most pumped about taking on the role of Strategic Partnerships Director?

I was specifically looking for three things: (1) a way to build more pathways for early careers, as I saw how life-changing they could be for those in technical education, (2) a deeper connection to my own community, as the tech partnerships I had been building were more nationally focused, and (3) a strong belief that mentoring and coaching can have a powerful impact on the next generation.

Those were the three areas I was focused on when seeking my next opportunity to lead partnerships. When I met the students and the team at Launchpad, the mission and the people felt like the perfect next step in my career.

If you could be a superhero with the power to build incredible partnerships, what would it be and why—and how would you sum up your partnership approach in just three words?

If I had to choose a superhero, I’d pick Mrs. Incredible—though as an opportunity creator.

I’d have the superpower to create new pathways, uncovering hidden strengths in every person and matching them with opportunities where they can truly excel. It would empower people to be braver, embrace change, and open doors to new careers. In three words, my approach is: Connection, Trust, Transformation.

What excites you most about building partnerships in the tech and workforce development space, and what’s one trend you think will shape the future of these collaborations?

What makes 2025 and building partnerships so exciting is seeing how skills-based hiring and competency-based learning are poised to reshape our future. We are witnessing how AI is pushing companies to reinvent themselves to stay technically relevant.

I’m energized by working with companies bold enough to break out of outdated hiring practices and by the determination of our Launchpad students, who travel across the city, learn new skills and tackle challenges head-on.

Their determination reminds me that it’s time for honest conversations to support partners ready to remove unnecessary barriers and create fresh pathways into Philly’s workplaces.

Why should hiring our grads be every employer’s best decision of the year?

Hiring our grads should be every employer’s top decision because they are prepared to adapt quickly to the ever-changing tech landscape. They’ve honed the ability to learn rapidly, ask the right questions, and accept and apply constructive feedback with an open mind. Their unique perspectives, combined with practical training, ensure they are a step ahead of their peers. Hiring these grads isn’t just a smart move for your team; it’s an investment in the thriving economy we’re all striving to build.

What do you see as the biggest untapped potential in Philadelphia’s tech industry when it comes to local talent?

I think we’re just beginning to discover the untapped potential out there. If companies embrace initiatives like tech apprenticeships, rotational programs, and a skills-first approach, we can create a dynamic talent pipeline where our Associates put their training into action.

By partnering together to nurture local talent, we set the stage for a more resilient and forward-thinking tech ecosystem—a win-win-win for everyone involved.