Leah Schneyer-VanZile walked into commercial baking competitions with confidence—and walked out with a broader vision for leadership. From finishing top five in the state as a freshman to being elected president of SkillsUSA Massachusetts, Schneyer-VanZile’s journey shows how career and technical education can fuel both ambition and impact.

What started as a practical decision to graduate as a “full senior” turned into a lifelong, learning-driven career for Sharon Clohesy. From discovering cosmetology by chance to opening her own salon and launching ROgHA Hair System, Clohesy’s journey shows how continuing to learn – far beyond required certifications – can turn a skill into a career and a career into a platform for impact.

When Brian Anastasio first stepped into the graphic design shop at Blue Hills Regional Technical School, he had no idea he’d one day become the voice telling the SkillsUSA Massachusetts story across its social platforms. Today, as the organization’s digital media specialist, he channels his own student experiences into telling the stories of others.

For Taunton High School senior Logan Rebello, what began as a love for cooking at home has grown into a journey that reaches far beyond the kitchen. The culinary arts student from Berkley spends much of his school day in the bustling Tiger Den restaurant or serving customers on the Tiger Truck food truck. But his story is also about finding his voice, first as a state SkillsUSA parliamentarian and now as the national Region 1 vice president.

For the past 18 years, Karen Meister poured her nursing experience, grit and heart into teaching health assisting at Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical School, which is tightly connected to SkillsUSA Massachusetts. The payoff wasn’t medals or résumés. Instead, it was the moment a student truly got it.

After discovering a passion for machining in high school, Manny Resendes turned a spark of curiosity into a 30-year global career in advanced manufacturing. Now back where it all started, he’s mentoring the next generation through SkillsUSA Massachusetts, helping students gain real-world experience—and a path to success in high-tech trades.

Meet Sosie, Zabel and Perry DerKosrofian: three names, three distinct passions and one powerful story of growth through SkillsUSA Massachusetts.

Massachusetts needs more carpenters, plumbers, roofers and electricians to meet housing demand and keep our economy strong. SkillsUSA Massachusetts students are stepping up – learning by doing, earning credentials and filling in-demand jobs across the state.

The organization’s annual Leadership Conference in late November kicked off the culmination of his hard work and dedication to skills education, as he presided over the meeting as state president.