Purdue Polytechnic Names Associate Director

Purdue Polytechnic Institute plans to make WestGate@Crane Technology Park the first of several CareerMaker sites throughout Indiana aimed at connecting businesses with the tools needed for success. Because of the high potential for economic growth in southern Indiana, Purdue Polytechnic has chosen WestGate to serve as the launch site for its CareerMaker program. CareerMaker is a workforce development facilitator to help businesses develop and maintain the workforces they need. The program offers consultation, assessments, education, workshops, trainings and bridges to other resources that give businesses a competitive edge.

Doreen Gonzalez-Gaboyan has been named associate director for workforce development and head of the CareerMaker program at WestGate. She previously served as business development and outreach manager at Purdue University Northwest’s Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation. Gonzalez-Gaboyan has expertise in developing and executing strategic plans for engagement and acting as a liaison between collaborators on projects involving advanced technologies for workforce education and engineering.

The program is just one of several offered through Purdue@WestGate. Purdue Foundry, the award-winning startup accelerator program, already has provided entrepreneurial networking events like the Foundry Grounds, a weekly gathering where entrepreneurs present information about their startups, and Spirited Entrepreneur, an informal monthly gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, civic leaders and economic development leaders.

The Purdue Foundry’s Firestarter offers entrepreneurs with expert advice on startup creations from business plans to marketing research. Two entrepreneurs in residence also are available at the location to provide individual guidance and support for start founders.