The Fortitude Team
Our Leadership Team has the responsibility for the operations of Fortitude Careers. The group consists of individuals with relevant expertise in the fields of nonprofit management, corporate management, youth development, and construction trades business practices.
With an accomplished 30-year career in Corporate America, Nicole is passionate about helping young adults to maximize their potential. As the founder of Fortitude Careers, she had a vision to break down the barriers to the trades and provide guidance to young adults who are ready to develop a career.
Nicole's extensive background includes significant roles at corporate leaders like Lexis Nexis and Dow Jones, where she gained valuable insights into executive leadership and workforce dynamics. Her mission is to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that the next generation of workers is prepared to meet the demands of today’s employment landscape.
Driven by her belief in the potential of young adults, Nicole focuses on promoting “Life Mastery”, helping to build skills in communication, teamwork, personal responsibility, and financial literacy. All elements that provide a stable foundation for any professional experience.
In her time outside of the program, Nicole is devoted to her “canine kids” and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Davis, Founder / Executive Director
Amanda brings more than 15 years of experience supporting community-based programs with a strong focus on participant success, program operations, and relationship building. As Program Coordinator at Fortitude Careers, she plays an integral role in creating organized systems, coordinating partnerships, and fostering a welcoming environment where participants feel supported and empowered to grow.
Amanda’s background includes experience in trauma-informed practices, participant support, and cross-functional coordination. She is known for her thoughtful communication style, attention to detail, and ability to build meaningful connections that help both individuals and programs thrive.
Passionate about creating positive community impact, Amanda is dedicated to helping young adults navigate opportunities, overcome challenges, and build confidence as they pursue meaningful careers in the trades.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys living in beautiful Half Moon Bay with her partner and their two pups.
Amanda Jones, Program Coordinator
Dana is an exceptionally skilled professional with a rich background in small business and non-profit management, particularly in renewable energy, architecture, construction and engineering sectors. Her high emotional intelligence (EQ) and entrepreneurial mindset are highlighted in her 20 years of experience as a consultant, senior leader, and business partner. Dana's multifaceted skills encompass creative problem-solving, development of solutions in various domains (departments, people, technology), forging cross-team alliances, financial and fund accounting, and executing strategic plans. Her adeptness at stakeholder engagement and relationship cultivation with founders, visionaries, and subject matter experts reflects her innate talent for using the 1+1=3 concept.
Dana Talise, Capacity Building Consultant
Dave brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, with a diverse background spanning residential, commercial, healthcare, and industrial projects. As Trades Instructor at Fortitude Careers, Dave leads hands-on skills training and helps participants build the practical knowledge, confidence, and work ethic needed to succeed on real-world jobsites.
With extensive experience as a construction project manager, Dave coordinates industry-led workshops and oversees tools, materials, and inventory to ensure participants receive safe, high-quality, and industry-relevant training. His approachable teaching style and deep understanding of the trades help create an engaging learning environment where students can develop both technical skills and professionalism.
Outside of Fortitude, Dave enjoys traveling and exploring new music whenever he has the chance.
Dave Gremaux, Trades Instructor
The Curriculum Team
Subject Experts
Evan Sims and Kristina Banfield - Construction Pre-Apprentice, Leadership Program
Gabriel Salazar - Financial Literacy Program
Nicole Davis - Life Mastery / Emotional Intelligence
Will Corvin and Aliena Coleman - Career Services Program
Content Design
Katie St. Pierre, Simone Arthur, Alexandra Baltodano , Kristin Lampros - Content Designer Volunteer Recruitment, Onboarding, Training, and Team Management.
Content Design Team Leads:
Ruth Manlandro and Sarah Tran - Math Curriculum
Kristin Lampros, Shacana Andre, Christa Kratowicz - Financial Literacy
Kristin Lampros - Emotional Intelligence
Kiauna Browning Coleman and Aliena Coleman - Career Services
Dian Dewi, Alexandra Baltodano - Construction Industry History
Hilary R. Johnson, Ph.D., Amber Sladek - Safety and Practical Skills