Development Manager | Workforce Innovation
Arnold Lopez is a higher education and workforce innovation leader with deep expertise in college access, applied research, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit leadership. A first-generation college graduate from Southeast San Diego, he has built his career around expanding economic opportunity for students navigating the path from education to employment. Prior to joining STEM Advantage, Arnold worked on college access and workforce innovation development initiatives, conducted research at Harvard’s Project on Workforce, and led funding initiatives focused on aligning student preparation with real employer needs. He brings both the professional experience and the personal perspective to understand what it takes to help students, educators, and employers thrive in an AI-accelerated economy.