Project Leadership
Core Team
Charles Sims | Project Director
Role: Strategic direction, employer partnership development, program design
Charles Sims is a technology transformation leader and founder of Skafld Studio, where he developed the "Hurricane Methodology" for executing high-pressure transformation projects within tight timeframes. His approach emphasizes rapid iteration, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcome delivery.
Relevant Experience:
- Led technology transformation initiatives at the LA Clippers and UTA (United Talent Agency)
- Developed frameworks for integrating emerging technology into established organizational workflows
- NYU-educated with deep understanding of educational systems and workforce development
- Track record of building cross-functional partnerships between technology and traditional industries
AI Studio Teams Role:
- Lead employer partnership recruitment and relationship management
- Design program structure and portfolio assessment frameworks
- Coordinate with district leadership for implementation alignment
- Oversee quality assurance and outcome measurement
Keith Coleman | Strategic Partnerships & Stanford Liaison
Role: Employer partnerships, workforce development strategy, Stanford collaboration
Keith Coleman is Co-Chair of the UN Joint SDG Fund Breakthrough Alliance and Founding Co-President Emeritus of Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs of Southern California. His career spans workforce development, economic opportunity, and building bridges between education and industry.
Stanford Affiliation:
- B.A. Economics, Stanford University (1986)
- Advisory Scholar, mediaX at Stanford University (2019-2022) - Industry Affiliate Program of Stanford's H-STAR Institute extended from the Stanford Graduate School of Education
- Active Leadership in Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs, TomKat Center for Sustainable Energy, Stanford Alumni in AI—connecting entrepreneurs with investors and mentorship platforms
- Active Connections to Stanford Technology Ventures Program, Stanford GSB Center for Social Innovation
Relevant Experience:
- UN Joint SDG Fund Breakthrough Alliance Co-Chair - Creating opportunities for all through tech, media, and markets; $290M+ portfolio across 150+ countries
- Capitol Partners General Partner (17 years) - Workforce development, economic opportunity, and coalition building with aerospace/defense community (AMP SoCal) and education pathways
- Alta Sea Partnership - Public-private partnership convening organizations in science, business, education and career pathways
- Climate Action Pathways for Schools - Green jobs and career pathway development
- Extensive consultancy with U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, DoD, and educational institutions on workforce development strategies
Education: Stanford University (B.A. Economics), University of Pennsylvania (M.A. Applied Positive Psychology)
AI Studio Teams Role: Oversee district/workforce alignment and credential validation, connect program to Stanford entrepreneurship and innovation networks, facilitate industry advisory council and micro-internship partnerships.
Advisory Support
District Partnership
El Segundo Unified School District provides institutional support including:
- Teacher mentor recruitment and professional development coordination
- Student recruitment access and demographic data for equity monitoring
- Facility access for weekly sessions and employer panel events
- Administrative oversight for student-employer interactions
Employer Advisory Council
A council of 12 employer partners will provide ongoing guidance on:
- Portfolio quality standards and industry relevance
- Skill requirements and assessment criteria
- Micro-internship program design
- Post-graduation pathway opportunities
Team Capacity
| Function | Lead | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Program Direction | Charles Sims | 50% FTE |
| Technical Development | Keith Coleman | 40% FTE |
| Mentor Coordination | District Liaison (TBD) | 25% FTE |
| Employer Relations | Charles Sims + Coordinator | 30% FTE |
| Evaluation | External Partner (TBD) | 15% FTE |