Sports Power Infrastructure and IWA Launch New York Energy + Manufacturing Workforce Initiative for Athletes

Sports Power Infrastructure™ (SPI) and the Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA) are launching a New York Energy + Manufacturing Workforce and Supplier Initiative connecting athletes with career, training, supplier, and industry opportunities. The initiative supports the closeout of IWA’s FutureReady Workforce Training Program, serving New York City and Long Island residents. Participants gain hands-on training, industry exposure, and employer connections in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and drone aviation.

Throughout fall 2026, participants will help develop the Workforce + Supplier Market Report for NY Energy + Manufacturing, focused on athletes of all ages and skill levels. Participants will share data on career interests, skills, certifications, business goals, and resources needed to enter these industries.

Meet the Teams

Four teams will compete for points, recognition, and premium sports and entertainment experiences.

🔴 RED TEAM | Captain: Tenicka
Junique Solomon, Jermaine Saintfleur, Vinci Bhardwaj, Matt Paolo Malabanan, Kevin Neverson, Patrick Norman
Jayden Desouza and Kumaar Pr

🔵 BLUE TEAM | Captain: William
Emily Tirado, London Russell, Davontae Truesdale, Marshall Stephens, Pate Balde, Ellisha Haynes, Melissa Taylor and Robert Grant

🟢 GREEN TEAM | Captain: Johnny
Derek Johnson, Ernest Mackins, Richard Net, Christopher Washington, Kristopher Edwards, Racine Evans, Ashton Pryam and Kayla Ramos

🟠 ORANGE TEAM | Captain: Rodini
Nicholas Linz, Desiree Levi, Jamel Grace, Tahlasia Allen, Ellisha Haynes, Melissa Taylor, Robert Grant, Joseph Neumayer and Jean Registre

Team scores will be updated weekly based on participation and engagement.

From Training to Economic Opportunity

The initiative focuses on three outcomes: building career credentials, developing industry relationships, and connecting opportunities back to local communities.

Participants will engage with employers, manufacturers, utilities, suppliers, workforce organizations, and community leaders while helping produce market intelligence to inform workforce and supplier investments.

The initiative will culminate during National Manufacturing Month with:

• October 7: Manufacturing Month Press Conference | Harlem
• October 22: Sports Power Energy + Manufacturing Social | Brooklyn
• October 31: Workforce + Supplier Survey closes

Employers: Connect With IWA

Employers looking to hire FutureReady participants or connect with emerging New York workforce talent are encouraged to contact the Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA). IWA can help employers identify candidates and explore hiring, internships, apprenticeships, training, and industry partnerships. Together, SPI and IWA are helping move participants from training and industry engagement to employment and economic opportunity.