Awards, Recognitions, Testimonials

Always grateful to work with like-minded collaborators who put students first, find joy in innovation, and contribute to the success of initiatives.

Career Z Challenge Semifinalist

The Future Shapers Academy was one of only two projects in California, and one of 80 across the country selected as a semi-finalist in U. S. Department of Education Career Z Challenge to create innovative work-based learning experiences. (2023)

2024
CTE Administrator
of the Year

ACSA Region 12

From colleagues...

Working with Hillary has not only been a pleasure, but an exercise in creative partnership and collaboration. This is because she brings both deep commitment to K–12 education and a genuine passion for doing what’s best for kids. Her background outside of education gives her a unique edge and the foundation of her advocacy for career readiness, post-secondary success, and ultimately helping schools connect classroom learning to real-life outcomes. Hillary leads with heart, insight, and purpose; and the impact on students’ achievement shows.

Ryan Rainbolt, Enchanted Education

In 2023-2024, the Fontana Unified School District's Career Technical Education students were able to participate in the City of Fontana's downtown revitalization project through their involvement in the district's Future Shapers Academy. Future Shapers is a work-based learning initiative designed to provide real-world application of career technical skills. The students in the program met twice each month to solve a series of design challenges under the mentorship of local industry experts, including the Western States Carpenter's Union, the Teamsters, Ironworkers, and more. Each challenge introduced new skill sets, until the students were ready to work in teams on the culminating project: propose a design for an actual parcel that was to be part of the revitalization development. In May 2024, students from seven teams presented their fabricated designs, and two of those designs mirrored plans that the city is now working with developers on, effectively incorporating their ideas into the actual redevelopment plan. The program elicited creativity from each group of students while providing real world work experience for each. I was honored to play a small role in the program and look forward to the impact that these young entrepreneurs and thought leaders will have on the City of Fontana.

Phil Burum, Fontana Deputy City Manager

I’ve had the privilege of working with Hillary Wolfe on multiple Work-Based Learning projects that prepare students for future careers, and her leadership and creativity have consistently made a meaningful difference. One standout example is the Art Work is REAL Work project, where Hillary not only supported high school students in collaborating with a professional artist and industry experts, but also facilitated the critical connections between school administrators and teachers that made the project possible. Together, students designed and created a mural installation addressing community issues such as health, conservation, social equity, and civic participation. From guiding students through engaging sessions, meeting artists and industry leaders, exploring local issues, developing imagery, and producing a hands-on mural, to ensuring community awareness and follow-up, Hillary has demonstrated her ability to connect students to authentic learning experiences that build both career readiness and civic responsibility.

Shehzad Bhojani - Program Manager, Alliance For Education
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools