Meet Mirna Villa of Upskilling U Consulting and Training LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirna Villa.

Hi Mirna Villa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began with a deep passion for education, community empowerment, and creating equitable pathways to success. After graduating from Regis University, I started my career in a charter school as a Family Liaison—where I quickly discovered my gift for connecting with families and advising students on their post-secondary goals. What began as a support role quickly evolved into something greater, as I found myself guiding students through college and career planning, helping them navigate the same barriers I had once faced myself.

As a proud Latina, mom of three, and first-generation college graduate, I’ve always been driven by the desire to uplift others who are too often overlooked. That motivation led me to pursue a Master’s in Human Development & Education, where I deepened my understanding of how people grow, learn, and lead. Currently, I’m continuing that growth by pursuing a second master’s degree in Organizational Development and Executive Coaching—further expanding my ability to support individuals and organizations through meaningful transformation.

Over the past decade, I’ve designed and led workforce development programs, youth initiatives, and training experiences across K–12 schools, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions. Whether it’s developing strategic partnerships, launching mentorship programs, or designing bilingual workforce training, my work has always centered on equipping people with the tools they need to thrive.

In 2023, I founded Upskilling U Consulting and Training, LLC, a bilingual, woman- and Latina-owned firm committed to helping both businesses and individuals grow. Through customized training, grant writing, and strategic consulting, we support organizations in building resilient teams, launching innovative workforce initiatives, and creating opportunities that shift the trajectory of individuals and entire communities.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but every challenge has shaped who I am and how I lead today. As a first-generation college graduate, I had to navigate a lot of spaces without a roadmap. I often found myself being the only woman or person of color at the table, which pushed me to advocate not only for myself but for others whose voices weren’t being heard.

Starting my own business came with its own set of challenges—from figuring out how to balance entrepreneurship with being a mom of three, to learning how to scale services, secure funding, and build strategic partnerships without a large network or initial capital. There were moments of self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and growing pains, but they taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of staying connected to my “why.”

My “why” is grounded in both passion and purpose—making sure my family is healthy and thriving, while leaving a legacy of impact that inspires others to carry the work forward long after I’m gone. I’m driven by the belief that we can help individuals not only transform their careers, but change the trajectory of their families—creating real prosperity and long-term economic mobility. That’s what keeps me rooted and motivated every day.

What kept me going—and continues to fuel me—is seeing individuals and businesses thrive because of the work we’re doing. The impact we make, no matter how big or small, has the power to ripple through generations.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Upskilling U Consulting and Training LLC?
Upskilling U Consulting and Training, LLC is a bilingual, woman- and Latina-owned business dedicated to building stronger communities and more resilient workforces. We specialize in customized workforce development, strategic consulting, and grant writing—offering solutions that help individuals thrive and businesses grow.

What sets us apart is our people-centered, purpose-driven approach. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programming. Instead, we design tailored training and consulting solutions that reflect the unique needs of each client—whether it’s helping a nonprofit secure funding, guiding a corporation through workforce transformation, or developing an industry-specific apprenticeship program. We are deeply committed to reskilling and upskilling employees, and equipping organizations with the tools to build more inclusive, future-ready teams grounded in opportunity for all.

We’re known for our ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Our offerings include:

Customized workforce training programs (in English and Spanish)

Apprenticeship and internship program design

Strategic workforce planning

Small business systems implementation and planning

Career coaching and youth development

Grant writing and funding strategy

Leadership and mentorship training

What I’m most proud of is how Upskilling U shows up as both a connector and a catalyst. We bring together employers, educators, and community leaders to build sustainable pipelines of opportunity. Our impact is not just transactional—it’s transformational. We’ve trained over 200 professionals, partnered with nonprofits, technical colleges, and businesses, and continue to expand our reach across industries and regions.

At its core, Upskilling U is about legacy—empowering others to break cycles, create new pathways, and build better futures for themselves and their families. We want your readers to know that if they’re looking for a partner who brings innovation, opportunity for all, and meaningful impact to the table, we’re ready to walk that journey with them.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see significant shifts in the workforce development and training industry, driven by technology, demographic changes, and evolving employer needs. One of the biggest trends is the growing demand for skills-based hiring over traditional degree-based qualifications. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of hands-on experience, industry credentials, and soft skills—creating more opportunities for upskilling, reskilling, and non-traditional pathways to employment.

We’re also seeing a rise in digital transformation across industries, which means employees need continuous learning opportunities to stay competitive. Customized, bite-sized, and tech-enabled learning will become the norm—especially as remote and hybrid work environments remain in place.

At Upskilling U, we’re leaning into these trends by offering bilingual, industry-specific training, strategic workforce consulting, and flexible solutions that meet the needs of both businesses and learners. The future of this industry will be collaborative, personalized, and mission-driven—and we’re excited to be a part of shaping it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://upskillingu.com/
• Instagram: @upskilluevolve
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/upskilling-u-consulting-training/?viewAsMember=true