Ernestine Chambers, President/CEO

Ernestine Chambers is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UpSkill Etc., an Economic Mobility & Workforce Studio dedicated to strengthening mindsets, advancing economic mobility, and transforming lives through leadership, workforce development, wellness, and systems change.

For nearly two decades, Ernestine has worked at the intersection of workforce development, leadership, organizational performance, and human behavior. She partners with government agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industry to design strategies that improve performance, strengthen leaders, and create lasting community impact.

Recognized as an innovative systems thinker, Ernestine has trained, coached, and facilitated professional development for more than 15,000 leaders, professionals, and emerging talent across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Illinois, North Carolina, and beyond.

Her expertise extends beyond workforce programming into executive leadership, organizational strategy, fiscal management, and public systems administration. Throughout her career, she has managed portfolios exceeding $150 million, helped secure more than $75 million in public, private, and philanthropic investments, and led complex initiatives across federal, state, and local government. Her work has consistently required executive oversight in highly regulated environments involving compliance, performance accountability, contract management, and cross-sector collaboration.

As a nationally recognized facilitator and keynote speaker, Ernestine has presented for organizations including the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), the Maryland Workforce Association, the Maryland Raising the Bar Conference, the Choice Means Choice National Conference, and numerous state and regional leadership events.

Beyond practice, Ernestine is an applied researcher and published academic author whose work explores how identity, environment, and decision-making influence leadership, workforce participation, and long-term success. She is passionate about translating research into practical strategies that help individuals and organizations achieve measurable outcomes.

She is the creator of several signature leadership frameworks and experiences, including:

• The Next Level Leadership Series — executive leadership development centered on accountability, mindset, and performance. 
• The Playbook — a leadership guide translating complex organizational concepts into practical action. 
• Savor the Moment — curated leadership dinners designed to foster meaningful conversations, networking, and personal growth. 
• The Confidence Lab™ — a transformational framework focused on identity, confidence, and professional presence. 
• The Boardroom in My Head™ — a podcast exploring the internal conversations that shape leadership, growth, purpose, and decision-making.
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As both an entrepreneur and executive leader, Ernestine believes sustainable change begins with people. Every initiative she develops is rooted in one central philosophy:

Strengthening Mindsets. Advancing Economic Mobility.