Asantewa K. Holley is the director of operations for Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC). NWTC is New York State’s signature workforce initiative under the Buffalo Billion initiative. Northland Workforce Training Center is an industry-driven, public-private partnership between employers, educational institutions, community and faith-based organizations, and state and local government. NWTC focuses on closing the skills gap of the local labor pool and creating economic on-ramps to training, co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment for Western New Yorkers seeking high-paying advanced manufacturing and energy careers.

Holley has worked in the financial industry for eighteen years, holding multiple operational management roles. In addition, Holley serves as an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center. Holley holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo and a BS in accounting from Empire State College. She is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Buffalo and a 2023 New York Association of Training and Employment (NYATEP) Workforce Academy graduate.

Holley serves as a board member for House Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) and the Michigan Street Preservation Corporation – Nash House, and as a trustee at True Bethel Baptist Church. Holley is a member of the National Black MBA Association, WNY Chapter. Holley has won several awards, including Business First 40 under 40 and the Buffalo Black Achiever Award.