University of Phoenix to Lead Panel Discussion About Higher Ed Career Ecosystems at Jobs for the Future Horizons Summit

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--University of Phoenix is pleased to share that leaders Christina Neider, Ed.D., associate provost, Colleges, Leo Goncalves, vice president, Workforce Solutions Group, and Sandip Bhakta, vice president of Product Management, Career & Student Experience, will join the Jobs for the Future (JFF) Horizons Summit June 10-11, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to serve on the panel, “Career Ecosystems in Action: Helping Advance Learning to Earning,” focused on building a dynamic, career-connected education ecosystem that bridges academic learning and real-world job readiness, on June 11, 2025, at 1:10-2:00 p.m. CT.

JFF Horizons is an event focused on innovation and thought leadership in every sector of the learn and work ecosystem, themed “Dare To Be Brave.” University of Phoenix is a partner with JFF and a supporting sponsor of the Horizons Summit.

“University of Phoenix designs academic programs from a deep understanding of career-focused working adult learners,” shares Dr. Neider. “We have leveraged our understanding to expand an ecosystem that equips students with market-relevant skills and career tools, turning academic achievements into career milestones, and transforming the educational journey of learning while earning.”

Employers, students and talent development partners will find this session offers actionable insights into a scalable model for career-centered learning. The panel features Neider, Goncalves and Bhakta discussing how the University of Phoenix integrates academic programs, employer engagement, and advanced technology to impact the journey from learning to earning.

“Today's learners want more than credentials, they want career progress. At the same time, employers are urgently seeking talent with the right skills to meet business demands,” says Goncalves. “At University of Phoenix, we're building an ecosystem that doesn't just bridge education and jobs: it actively connects the dots between what students learn, what employers need, and how we scale talent mobility. That's how we help learners pursue advancement, and organizations close skills gaps holding them back.”

Bhakta will provide session attendees with insights into Career Navigator, a personalized career guidance platform that helps learners explore pathways, define goals, and act on data-driven insights. “Within the Career Navigator, students can build a robust career profile by capturing the skills they have demonstrated in the classroom, as well as those they may have gained from prior work and life experiences. Those skills are then aligned to real jobs, helping students quickly identify opportunities in their career journey, while also helping employers with their talent sourcing needs,” shares Bhakta.

The session will highlight the University's collaboration with 2,000+ employers through its Adaptable Skills Solutions, offering customized workforce assessments in partnership with the University’s technology affiliate Skillmore™ and a transformational combination with professional development and discounted education benefits. Skillmore™ is a trademark of Talent Mobility, Inc., an affiliate of University of Phoenix and requires a separate agreement for its services.

Neider’s career spans over 30 years in academia, health care and the United States Air Force. She was recently promoted to Associate Provost and during her two decades at University of Phoenix, she has held academic leadership roles including dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences leading the program offerings in the social and behavioral sciences industries, associate dean of undergraduate studies in the College of Health Professions, dean of Assessment and assistant Dean of Curriculum. Prior to joining the University, Neider spent over 11 years in leadership roles in the United States Air Force including as a non-commissioned officer in-charge of instruction by managing training resources, classrooms, laboratories and equipment, and led teams to support aviation resources during peace and wartime missions. Neider holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University and graduate degrees in education (MAEd) and psychology (MSP) from University of Phoenix.

An experienced strategist with over 25 years of experience, Goncalves leads the national Workforce Solutions team focused on leveraging adaptable skills solutions for corporate, government, community college, and tribal segments, and is responsible for business development, customer success, sales operations, and product development. Prior to his current role, Goncalves served as vice president of Services Redesign at the University, where he led a team of over 50 individuals in supporting the service transformation agenda of the COO. His workforce insights have been featured in publications including The CEO Magazine, HR Executive, and Industry Week. Goncalves holds a Master of Business Administration with a major in Finance from The Wharton School and a Master of Arts in International Studies from University of Pennsylvania and is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Bhakta leads multiple empowered product teams, leveraging user-centric product methodologies to develop digital solutions aimed at helping students and alumni take charge of their career goals. He began his career at the University as a financial advisor and along his professional journey, has served in numerous managerial and leadership roles, including director of Financial Services and vice president of Financial Services. Bhakta has led and overseen many initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness and efficiencies – leading to improved staff performance and, importantly, student satisfaction and outcomes. He earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, and master's in business administration from University of Phoenix.

The Horizons Summit is driven by the JFF journey toward their established North Star: By 2033, 75 million people facing barriers to economic advancement will have quality jobs.

Learn more here about the JFF Horizons Summit.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.