BuildWithin Hires Corporate Affairs and Communications Veteran Philip Minardi to Lead Strategic Engagement Efforts

As new VP of Strategic Engagement, Minardi will Drive Partner Engagement, Brand and Marketing Efforts as Company Scales, Rolls Out Apprenticeship Programs in Five Key Innovation Districts Nationwide

BuildWithin, a venture-backed technology company and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approved Apprenticeship Intermediary, has added Philip Minardi to its executive team as Vice President of Strategic Engagement. In this role, Minardi will drive the company’s partner engagement strategy, working with both public and private entities - including large corporations, industry associations, non-profit organizations and international groups - to build awareness of and opportunity for technology apprenticeships. Minardi will also be responsible for managing BuildWithin’s brand, marketing, and external affairs’ efforts.

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Philip Minardi, VP of Strategic Engagement (Photo: Business Wire)

BuildWithin was founded in 2022 by Michelle Rhee, former DC Public Schools Chancellor, and Dr. Ximena Hartsock, founder of acquired SaaS company, Phone2Action. Rhee and Hartsock founded BuildWithin with the goal of not only building awareness around technology apprenticeships, but also changing how companies and recruiters fundamentally think about candidate sourcing and skills development, especially when it comes to non-traditional talent.

“I have known Philip for many years and have long been impressed with his ability to engage with and cultivate lasting relationships with key stakeholders, regardless of their industry or affiliation,” said Ximena Hartsock, BuildWithin’s co-founder and CEO. “Philip is also a master communicator, and his marketing skills and public affairs experience will be instrumental as we work to grow the BuildWithin brand on a regional, national and international level. He is a valuable addition to our executive team and we are thrilled to have him join us at such a crucial time in our growth.”

Prior to joining BuildWithin, Minardi served as global head of public affairs for Expedia Group, the world’s leading travel technology platform. During his seven-year tenure at Expedia Group, Minardi successfully built and scaled the company’s Public Affairs department into a global team driving corporate, public policy, advocacy, and communications results across borders and issues. Minardi joined Expedia Group from The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) where he led public relations strategy as the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs. Minardi also previously served as Press Secretary to United States Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC).

“Today’s talent marketplace is at a crossroads. Critical roles are going unfilled while millions of Americans search for their next opportunity,” said Minardi. “BuildWithin is at the forefront of a new movement to empower those individuals and companies to grow, adapt, and succeed in an ever-changing workforce landscape. The future of work is here, and I look forward to joining the BuildWithin team to help shape it.”

Minardi’s appointment comes on the heels of BuildWithin’s implementation of a $7.9M grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s ‘Apprenticeship Building America’ Program in five key Apprentice Innovation Hubs: Washington, D.C./Maryland, Northern Virginia, Chattanooga and Hamilton County, TN, Los Angeles County and Sacramento/Northern CA.

About BuildWithin

BuildWithin is a venture-backed technology company and Department of Labor approved Apprenticeship Intermediary. BuildWithin’s proprietary software makes it easier for employers and jurisdictions to manage apprenticeships and other workplace learning programs. Founded by Michelle Rhee and Ximena Hartsock, BuildWithin is dedicated to upskilling today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.buildwithin.com

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