Staff: Ishtar Pady, BA

Ishtar Pady serves as the Program Manager for Community-Based Initiatives in the Center for Workforce Development at William James College. In this position, she provides administrative and operational leadership for community-based workforce development programs, including the Skills Training for Equitable Pathways (STEP) in Behavioral Health program. She oversees participant recruitment and engagement, strategic partnerships, internship placements, data management, and programmatic events. She works collaboratively with community organizations, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders to create accessible and responsive pathways for individuals pursuing careers in behavioral health and human services.
 
Prior to joining William James College, Ishtar served as a Case Specialist at the International Institute of New England, where she supported culturally diverse individuals and families in accessing essential resources, including healthcare, housing, education, employment, and public benefits. Her work centered on reducing barriers to stability while providing culturally responsive, person-centered support to immigrant and refugee communities resettling in the USA.
 
Previously, Ishtar spent more than five years with 410 Bridge Haiti, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable community development. As Sponsorship Program Coordinator, she managed community-centered projects, oversaw program budgets, and improved operational systems to better align organizational resources with community needs. Her earlier experience in administration and human resources further strengthened her expertise in organizational operations, cross-cultural communication, and collaborative leadership.
 
Ishtar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from the Université d'État d'Haïti (UEH) and completed the Community Health Workers Training Program at William James College. Fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, she brings a global perspective and deep commitment to equity, mental health advocacy, community empowerment, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.