CooperKiasPortfolio – Activate CTE

Leadership, Advocacy, and Belonging

A national officer’s journey through skill-building, policy change, and making space for every student voice — on stage, in meetings, and behind the scenes.

2024/2025 National Officer Experience Portfolio

A Journey That Has Forever Changed My Life

Friendships That Will Last Forever

I could have never imagined how much the relationships that I formed would mean to me

Journeys That I Wish Would Never End

I will forever be grateful

Remember to lean on the people who get it!

‘Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”’ Bhavani Prasad I am Grateful for you always.”

While still taking steps to meet new people

Thank you SkillsUSA for giving me the gift of communication!

Embracing the Ability to Grow Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Elevating Your Skills

This event changed my life! 5 Year old Cooper would be so proud!

And Standing Firm on Foundation

Because I would Be Nothing Without My Team

Looking Forward to Serving Beside them for years to come!

To the Reedley College officer team — thank you for standing by me. “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” — Henry Ford

"As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has or ever will have something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression." - Mr. Rodgers

Hi, I’m Cooper Kias — a community college student, a National Postsecondary Officer for SkillsUSA, and an advocate for inclusive, accessible Career and Technical Education (CTE).

As a neurodiverse leader living with epilepsy, my journey has been shaped by both challenges and opportunities — from defending my chapter’s legitimacy to moderating national education policy panels and even learning to weld for the first time at Lincoln Electric Headquarters.

I’ve had the honor of representing students like me across the country, and every experience has reinforced my belief: leadership should be inclusive, accessible, and rooted in service.

About This Page

This page is a collection of my work during the 2024–2025 SkillsUSA officer term — the moments that challenged me, the events that inspired me, and the systems I’ve worked to improve.

It’s not just a highlight reel; it’s a reflection of how I lead: by showing up, speaking out, and making space for others.

Whether you’re a fellow student, advisor, policymaker, or partner in education — thank you for being part of this journey. I hope you find something here that informs, inspires, or empowers your own work in CTE and leadership.

Résumé & Ways to Connect

If you’d like a deeper look at my professional background, leadership roles, and technical experience, you can view my resume below. It highlights the skills, accomplishments, and values that shape my work as a SkillsUSA National Officer and an advocate for inclusive CTE leadership.

I’d love to stay connected! Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn or follow along on Instagram:

Voices of Support And Encouragment From My Mentors

Advice for Leaders

Cooper stood out to me as a leader from the first time I met him at the World Agriculteral Fair. His engagement with his peers, along with his meaningful and thoughtful statements, demonstrates his intelligence and compassion. I am sure he will be successful in any endeavor or arena he enters. My Advice for young leaders is, "Do not be afraid to be authentically and unapologetically yourself. Trust yourself and believe that there is no mountain too high to climb. Leadership is never easy, but those that rise to the occasion will make this world a better place"

As someone who met Cooper Kias early in his leadership journey, I can say with confidence that he embodies the very spirit of SkillsUSA. From his work founding a postsecondary chapter to mentoring others and earning national recognition, Cooper leads with integrity, vision, and service. I’ve watched him grow from a passionate student into a respected young leader who connects community and education with uncommon dedication. Cooper is exactly the kind of individual we need representing our students nationally — grounded, driven, and committed to helping others thrive. Proud to support him.

Cooper is proof that strength doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it stands quietly, keeps showing up, and builds something unshakable. That’s what has always stood out to me about Cooper’s leadership. He doesn’t lead for attention or applause... he leads by example. Even in the face of resistance, setbacks, or outright adversity, Cooper kept showing up. He listened when others spoke, stood firm in what he believed, and never stopped finding ways to serve those around him. In a world where leadership is often confused with volume or visibility, Cooper reminds us what real leadership looks like. It’s steady. It’s grounded. It’s full of heart. My advice for young leaders, and what Cooper has modeled so clearly, is this: Never underestimate the power of showing up with consistency, listening with intent, and leading with humility. That kind of leadership may not always make the most noise -but it always leaves the deepest impact. Cooper isn’t just a student leader — he’s a bridge builder and a powerful reminder that true strength speaks loudest through quiet integrity.- Jason Blackwell

Cooper Kias is a young man wise beyond his years. In every community event I’ve seen him step into — he brings maturity, energy, and true servant leadership. Whether leading SkillsUSA or working alongside adult volunteers, Cooper always shows up early, takes initiative, and earns respect through action. As John Maxwell said, “The best place for a leader... is where they can serve best and add the most value.” That’s Cooper. One piece of advice that I personally have for young leaders is to learn to engage with everyone from all walks of life. Over my years being in various leadership capacities, I have learned that all people are just that, people. It didn’t matter the title, rank, whether they were a government representative, someone of importance, rich or poor, most just love to engage with people and it’s in the networking, collaboration, and development of relationships where one learns that a true leader never tries to do it all on their own but rather its these same relationships that will be there to assist you in times of need. I have seen young and old answer the call when there is a need in the community that needs to be addressed. A true leader will learn to use every asset and have those close relationships in place that when the time arises they are prepared. In the same sense that same leader will be ready to step in and lend a hand when called upon. Mr. Kias to me already exuberates this trait in the few years I have known him and will do well in all he aspires to do in the future.- Trinidad Rodriguez

During our Oregon state Quiz Bowl competition, Cooper was assigned to help with logistics—setting up the room, organizing materials, and assisting the scorekeepers. Everything was running smoothly until one of the designated question readers didnt show up. With little notice and no prior experience in that role, Cooper volunteered to step in and read the questions for the event. At first, I could tell he was a little nervous. Speaking clearly, staying neutral, and keeping the game moving in front of an audience of students and teachers was a challenge. But Cooper took a moment to compose himself and stepped up confidently! As the rounds progressed, i could tell he found his rhythm, reading each question with clarity and fairness, responding calmly to any interruptions or challenges, and helping maintain a respectful, energetic environment. His ability to adapt quickly and lead under pressure made a real impact. Every teacher noted his poise, and competitors appreciated his smooth handling of the rounds. What started as a stressful situation became a moment of growth for Cooper. He learned that leadership isn’t just about having a title—it’s about stepping up when needed, staying calm under pressure, and supporting others so they can succeed. By the end of the event, I could tell Cooper had not only helped save the day but also discovered new confidence in his ability to lead. One piece of advice that I have for Young Leaders is Great leaders don’t wait to be called on, they step up when it counts. Listen first, act with integrity, and lift others as you lead. Stay humble, take responsibility, and lead with purpose. - Chuck Young

Thanks for connecting Cooper. Congratulations on your leadership role as a national officer. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime. I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. Always remember, lift as you climb. Adivce for young leaders: Success comes not from personal fame and recognition, but from what you can do on your life journey to lift up others. As you achieve success, always remember to lift as you climb.- Tim Lawrence

Personal Highlights and Achievements (Highs, Lows, and Buffalos)

Spotlight Projects from My National Officer Term

Every leader has a few moments that define their term — where effort, values, and visibility all come together.
These are the projects I’m most proud of, not just because of the outcomes, but because of what they stand for:
inclusion, resilience, service, and voice.

From national policy platforms to grassroots chapter advocacy, each spotlight below is a chapter of my journey.

Moderated National Policy Panel – WLTI 2024

At WLTI 2024, I was selected to moderate a national workforce policy panel featuring government and industry stakeholders. The panel focused on how CTE programs can align with labor market demands while ensuring equitable access to leadership, credentials, and career pathways.

In preparing for this panel, I consulted with students, crafted questions that reflected real educational barriers, and represented SkillsUSA members whose experiences are

often left out of national conversations – especially students with disabilities, students of color, and those from rural or under-resourced schools.

Exploring Skilled Trades Firsthand – Welding at Lincoln Electric HQ

During a national officer site visit to Lincoln Electric Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, I had the opportunity to engage directly with one of America’s most in-demand trades: welding. It was my first time stepping into the world of skilled metalwork — hands-on, high-stakes, and deeply respected in the CTE community.

I participated in welding demonstrations, learned from industry leaders about workforce trends, and came away with a deeper appreciation for the technical precision and career opportunity that trades like this represent.

🌐 Industry Insight: The U.S. faces a projected shortage of 360,000 welders by 2027, making exposure to these trades essential for future-ready leadership. (Source: American Welding Society

Hosted ELEVATE Fall Leadership Conference

Arizona, 2024

Delivered student training sessions to develop leadership and chapter strength
Represented the national team in mentoring new and returning members
Encouraged inclusive leadership across school types and ability levels

Five Year old Cooper would have been so proud of me!

Contributed to DEI Policy Development Discussion

SkillsUSA National Inclusion Update Post Presidential Executive Orders

Provided input on SkillsUSA’s updated diversity, equity, and inclusion language
Informed by federal equity guidance and Presidential directives
Shared insights based on lived experience as a neurodiverse leader

Advocating for Chapter Support, Due Process, and Policy Reform

During my term as a National Officer, I encountered a procedural conflict that led to the abrupt challenge — and immediate removal — of my officer status, despite having been duly elected, officially endorsed, and actively serving in my role. The process lacked transparency and bypassed essential steps of accountability and communication, leaving my chapter and me without clear guidance or recourse both on the college level and also at the State SkillsUSA Level. Im not going to lie this process changed how I lead, but I am proud that it did not fundamentally change who I am, or who I want to be.

Rather than disengage, I took action.

I documented every step, coordinated communications across state and national levels, and continued to advocate not only for my own due process, but for the rights of future and even past student officers facing similar institutional challenges. I engaged SkillsUSA leadership with constructive feedback and proposed policy improvements focused on:

Clarifying chapter eligibility and advisor requirements
Establishing transparent procedures for officer review or removal
Creating support mechanisms for students navigating disputes or structural changes

This experience affirmed my belief that when student voice is excluded, organizations risk losing both talent and trust. My advocacy is now helping shape reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive, resilient framework — where leadership is protected, not politicized.

“I wasn’t just advocating for myself — I was building a path forward for future officers to lead without fear, with clarity, and with the full support they deserve.”- Cooper Kias

Collaborated with National Epilepsy Foundation

Disability Leadership in CTE

Partnered to develop recommendations on inclusive leadership practices
Addressed the intersection of student health, accommodation, and public service
Promoting long-term equity and access for students with disabilities in CTE spaces

Judging & Speaking Engagements – Oregon SkillsUSA and TSA

In Spring 2025, I was invited to serve as a competition judge and be a speaker at both the Oregon SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference and the Oregon TSA State Conference.

Judged student leadership a
nd presentation events, offering detailed, constructive feedback grounded in national standards and student empowerment
Engaged with state-level stude
nt officers, a
dvisors, and i
ndustry partners to promote collaboration and equity in technical education
Brought lived experience and national perspective to regional student development spaces

“It’s a privilege to return to these events — not just to lead, but to uplift the next generation of students who are finding their voice through service and skill.”- Cooper Kias