Be Pro Be Proud taps 30-year Alabama educator to lead statewide effort
Cindy Veazey brought decades of career-readiness experience to a program showcasing technical jobs through hands-on mobile workshops across Alabama.
Be Pro Be Proud Alabama announced Wednesday the appointment of Cindy Veazey as state director.
The organization, a licensed state chapter of the national nonprofit Be Pro Be Proud, said Veazey’s appointment marks the latest step in its effort to attract a new generation of skilled workers by promoting technical career opportunities.
Veazey brings more than 30 years of experience in school transformation and career-readiness programs to the role. She will oversee the organization’s expansion across Alabama and help deliver its mobile workshop program, which introduces students to careers in technical fields.
“Cindy has spent her career doing what great educators do best: helping students feel seen, supported and confident about their future,” Andrew Parker, executive director of Be Pro Be Proud, said. “Her ability to connect with young people, celebrate their strengths and help them find their paths makes her a natural fit for Be Pro Be Proud Alabama, which is powered by the Alabama State Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education division. We are so grateful for its partnership and support in bringing Cindy to our team. She is an incredible advocate for students, and we’re thrilled for her to bring that same heart and energy to our mission in Alabama.”
“The Alabama State Department of Education focuses on ensuring students see the full range of career pathways available to them while meeting the real-world needs of Alabama’s industries,” Dodd Hawthorne, assistant state superintendent for career and technical education and workforce development, said. “Cindy’s background in both school administration and student counseling gives her the distinct lens needed to guide Be Pro Be Proud Alabama, and we look forward to working together to make these paths more visible.”
According to the organization, Veazey has served in a variety of leadership roles, including as a high school principal and career and technical education director. Throughout her career, she has worked in college and career training, workforce development and stakeholder engagement. She holds an educational specialist degree in instructional leadership as well as master’s degrees in business education and counseling.
“Throughout my career, nothing has been more fulfilling than helping students recognize their potential and find the path that feels right for them,” Veazey said. “Joining the Alabama chapter of Be Pro Be Proud allows me to continue that work in a powerful new way, connecting students across Alabama with the people, resources and opportunities that can help them thrive in essential technical professions.”
Be Pro Be Proud launched in 2016 and has introduced more than 600,000 students to technical career opportunities, according to the organization. Alabama is one of eight states operating a licensed Be Pro Be Proud program.
