TradeUp is designed to help Palm Beach County high school students in grades 10-12, explore careers and skilled trades. We combine mentoring, guidance, and hands-on experiences to make workforce pathways feel accessible and achievable, regardless of background. TradeUp offers personalized coaching, career exploration in real world settings, and internship opportunities that build confidence, practical skills, and a clear plan for success. Our goal is to expand options, reduce barriers, and empower students to navigate vocational education and career pathways together.
How to apply
Make sure your household size and income listed on your tax return meet our guidelines, see the Income Eligibility Chart below.
Provide your financial eligibility documents in the website application.
Please contact Zana Sledge, TradeUp Initiative Lead
Meet Our TradeUp Founder
Jeffrey Firestone is the CEO and Founder of ChariTEES® and the founding donor and visionary behind TradeUp. Jeff believes every student deserves a clear path to a career, even if college isn’t the right fit. TradeUp gives students a path into trade careers while helping build stronger Florida communities.
Meet the Team
NANCY STELLWAY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LIDIA VARGAS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DANIELLE OLDHAM
Executive Director
PATRICIA POLDO
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC GIVING
SHANIA J. ROWLEY
Manager of Postsecondary Success
ELISSA SOREL
MENTOR MANAGER
HEATHER BENNETT
Donor Relations Manager
KATHERINE MACKSEY
Fundraising Operations Specialist
HOLLY POINSETT
GRANTS MANAGER
WANDA KIRBY
Program Specialist
JULIA "JJ" SILVA
FINANCIAL AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
CAMILLE “CAMI” POTTILLO
Student Services Manager
JOANNE SILME
Marketing and Communications Specialist
ALISSON B. SEALY
College Readiness Coach
ZANA SLEDGE
TRADEUP INITIATIVE LEAD
Helen “Ella” Danzig
College Readiness Coach
Sandrine Petit-Frere
College and Career Success Specialist
Chloe Pierre
College Readiness Coach
