About us Our solutions ecosystem Stay informed Get involved Sign up
About us

Changing lives through opportunity

Founded in 2001, Torvu is one of the world's largest development organisations, connect individuals with opportunities that equips thousands of Americans with tools and resources they need to live their best lives.

2001
Year Torvu was founded in the United States
100,000+
Individuals supported through employment and workforce development programs
75%
Individuals who found employment through Torvu's programs withing 6 months
Our history

Over 20 years of impact

What began as a small community initiative in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 has grown into a national movement helping Americans overcome barriers to employment and achieve lasting economic independence.

2001

Founded in the United States

In the weeks following the September 11 attacks, thousands of Americans faced uncertainty, job loss, financial hardship, and disruption to their lives.

Torvu was established to help individuals and families regain stability through emergency assistance, workforce support, and community-based recovery efforts.

2009

Responding to the Great Recession

The financial crisis brought widespread unemployment and economic hardship across the country.

Torvu expanded its services to help displaced workers transition into new careers through skills training, workforce development partnerships, and employment placement programs.

Demand for assistance grew rapidly as communities sought practical pathways back to work.

2015

Building Employer Partnerships

Recognizing that sustainable change requires strong connections between job seekers and employers, Torvu established a national employer partnership initiative.

Businesses across multiple industries joined the network, creating opportunities for veterans, single parents, individuals with disabilities, returning citizens, and others facing barriers to employment.

This marked a major step toward creating direct pathways from training to employment.

2020

Supporting Communities Through the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the workforce on an unprecedented scale.

Torvu adapted quickly, launching virtual career services, remote skills training, digital literacy programs, and emergency employment support for individuals affected by layoffs and business closures.

Thousands of Americans received assistance during one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history.

2023

Expanding Access to Opportunity

Torvu introduced new programs focused on career advancement, financial stability, mentorship, and workforce inclusion.

Through partnerships with employers, community organizations, educational institutions, and workforce agencies, the organization expanded its reach and impact across the United States.

Today

A National Workforce Opportunity Network

Today, Torvu operates a growing ecosystem of workforce development programs, employer partnerships, career resources, and community initiatives dedicated to one mission:

Helping Americans overcome barriers to employment and build stable, prosperous futures.

Every service remains free to participants, ensuring that opportunity is accessible to those who need it most.

As we look ahead, our goal remains unchanged: connecting people with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.

A future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive through meaningful work

Torvu's mission is to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, achieve financial stability, and build pathways to long-term career success.

We do this through workforce development programs, career coaching, skills training, employer partnerships, and supportive services that connect people with real opportunities for economic mobility.

At the heart of everything is a simple belief: given the right support, resources, and opportunities, every person can build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

1

Integrity

We act with honesty, accountability, and transparency in everything we do. We earn trust by treating participants, partners, employers, donors, and communities with respect and professionalism.

2

Opportunity

We believe everyone deserves access to meaningful employment and the chance to achieve economic independence, regardless of the obstacles they have faced.

3

Inclusion

We create pathways for individuals who have historically been excluded from economic opportunity, including veterans, people with disabilities, returning citizens, single parents, and others facing barriers to employment.

4

Impact

We focus on measurable outcomes that improve lives. Through continuous learning, innovation, and evidence-based programs, we help individuals secure employment, increase earnings, and build lasting career success.

Torvu Founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed

For too long, people thought poverty was something ordained by a higher power, as immutable as the sun and the moon. This is a myth. Giving people hope and self-esteem may be the greatest investment in human capital.

Sir Fazle Hasan AbedFounder, Torvu
Leadership

The People Guiding Torvu

Our leadership team brings together decades of experience in workforce development, nonprofit leadership, employer engagement, education, and economic mobility.

Michael Carter, President & Chief Executive Officer
Michael Carter

President & Chief Executive Officer

Michael leads Torvu's national strategy and operations, overseeing programs that connect individuals with employment opportunities, workforce training, and long-term career advancement pathways.

With more than two decades of experience in workforce development and nonprofit leadership, he is dedicated to building innovative solutions that help people overcome barriers to economic opportunity.

Jennifer Rodriguez, Chief Program Officer
Jennifer Rodriguez

Chief Program Officer

Jennifer oversees Torvu's workforce development initiatives, career readiness programs, and participant support services.

She works closely with community partners, educational institutions, and workforce agencies to ensure individuals receive the training, resources, and guidance needed to achieve sustainable employment.

David Thompson, Chief Partnerships Officer
David Thompson

Chief Partnerships Officer

David leads employer engagement and strategic partnerships across the United States.

He collaborates with businesses, industry leaders, and workforce stakeholders to create employment pathways that connect skilled job seekers with organizations seeking diverse and talented employees.

Dr. Angela Brooks, Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Angela Brooks

Chair, Board of Directors

Dr. Brooks provides governance and strategic oversight for Torvu's mission and long-term growth.

A recognized leader in workforce policy and economic development, she helps ensure the organization remains focused on measurable impact, accountability, and expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities.

Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Torvu's commitment to expanding economic opportunity and workforce mobility has earned recognition from employers, community partners, workforce leaders, and nonprofit organizations across the United States.

2026

National Workforce Innovation Award

Recognized for developing innovative workforce programs that help individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term career success.

2024

Excellence in Economic Mobility

Honored for expanding access to workforce training, career coaching, and employment opportunities for underserved communities across the country.

2022

Community Impact Leadership Award

Recognized for helping thousands of individuals secure employment, increase earnings, and build pathways toward financial stability.

2020

Workforce Recovery Initiative Recognition

Acknowledged for providing virtual career services, digital skills training, and employment support to individuals affected by pandemic-related job losses.

Ongoing Recognition

Trusted by Employers and Community Partners

Torvu continues to be recognized for building strong partnerships between employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations that create meaningful employment opportunities and lasting economic impact.

Keep in touch

Whether you want to support our work, follow our stories, partner with us, or just stay informed — we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a message and we'll get back to you within two business days.

Send us a message

Our team will respond within 2 business days.