About me
Renato Freitas is the Program Coordinator for the How I Reach Employment (HIRE) Program at Fort Myers Technical College in Florida. With nearly two decades of experience in education and workforce development, Renato leads a transformative post-secondary transition program that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to develop essential skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and secure meaningful employment.His expertise in inclusive Career and Technical Education (CTE) is further distinguished by his selection for the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship. Through this fellowship, Renato collaborates with a national network of leaders to refine his executive skills and advocate for equitable access to high-quality technical education.A dedicated advocate for students with unique abilities, Renato has been instrumental in expanding CTE access by fostering strategic partnerships between instructors, employers, and community stakeholders. His leadership has driven the growth of the HIRE Program, incorporating innovative instructional models and work-based learning pathways tailored to regional economic needs. Beyond his local impact, Renato serves as the Vice Chair for Career & Technical Education at the Southeast Post Secondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), where he works to increase workforce inclusion across the region.Renato holds a Master’s degree in Education from East Carolina University. Committed to mentorship both in and out of the office, he is a fixture in his community as a competitive youth and high school soccer coach, dedicated to helping the next generation reach their full potential.
