We are excited to welcome Anna Hoehenrieder as the newest research analyst for the North Far North Center of Excellence (NFN COE). In her role, Anna will support the region with labor market research, help strengthen connections across institutions, and contribute to advancing workforce development efforts aligned with systemwide goals.

Q: What initially drew you to the North Far North Research Analyst position, and how has your experience so far aligned with those expectations?

Anna: I was drawn to this position because of the opportunity to work within the California Community College system, with its strong focus on education. The posting stood out to me since it allows me to use my existing skills to support institutions and make connections with professionals in the field. It’s an especially interesting type of analyst role. So far, my experience has been very much in line with those expectations—I’ve had plenty of opportunities to learn, network, and engage with stakeholders connected to workforce development. I’ve also gained a much clearer picture of labor market research and how the community college system is organized to use LMI in decision-making.

Q: Now that you’ve had some time in the role, what aspects of your work are you most excited to continue exploring or developing?

Anna: I’m really looking forward to expanding my skills with various software tools like Power BI and R, which will strengthen COE reporting. I’m especially excited about creating online dashboards for different projects and recurring requests. More broadly, I’m interested in supporting the system’s focus on apprenticeships—exploring how we can work more proactively to address stakeholder needs while advancing systemwide goals.

Q: Outside of work, how have you been balancing your time—and what do you enjoy doing to unwind or recharge?

Anna: This role has provided a great work-life balance, with flexibility for both in-person and remote work. I’ve enjoyed exploring Midtown, and during the summer my girlfriend and I like visiting local water parks and going hiking together. At home, I spend time relaxing—and I’ve been thinking about getting another cat to keep Yukichi, my first cat, company.

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We are thrilled to have Anna on board and look forward to the fresh perspective and expertise she brings to the NFN COE team. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!