EAST LIVERPOOL — Jessica Martin Borza will serve as the keynote speaker for the 152nd Commencement Ceremony for the East Liverpool High School Class of 2026. The graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m. in the East Liverpool High School Potter Fieldhouse.

Borza, an East Liverpool High School alumna from the Class of 1994, is a distinguished leader in workforce development who has dedicated more than 20 years to helping individuals discover meaningful careers and achieve their full potential. She currently serves as Managing Director of Workforce Services for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), where she leads Ohio’s statewide manufacturing workforce strategy — supporting one of the state’s largest and most vital industries, employing nearly 700,000 Ohioans.

In her role at OMA, Borza collaborates with employers, educators, and public partners to align education and training with real-world career opportunities. She has helped build a network of 20 industry-led partnerships that connect students and job seekers to in-demand careers across the state, while advancing initiatives focused on expanding career pathways, increasing awareness of high-demand jobs, and equipping individuals with skills for long-term success.

Prior to her statewide leadership, Borza served as the founding Executive Director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition (MVMC), where she worked with more than 100 stakeholders across manufacturing, education, workforce, and economic development sectors. During her tenure, she attracted and managed an unprecedented level of federal investment, launched a 14-county manufacturing apprenticeship collaborative, and developed nationally recognized training models that expanded access to career opportunities — especially for underserved populations.

Borza is a graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and holds a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she and her husband co-own Pondi’s Restaurant in Lisbon, where they remain actively involved in the local community.

Borza’s connection to the Class of 2026 makes this honor especially meaningful, as her niece, Maley Kinemond, is a member of the graduating class. Her address is expected to be both motivational and personal, highlighting themes of resilience, ambition, and the importance of seizing opportunities.

“Jessica embodies what it means to be a Potter,” said Tamar Cooper, East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education. “Her career reflects a deep commitment to lifting others up and creating opportunities for success. We are proud to welcome her back to inspire our graduates.”