Marie Arcos has spent over 40 years building stronger communities in Houston, and she brings that dedication to her role on the Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions Board. A native Houstonian, Marie combines her experience as a social worker with deep expertise in community development, early childcare, workforce programs, and digital inclusion. She is also a proud graduate of the University of Houston’s master’s program.
Her journey to the board grew naturally out of decades of community-focused work. “I’ve been involved in community-based work for over 40 years and worked with large national nonprofits,” Marie explained. Early in her career, she concentrated on the connection between childcare and workforce development, recognizing that strong educational foundations for children and meaningful employment opportunities for parents go hand in hand. Over the past 15 years, her work in government affairs and, more recently, technology and digital inclusion has further strengthened her ability to connect workforce resources with the needs of local communities.
Marie’s passion for service extends far beyond her board responsibilities. She emphasizes the opportunities her role provides to connect parents and local community members to a wide range of resources. “I’m always able to connect our parents, our local community members, to the resources that are available, not only through the workforce, but all the partners, the corporate partners that allow internships. Also, our community colleges and universities have programs that are integrated into workforce programs, giving people an opportunity to elevate and get higher paying jobs and get the skills they need to compete for those jobs,” she said.
Whether she’s volunteering with another organization or supporting workforce initiatives, Marie’s life and work are inseparable. Her approach to service reflects a philosophy that community development and personal passion are intertwined.
Marie Arcos embodies the mission of Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast: connecting people to meaningful opportunities, leveraging decades of experience, and fostering communities where families can thrive. Her work reminds us that strengthening the workforce isn’t just about jobs, it’s about building a network of support, education and opportunity.
Visit the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast website to learn more about the opportunities and resources available, whether you are searching for a job or looking for HR tools.
