Dru Zolman

If you’ve ever met Dru Zolman, you know one thing within minutes: She’s a force. According to her collaborators in the Idaho workforce development and Lewiston business community, she exemplifies the best of leadership, compassion and advocacy.

“Dru is the kind of person who doesn’t wait to make an impact,” says Kaitlyn Hinkley, recreation coordinator for the City of Lewiston. “She sees gaps and fills them ― often by connecting the right people, sharing a resource or offering her time without hesitation.”

Both are members of the Lewis Clark Valley Chamber of Commerce, where Zolman is the president of the Ambassador program, reaching out to new businesses, encouraging young professionals, organizing events, and forging interagency partnerships to benefit the community.

In her role as business services program specialist for the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and before that as a business services consultant for Equus Workforce Solutions, part of the American Job Center network, Zolman has been a tireless advocate for individuals facing barriers to employment, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

“Dru’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive workforce in Idaho is evident in everything she does,” says Christina Feliciano, business development and program manager for Idaho Business of Education. “Her ability to connect with Idaho businesses and help them build inclusive hiring and training practices has opened new doors for many job seekers, including those with disabilities.”

Zolman is keenly aware that building workforce-ready labor requires collaborative effort among business, government and education. She works to implement practical solutions that benefit both individuals and industry. As a connector and innovator in Idaho’s workforce space, her focus is on creating pathways for individuals who often fall through the cracks ― those facing barriers such as disability, poverty, generational trauma and systemic gaps.

“Dru has conducted trainings statewide, equipping employers with the tools, resources and confidence they need to hire, support and celebrate employees with disabilities,” Feliciano says. “Thanks to her leadership, countless employers now see ability where they once saw obstacles and countless individuals have found meaningful, life-changing work.”

Zolman is pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at Idaho State University and serves as vice president for the Clearwater Ridgerunner’s Snowmobile Club, where her fund raising and organizational skills are on full display.

“People immediately see Dru’s passion and love for whatever it is she’s doing, and they follow her lead,” says Zane Hobart, president of the club.

Kaitlyn Hinkley agrees. “What impresses me most is Dru’s authenticity. There’s no performance, just passion. She’s deeply invested in the success of our region, especially in building spaces where people feel like they belong. She leads with a blend of heart and hustle that draws people in and reminds them that their voice matters.”