Through periodic MAX Member Spotlights, our MAX team is honored to help our broader workforce development network get to know our members better in order to strengthen connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. Here, our members share insights on how MAX is helpful in their work, accomplishments they’re most proud of, emerging trends they see as affecting workforce development, and more.
Why did you become a MAX member?
To engage in regional dialogue around workforce development.
How long have you been engaged with the MAX network?
1 to 2 years
How has being a member of MAX benefitted you or your organization?
Regional conversation helps break down silos to better serve our companies and workforce.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Academy, MAX Leadership Network, MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays, MAX Talks
Which event do you most look forward to attending?
MAX Academy because it is great to pause and learn something new.
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
6 years
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
For personal reasons. Growing up with job loss and recovering from job loss was always felt in my household, and doing this work allows me to “do something” about it.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
Launching the MADE IN DEKALB initiative to promote manufacturing and logistics careers in DeKalb!
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
The disconnect between expectations of employers and job seekers. I don’t think it has been quite greater before. This includes how much the job should pay, how many hours are required, how to find and land a job, and so much more. It’s a real problem, but one I am confident we can overcome as a region.
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
Trust more in each other’s specialties. As workforce development professionals, we can’t be all things to all employers and job seekers. Learning what each other does and how to leverage our resources and focuses is crucial to moving the needle on these big issues.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
My dream job is being a Donut Shop Owner!