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?
I became a MAX member for several reasons. First, the topics discussed were of great interest to me. Second, I wanted to connect to a group that lined up with my agency’s mission and goals. Lastly, I understand the importance of having a unified voice connected to a recognized organization that an assist with affecting change.
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?
MAX has aided in keeping me abreast what is going on in workforce development from a state level.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays
Which event do you most look forward to attending?
I enjoy them all.
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
I have been in the profession for over 20 years.
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
Our mission at M.E.N.S. Wear is to continually offer a holistic approach of training programs, personal development services and resources that empower and equip males with essential tools targeted to uplift him as an individual and strengthen his family. Our vision is to increase the number of engaged responsible fathers in the lives of children. We seek to positively impact males to become: confident, positive role models, husbands, and fathers; pioneers in building strong families and communities; and major contributors to the U.S. economy.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
In the past 12 months, we have secured a partnership with Microsoft to support of mission.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
Career Pathways are shifting to skilled labor trades and other pathways not requiring a 4-year college degree.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
I am a citizen board member for the Atlanta Regional Commission, appointed member of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board, and recently sworn in as a commissioner for the City of Villa Rica Historic Preservation Commission.
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