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 through Atlanta CareerRise. Being a MAX member helps me to stay current with emerging workforce initiatives and network with other workforce professionals.
How long have you been engaged with the MAX network?
I have been engaged with the MAX network for 3 to 5 years.
How has being a member of MAX benefitted you or your organization?
MAX has helped connect me to great partners and stay current with local and regional workforce initiatives.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
I have engaged with MAX in several ways: MAX Academy, MAX Leadership Network, MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays and MAX Talks.
Which event do you most look forward to attending?
All of them! But the ones that help me the most are MAX Minutes and MAX Talks. These events help me stay connected to the “big picture” of workforce development and help me think about how to best serve the workforce ecosystem in my current role.
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
I have been in workforce development for almost 7 years.
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
I am passionate about helping people provide for their family and get connected to a rewarding career.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
I am very proud of the Career Compass Academy. The Career Compass Academy is a 5 week virtual career exploration and work readiness program we have developed in partnership with WorkSource Atlanta and Accenture. Each cohort gets better and better – the students are more engaged, the guest panelists are wonderful, and our partners are excellent. Helping young adults explore the world of work has been incredibly rewarding.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
Since covid, childcare, transportation, and flexible work environments have really risen to the top as dividers between the “haves” and “have nots” in Atlanta. How do we make these jobs more equitable and offer pay that is sustainable to support a family?
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
Advocating for quality workplaces for our job seekers and helping employers see the ROI for supporting their workforce.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
I ran a half marathon in November 2019!
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