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 connect to other workforce professionals and resources to get individuals ready for careers.
How long have you been engaged with the MAX network?
1 to 2 years
How has being a member of MAX benefitted your organization?
MAX provides excellent information about available jobs and specialized programs to help people with a variety of issues gain access to employment.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Minutes, MAX Mondays
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
More than 25 years. I worked as a metro Atlanta high school counselor and college and career advisor for the last 25 years.
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
I love helping young people prepare for the future and choose a career that they are interested in and that fits their personality.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
I have shared scholarship information with high school and college students, revised resumes, and created a career readiness program which I hope to use with clients. The past year has been very difficult in trying to reach people, but we all are looking forward to serving those who need our help.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
Soft skills training is sorely needed, and connecting people with careers that are a good match for their talents would be good for both the worker and the employer.
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
We should provide regular follow-up, such as a mentor, career counselor, mental health professional, to those who are new to the workforce. They may have questions or need a listening ear as they adjust to the new environment.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
In my past life, I was a clothing designer who did fashion shows every other weekend for about three years in Los Angeles. I made the garments and sold them off the racks at each event. The workload was “killer” but the experience was lots of fun. Money was good, but not enough for all the preparation for each show.
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