We hope you’ll join us for our annual benefit, an opportunity to connect with fellow community members, support Chicagoland youth in transforming their lives, and learn more about Youth Job Center and the young people we serve. Click here for details.
Join us for a summer celebration in honor of YJC’s volunteers, donors, and major supporters.
Exact date, time, and location T.B.A.
Join us on the green for a full day of fun in the sun, all in support of Chicagoland youth.
We’re excited to invite you to YJC’s second annual panel discussion, in partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, Harry S. Truman College, where workforce development leaders will explore the evolving landscape of youth employment in Chicago.
Moderator: Lucretzia M. Jamison, MBA (Executive Director, Youth Job Center)
Panelists:
Kenyon Douglass, LCPC (Executive Director, Workforce Equity Initiative, City Colleges of Chicago: Kennedy King College)
Awilda González, BHD, MHedL (Director of Chicagoland WIOA Programs, National Able Network)
Cierra Morris (Workforce Equity Initiative Director, Triton College)
Paul Thompson (Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago)
Scroll to the bottom of the page for panelist bios.
Attendance is free, and all are welcome. Please join us for what promises to be a stimulating, inspiring discussion, and spread the word to any friends, family members, or colleagues who would benefit from attending! Click here for a shareable flyer.
Please RSVP: Email events@youthjobcenter.org to let us know if you plan to attend.
Pictured above: A snapshot from last year’s panel discussion
Panelist Bios:
KENYON DOUGLASS, LCPC serves as the Executive Director of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) at Kennedy-King College’s Dawson Technical Institute. With a deep commitment to workforce development and equity, Kenyon leads initiatives that provide underrepresented individuals with access to high-quality training, career pathways, and economic opportunities in the construction and skilled trades industries.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Kenyon brings a holistic approach to workforce development, ensuring that participants receive not only technical training but also the support services needed to overcome barriers to employment. Her leadership fosters partnerships with industry stakeholders, community organizations, and employers to create sustainable career opportunities for students.
With a background in education, counseling, and workforce development, Kenyon is dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities through equitable access to career-focused education and training.
AWILDA GONZÁLEZ, BHD, MHEdL is an experienced workforce development leader, currently serving as the Director of Chicagoland WIOA Programs at National Able Network. With a Master’s in Higher Education Leadership and a background in mental health, education, and workforce programs, she specializes in helping job-seekers, employers, and community partners thrive. Awilda is also a published writer and content creator, passionate about women’s empowerment and mentorship. Above all, she cherishes her role as Mima to her grandsons and mother to four incredible adults.
Since August 2021, CIERRA MORRIS has been a dedicated leader in workforce development, driving equity and opportunity through education and training. As the Director of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) at Rock Valley College, Cierra played a pivotal role in expanding access to career pathways for underserved populations.
She has presented at the Illinois Manufacturing Workforce Ecosystem Conference and at the WEI Symposium since 2022. The impact of Cierra’s initiatives was highlighted by the American Association of Community Colleges, further cementing her reputation as a transformative leader in workforce development. In April 2024, Cierra was honored with the Outstanding Staff Award – Eagle Award of Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a testament to her commitment to creating equitable educational and employment opportunities.
In July 2024, Cierra transitioned to Triton College, where she continues to drive workforce equity as the Director of the Workforce Equity Initiative. With a passion for empowering individuals, Cierra remains dedicated to shaping workforce programs that create lasting impact.
PAUL THOMPSON is the Chief Economic Empowerment Officer at the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where he oversees Workforce, Entrepreneurship, Housing programs and StreetWise magazine. Previously, he served as CEO of Purpose Workforce Solutions, a staffing firm dedicated to opportunity youth from underserved Chicago neighborhoods. He has also held leadership roles at City Colleges of Chicago, including Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Solutions and Dean of Business and Professional Services. Paul has a background in real estate development, where his firm developed over 475 units of affordable housing.
With over 30 years of experience across multiple sectors, Paul serves on various boards, including the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board and Pullman Tech Workshop, where he is President. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Western Michigan University. He is also a Fellow of both the Civic Leadership Academy and the Chicagoland Workforce Leadership Academy.
Sign up for texts from YJC! Text "YJCNEWS" to (224) 253-6233 to stay in the loop.
