September provided wonderful opportunities for KRA employees to recognize the impact of their fellow workforce development professionals, while also promoting mental health awareness, through activities led by KRA’s Employee Engagement Committee (EEC)!
Workforce Development Month
In celebration of Workforce Development Month, the EEC launched the Workforce Development Month Appreciation Spotlight, inviting employees to recognize colleagues who embody KRA’s core values of knowledge, responsibly and achievement.
This initiative encouraged team members to spotlight coworkers whose efforts empower job seekers, support businesses, strengthen communities, and advance economic opportunity. Submissions were shared through KRA’s employee recognition platform, creating an organization-wide opportunity to celebrate the people behind KRA’s mission.
The response was outstanding, with more than 40% of KRA employees either submitting or receiving a Spotlight recognition. The stories shared highlighted the collaboration, leadership, comradery, expertise and passion demonstrated across KRA programs and departments every day.
Our Appreciation Spotlight served as a powerful reminder that workforce development success begins with the people committed to helping others achieve their goals. Most importantly, it provided an opportunity to celebrate the professionals whose work changes lives and strengthens communities nationwide!
Supporting Employee Well-Being
The EEC also recognized Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month, engaging team members through a dedicated virtual channel where they shared resources, self-care practices, encouragement, and messages of hope. Additionally, on September 24th, employees showed their support by participating in a Purple & Teal Day, by wearing these colors to help raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
The EEC also highlighted the KRA Affirmation Station, a virtual resource first launched in 2025, which featuring categories such as Positive Daily Affirmations, Resilience & Well-Being, Confidence & Capability, and Affirmations to Lower Anxiety. The experience provides employees with simple yet meaningful messages of encouragement and support.
Visit the KRA Affirmation Station!
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please dial “988” the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.