Recently, Nieal Smith-Ross, Director of Midwest Program Operations, represented KRA on an episode of The Partnership radio show—hosted by George Wright, Executive Director, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership—which aired on WVON1690AM, a prominent Chicago radio station.
The broadcast focused on the recently opened American Job Center at Malcom X College’s West Campus, operated for the Partnership, KRA client.
Smith-Ross—a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), who is also a Licensed Social Worker with an MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago—has dedicated her 20+ year career to Her expertise is drawn from her considerable 20+ years’ experience in community development, collaboration, and partnership; strategic program planning; workforce development and helping individuals find career paths that align with their goals.
Sharing her thoughts on the collaboration between KRA and Malcolm X College, she commented, “We help jobseekers with resume building, networking techniques, interviewing techniques, communication skills, and financial literacy, and we make sure they know their rights as workers… it’s really a great opportunity.”
Joining Smith-Ross on the show were Barbara Meschino, Dean of the Westside Learning Center, and David Sanders, President of Malcolm X College, exploring the importance of workforce development, education, and the significant impact these partnerships have on the local community.
Ms. Meschino emphasized the sense of community the relationship has created, “You’re creating a sense of community… You’re creating a sense of greater accessibility… People are able to access that information under one roof.”
Mr. Sanders provided a broader perspective on the vital role community colleges play in improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods, “Community colleges are some of the most important organizations we have in the country today. They are nimble, quick to respond to the needs of communities, and ensure that people have the competencies and skill levels to get the job done or move on to a four-year university… Whenever education levels are high in a community, crime is low, and wages are higher.”
KRA thanks Mr. Wright for hosting this important conversation on The Partnership show, as well as our community partners for their continued dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening the Chicagoland workforce.
KRA and the partnership invite community members, organizations, and potential partners to get involved in this vital mission. For more information about services offered at the American Job Center at Malcom X College’s West Campus or to learn how you can contribute, please contact us at info@kra.com.