George Colón
Director of Workforce & Youth Programs
SFMade
Sunnyvale, CA USA
“Don’t be so hard on yourself and take the help that’s offered.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationGeorge Colón
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I was emancipated at 16 years old.
I started my career in tech, working at various start-ups in customer service-oriented roles.
I spent 17 years in the tech industry and as I gained more experience, I became more and more disenchanted with the way employers operated internally.
Once I left the tech industry, I looked for opportunities to help people through either the city, county, state, or nonprofit sector.
I found that the nonprofit sector had the best entry points for me, so I reached out for opportunities.
I started in workforce development as a job developer for the Center for Employment Opportunities, where I served reentry job seekers.
After a couple of years with the Center for Employment Opportunities, I joined SFMade as the director of workforce and youth programs.
Keep following my journey
Career
Director of Workforce & Youth Programs
I connect local workforce organizations to manufacturing employers throughout the California Bay Area.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Business
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
I direct our two main program, and support my colleagues in their work associated with these efforts. I assist employer partners with with workforce needs, as well as HR support and general supportive services. I work with local workforce partners to support their programs and program participants, bringing attention to their work so that employer partners are aware of their services and value.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
There is no prescribed educational pathway to seek employment in workforce. Certifications and credentials would certainly be valuable, but they are far from necessary. Empathy is key, a genuine desire to help is equally important. Working to understand the employment space, unions, human centered design, motivational interviewing, trauma informed, and public speaking are incredibly helpful.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You have to have your career path all figured out."
