
Karin Norington-Reaves
CEO
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Chicago, IL USA
“You have value and limitless potential. Don’t let anyone stomp on that or make you think that you are not enough.”
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Chicago, IL USA
“You have value and limitless potential. Don’t let anyone stomp on that or make you think that you are not enough.”
CEO
I oversee the nation's largest workforce development system.
No two days are the same. My days involve lots of meetings: some with my staff where I listen to their suggestions and ideas while providing guidance; some with elected officials; some with funders who support our initiatives; some with Board members or business leaders. The most important aspect of my work is building or modifying the framework that makes connections between people seeking jobs and employers seeking to hire them.
Here's the first step for everyone
Research! Be curious. Learn about the industry, identify people in it, and read about their journeys. In this digital age you can access almost anyone. Reach out to people, do informational interviews, make contacts. If you find it hard getting the initial job in the industry, volunteer at an organization in the field. Building a network of professionals in the field, coupled with building a reputation as a dedicated, curious, hard worker will all eventually lead to opportunity.
"You won't be any better of a lawyer than you are a teacher."
Workforce training that opens up opportunities