Maria Flynn
President & CEO
Jobs for the Future (JFF)
San Diego, CA USA
“Always believe in yourself. You have more ability than you even know.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationMaria Flynn
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up hearing about economic issues because my father worked for the Department of Labor in New Jersey and my mother was an administrative assistant for our local career and technical school.
I decided to follow a similar path and earned my degree in international relations and affairs with a minor in economics from Saint Joseph’s University.
After graduating from college, I started working for the US Department of Labor.
While working at the US Department of Labor, I went back to school and earned my master’s of governmental administration.
I worked my way up within the Department of Labor and held various high-level positions, all involving employment, training, and research.
In 2007, I joined Jobs for the Future as vice president and later became senior vice president—I led the Building Economic Opportunity Group as well as JFF’s federal policy and advocacy strategies.
I currently work as president and CEO of Jobs for the Future.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
International Relations and Affairs
Saint Joseph's University
International Relations and Affairs
Saint Joseph's University
Graduate
Government Administration
University of Pennsylvania
Government Administration
University of Pennsylvania
Career
President & CEO
I lead a nonprofit organization that works to drive economic advancement for all.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Government
Helping People
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Be curious about your opportunities. Ask a lot of questions of your teachers, counselors, and your friends' parents. That's a great way to explore what kinds of opportunities are out there. Think about that drives you—what you're passionate about. What skills do you have that are unique to you? Consider the types of environments you like. Do you like working at a desk or would you rather be out around people? These are things that can help you figure out what paths may be best for you.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
International Relations and Affairs
International Relations and Affairs
Graduate
Government Administration
Government Administration
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"I'm not sure about your vision. I don't think you have the ability to lead."
