Guest

My name is George Cologne. I'm the Director of Workforce and youth programs for a nonprofit organization called SF made. The responsibility that I take to heart the most is connecting our local workforce organizations to manufacturing employers throughout the Bay Area. Started at the Center for Employment Opportunities, serving re-entry jobseekers, or individuals who have barriers to employment, is what we would say. And what I learned was these individuals don't have barriers, employers create barriers to their employment. So because I learned that, I decided I need to be able to help employers with the tools and systems that they need to be able to support a more diverse workforce. At the moment, we're at a fork in the road. The pandemic really changed people's perspective about what it is to work, what it is to have a job, what it is to be an employee? And I think finally people are understanding our worth, so I try to bring that to people. I try to help people understand how valuable they are. There's so much more that you can do if you empathize with people, if you understand people, you meet people where they're at. It's ideal for me, it really helps me feel like I'm contributing to something that's bigger than me, and that's helping my community and people in and around the community. 

2023 NOVA
did-not-attend-college
career-change

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.

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.

Director of Workforce & Youth Programs

You have to have your career path all figured out.

George Colón

About George

George Colón

About George

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