Akeele Ayana Carter

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of workforce development programs serving maritime, industrial, and technical career pathways.
• Develop comprehensive lesson plans, case studies, assessments, and training materials tailored to welders, riggers, machinists, painters, and related shipyard roles.
• Facilitate engaging, learner-centered instruction for diverse adult participants, ensuring accessibility, clarity, and practical skill application.
• Collaborate with employers, unions, and training partners to align the curriculum with industry standards and workforce needs.
• Manage program operations, including scheduling, enrollment, learner support, data tracking, and reporting.
• Implement inclusive and ethical training practices that foster psychological safety, respect, and professional growth.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to instructors, staff, and learners to strengthen instructional quality and learner outcomes.
• Conduct program evaluations, and use data insights to refine curriculum, improve retention, and enhance job placement results.

Contracts and Administration:

• Managed the contract lifecycle, including, but not limited to, drafting, modification, execution, amendments, and renewal of contracts. Prepare and review all contract documentation, including master agreements, statements of work, renewals, amendments, etc. With the appropriate customer(s),

• Negotiation of legal terms and review of the scope of work for quality assurance. • Performed contract compliance reviews to determine compliance with contractual obligations. • Evaluated and monitored contract performance to determine the necessity for amendments or extensions of contracts. • Directly participated in the review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts, including statements of work. • Dissemination of contract documents to the appropriate parties, externally and internally.

• Scheduled and led weekly contract review meetings and kick-offs. • Maintenance of an online centralized file, storage, and documentation system for all contract-related material.
• Worked closely with Legal, HR, Payroll, Accounting, and Operations departments to deliver project requirements, develop solutions, and meet deadlines.
• Responsible for monitoring that payments are received for all contracts and grants on time and in full. • Ensured that billables reconcile to contract performance and requirements. • Responsible for updates of contract templates and generation of exhibits. • Reconciled discrepancies related to contract materials with Accounts Payable. • Developed systems and procedures to optimize contract management software and other contract management tools.
• Vendor compliance
• Do and direct others to complete the following: • Collect and submit various forms necessary for the onboarding of new vendors in the Accounting System. • Obtain insurance certificates from the vendor or broker as required by contractual terms. • Generate requisitions in compliance with contract terms.
• Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
• Formulate policies and procedures for bid proposals and the procurement of goods and services.
• Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers and vendors.
• Collaborate with management to assess material needs, and look for improved options to better meet changing demands.
• Work successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Job Development and Business Relations

• Assisted businesses by identifying and presenting qualified Rubicon job seekers based on workforce needs.
• Delivered quality employer/customer services before, during, and after placement, including sharing timely employment information and resources with Rubicon job seekers and staff.
• Utilized Rubicon’s Job Connect to promote experiential work opportunities, job orders and leads.
• Maintained community partner relationships and continuously expand Rubicon’s client base to include sufficient opportunities meeting the needs of Rubicon program participants.

Trainings/Participant Support

Assist participants to identify, select and apply for open positions matching their qualifications

• Created relationships with local organizations to expand employment opportunities for clients.
• Developed and implemented creative strategies for overcoming barriers to employment.
• Provided support after placement to help ensure long-term success in a new position or career path.
• Conducted individual and group job coaching sessions to assist clients in developing their professional skills.

Onboarding/Staff Collaboration and Management

• Recruitment, onboarding, and workforce training for station managers and interested applicants in California, Washington, and Oregon.
• Provided workforce management support for Operations, Legal, and Human Resources.
• Reviewed and verified completeness of onboarding packets for new hires and re-hires including job offer letter, I-9, Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC), Virtual Edge completion, background checks, etc.
• Ensured onboarding packets are distributed to appropriate personnel and external vendors for processing
• Tracked and communicated hire eligibility and variances to Station Managers, Business Consultants, and Area Trainers.
• Developed, trained, and managed teams according to contract and partnership agreements.
• Legal Compliance
  Monitored E-verify compliance; Followed up on incomplete or pending E-verify cases
• Onboarding subject matter experts for business consultants, district sales managers, and other executive personnel.

Schedule/Labor cost tracking

• Used labor hours tool to review and communicate authorized station labor hours
• Monitored and reported labor hours usage, including regular, overtime, and training hours.
• Generated, updated and distributed CSI station labor schedules and activity management sheets using scheduling tool (Microsoft Excel template)
• Monitored station labor hours and scheduled compliance through periodic checks; Communicated variances to appropriate Business Consultants and Executive Management

Contract Management

Process,Policies and Procedures

• Responsible for working with Chevron, the City of Richmond, Building Trades, Core construction contractors, and primary subcontractors to hire local, qualified residents and veterans, and to ensure that it remains a priority and in compliance.
• Worked closely with the Chevron Director and Construction Managers in the development of category strategies.
• Worked closely with the City of Richmond Employment and Training Department in the recruitment and pre-screening of non-construction employment opportunities.
• Reported directly to the Director of the Employment and Training Department of the City of Richmond.
• Developed, implemented, executed, and managed internal/external processes to remain in compliance throughout the lifecycle of contracts and honored agreements.
• Coordinated with the Procurement team in the development and implementation of requirements for the City regarding local suppliers.
• Introduced new processes and supportive services, internal and external, throughout the lifecycle of multiple projects.

Finance Compliance and Reporting

• Worked directly with finance, procurement team members to ensure supplier reports are submitted on a weekly basis.
• Led and presented at financial and accounting meetings.
• Provided support and documentation on a daily basis.
• Developed, implemented, managed, and submitted high-volume reports to the City of Richmond on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis of over $40 million monthly and $90 billion yearly.
• Reported pertinent data and deliverables by attending weekly meetings with the Public, Government, and Public Affairs departments.

Contract Maintenance

Maintained a centralized file, storage, and documentation system for all contract-related materials. Updated contract templates and the generation of exhibits. Reconciled discrepancies related to contract invoices with accounts payable and receivable.

Team Member, Community and Workforce Liaison-

• Attended Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Executive Board meetings.
• Developed, trained, and managed teams for projects according to contract and partnership agreements.
• Worked intimately with numerous building trades and unions on the recruitment and application process.
• Responsible for training and advising non-profit organizations, community colleges, educational, and technical programs to ensure residents and veterans obtain the skills needed for non-construction and construction employment opportunities.
• Sole recruiter for building trades, construction, and non-construction employment opportunities.
• Established and maintained healthy relationships between Chevron and City of Richmond high executives.

Relationship Building and Maintenance:

• Liaison between Executive Staff and Union craftworkers to ensure suggestions are heard, needs are met, and appreciation is shown regarding team rapport and boosting morale.
• Attended external meetings with various council, chamber members, and community leaders.
• Attended intimate meetings with executive council members on behalf of Chevron and the City of Richmond.
• Participated in various town halls with Chevron executives and the Public Affairs Team.
• Conducted public speaking engagements and informational workshops.
• Conducted internal and external informational workshops.
• Created several internal documents for public distribution.
• Part of the development of Chevron newsletters and publications.
• Appeared in numerous publications, city, state, and worldwide.

Core Values Committee Coordinator

• Designed and coordinated highly visible Safety CVC W.A.W.I (Safety Walks) for senior executives' level per honored agreements.
• Scheduling for General Manager Kory Judd and leadership team members.
• Scheduling for project managers of third-party prime contractors.
• Worked closely with trades on-site in the plant refinery to ensure safety and compliance.

Vendor Compliance

• Recruitment, onboarding, scheduled, and managed all project food vendors in four locations, six days a week, day and night shifts for the lifespan of the project, totaling four years.
• Responsible for submitting insurance, licenses, and permits to the Department of Environmental Health.
• Ensured that food vendors' insurance, licenses, and permits were paid and up to date.
• Conducted random quality control and assurance audits.
• Responsible for leading, organizing, and managing major distribution and project events for over 2,000 workers.
• Designed and supplied project branding materials, ordered safety and compliance supplies, and equipment for Chevron.
• Submitted accurate and timely payment documentation for all supplies and materials, in order to ensure timely payment.
• Composed and submitted publications to local media and newspapers.

Management

• Successfully trained and prepared over 600 at-risk young adults (Solar Richmond Interns) and underemployed adults to enable their transition into permanent employment, vocational training, or higher education.
• Designed and developed basic solar sales, marketing, solar installation, communications, professional development, life skills, and outreach curriculum for Solar Richmond interns.
• Part of a small minority business, owner of First Solar Co-op, Pamoja Energy Solutions.
• CFO and Board Member, Officer of Pamoja Energy Solutions.
• Provided information and education to the Bay Area community concerning Solar Richmond’s mission and services for at-risk young adults and underemployed adults.
• Managed multiple external partnerships with various funders, donors, and non-profits that were aligned with the mission and purpose. Monitored and tracked program budgets.
• Managed Accounts Payable and Receivables Administration.
• Solely responsible for the payroll of Solar Richmond’s Sales, Marketing, Outreach, Call Center, and Summer Youth Employment Departments.
• Solely responsible and accountable for all human resource operational processes and strategic tactics, including recruitment, hiring, training, benefits, claims, and termination.
• Monthly reporting to funders and the Executive Director.
• Weekly meetings with senior management constituents on developing and implementing strategies for meeting outcomes and matrix reporting.

Sales

• Created the first solar staffing agency for interns and graduates of Solar Richmond, and co-op owners for Pamoja Energy Solutions, a sister company of Solar Richmond.
• Established a call center for young adults, providing residual income and employment opportunities.
• Worked with multiple employers, potential employees, and staffing agencies in presenting, hiring, and retaining interns and graduates.
• Attended multiple networking events and mixers, introducing and promoting a staffing agency and call center for future employment with elected key officials and other non-profits.
• Connected interns and graduates with potential employers via in-house job fairs and/or one-on-one on-site interviews.
• Upon hire, I was solely responsible for handling the contract from beginning to end, including all paperwork, additional training, and mentoring as needed.
• Assisted and placed over 90% of interns and graduates into part-time and full-time employment over the course of seven years.

Instruction

• Participated in numerous speaking engagements and nationwide green energy panels.
• Trained and managed participants in solar installation classes.
• Managed and supervised the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in partnership with the City of Richmond.
• Managed and supervised interns in the Sales, Marketing, and Outreach Departments.