Akili Atkinson
Duluth,GA
Summary
Executive leader in workforce development and inclusive employment with 18 years building high-performing programs, cross-sector partnerships, and data-driven service delivery under WIOA. Known for designing scalable training and placement models, elevating team capability, and aligning community, education, and employer stakeholders to meet labor-market demand. Combines program strategy, operational execution, and DEI expertise to deliver measurable outcomes for job seekers and employers.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
One Stop Center Manager
IN THE DOOR
04.2025 - Current
- Lead operations for the One-Stop Career Center under WIOA; align federal, state, and local mandates with seamless customer flow and service delivery.
- Oversee multi-title and partner coordination, ensuring regulatory compliance, quality, and continuous improvement across job-seeker and employer services.
- Cultivate partnerships with education, training, and economic development entities; plan Rapid Response, job fairs, and hiring events driven by labor-market data.
- Coach and develop frontline staff; facilitate partner consortium meetings and performance reviews to close service gaps and meet contractual outcomes.
- Analyze and report performance for the Local Workforce Development Board; implement technology and process enhancements to streamline intake and triage.
Neurodiversity Trainer / Consultant / Speaker
AKILI’S CORNER, LLC
01.2015 - Current
- Deliver enterprise-ready training on neurodiversity and inclusive employment for leaders, managers, and teams, tailor curricula from needs assessments and audits.
- Develop inclusive policies and practical accommodations to support neurodivergent talent; equip managers with toolkits that improve hiring and retention.
- Create and facilitate in-person and virtual workshops; apply Train-the-Trainer methods to scale adoption and sustain capability.
- Build frameworks such as “Map to Greatness” to align life goals, confidence, and job-readiness for participants and employer partners.
Solutions Manager, SourceAbled
RANGAM CONSULTANTS
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led client engagement from scoping to launch; translated goals into Statements of Work and implementation plans for inclusive hiring programs.
- Reviewed hiring processes and job descriptions for accessibility, trained employer partners on DE&I strategies and disability inclusion best practices.
- Built diverse recruitment strategies and delivered autism/disability-focused training; tracked program metrics and progress to plan.
Director of Training
ADVANCE HOUSTON
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Designed employment-focused curricula (work readiness, financial literacy, healthy living, internships, transportation, volunteering) aligned to community needs.
- Built employer relationships to expand placement opportunities; implemented systems to track progress and exceed targeted goals.
- Trained staff and students across worksites; fostered interpretation of social cues and workplace norms to improve on-the-job success.
- Sustained 100% employment within two years of program completion by introducing new techniques and assessment tools.
Senior Career Advisor
THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Onboarded and trained new staff; supported the director in surpassing career-services quotas.
- Compiled weekly placement statistics, graduate surveys, and exam results for accreditation; tracked online division placements.
- Hosted orientations and career fairs to increase employer access and student placement readiness; created training tools to improve outcomes.
Employment Training Supervisor, DDS
DALE ROGERS TRAINING CENTER
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Managed strategic planning and day-to-day operations for DDS; introduced budgeting guidelines that improved profitability.
- Marketed services to Fortune 500 companies; expanded awareness via job fairs and Chamber of Commerce engagement.
- Supervised 3–5 employment training specialists; managed a 150+ client caseload with intake, assessment, and quality assurance.
- Secured employment contracts with major employers (e.g., Chesapeake Energy, Walmart, Target, University of Oklahoma); maintained 80% annual placements and 95% audit scores.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Southern Nazarene University
Bethany, OKBachelor of Arts - Administrative Leadership
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OKSkills
- Workforce Strategy
- Program Operations
- Cross-Agency Partnerships
- Employer Engagement
- DEI & Neurodiversity Training
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Regulatory Compliance (WIOA)
- Performance Metrics & Reporting
- Stakeholder Communication
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
Certification
- Certified Autism Specialist — IBCCES (2020)
- Employing Abilities — SHRM Foundation (2020)
- Policymaking — Texas Partners in Policymaking (2021)
- Certified Purpose Coach — Transformation Academy (2018)
Community Service
- Toastmasters International, Area Director / President / VP Education, 2018, Present, Distinguished Toastmaster; International Speech Contest winner.
- United for College Success, Board Member, 2020, 2025
- Impact Economics Partnership, Board Member, 2021, 2022
- Greater Houston Disability Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member, 2019, 2020
Timeline
One Stop Center Manager
IN THE DOOR
04.2025 - Current
Solutions Manager, SourceAbled
RANGAM CONSULTANTS
01.2022 - 01.2024
Director of Training
ADVANCE HOUSTON
01.2016 - 01.2021
Neurodiversity Trainer / Consultant / Speaker
AKILI’S CORNER, LLC
01.2015 - Current
Senior Career Advisor
THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS
01.2015 - 01.2016
Employment Training Supervisor, DDS
DALE ROGERS TRAINING CENTER
01.2006 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Administrative Leadership
University of Oklahoma
Master of Business Administration -
Southern Nazarene University