CONNIE MENDEZ
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic, mission-driven executive leader with over 15 years of experience driving strategic workforce development initiatives, social impact programs, and multi-million-dollar public/private partnerships. Proven ability to transform underperforming operations into high-functioning, outcomes-driven programs. Expertise in systems redesign, fiscal oversight, performance management, and cross-sector collaboration. Adept at aligning workforce strategies with community needs and labor market trends to generate equitable employment outcomes. Committed to advancing economic mobility, dismantling systemic barriers, and leading with a community-first approach.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Employment Services
Henry Street Settlement
06.2022 - Current
- Spearhead strategic, fiscal, and operational leadership of the Employment Services portfolio, serving thousands of New Yorkers annually through cross functional and innovative workforce and economic mobility initiatives.
- Set long-term vision and roadmap for programs in alignment with labor market trends, community input, and citywide employment equity goals.
- Built systems for case flow, data tracking, and staff accountability, significantly improving client outcomes and employment retention benchmarks.
- Met with department supervisors and provided staff support to attain organizational goals, exceeding placement goals year over year.
- Strengthened public/private partnerships to expand access to high-wage career pipelines and occupational training.
- Led internal workforce development think tank to disseminate best practices and inform citywide service design.
Director, Jobs Plus Workforce Development
Henry Street Settlement
10.2017 - 06.2022
- Revitalized a multimillion-dollar city-funded initiative from performance deficit to full compliance, earning program expansion and 70% advance funding.
- Orchestrated full program redesigning including staffing, performance metrics, and operational workflow—resulting in a 40% program surplus within two quarters.
- Cultivated and leveraged employer networks, achieving high-wage job placement rates (40% of all placements) and retention rates exceeding 75% at 6–9 months.
- Championed inclusion strategies to integrate underserved NYCHA communities into the workforce ecosystem.
Assistant Director of Youth Employment & Workforce
Henry Street Settlement
11.2016 - 10.2017
- Oversaw multiple city- and state-funded youth employment programs, managing compliance, training, and data quality for over 20 staff.
- Enhanced internal systems for real-time data tracking and continuous quality improvement, boosting contract performance.
- Developed frontline staff capacity through coaching, workforce readiness modeling, and trauma-informed service delivery practices.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
New York05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The City University of New York (CUNY)
New York, NY05.2006
Certificate - Positive Psychotherapy
Cambridge School of Medicine
Skills
- Workforce Development Strategy
- Executive Leadership & Team Development
- Data-Informed Program Design
- Public/Private Sector Contract Management
- Inclusive & Systems Driven Impact
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Organizational Turnaround & Program Expansion
- Capacity Building & Community Engagement
- Salesforce
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- ADP Payroll
- Legal Tracking Systems
- DYCD YEPS
- PACS
- CONNECTIONS
- Outcomes
- Adobe Acrobat
- Key performance indicators
- Practice operations management
AWARDS & HONORS
National Association of Professional Women – Woman of the Year Award, 2014
Timeline
Senior Director of Employment Services
Henry Street Settlement
06.2022 - Current
Director, Jobs Plus Workforce Development
Henry Street Settlement
10.2017 - 06.2022
Assistant Director of Youth Employment & Workforce
Henry Street Settlement
11.2016 - 10.2017
Certificate - Positive Psychotherapy
Cambridge School of Medicine
Master of Science - Social Work
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The City University of New York (CUNY)
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