Jewel Ely
Daphne
Summary
Dedicated workforce development professional with proven expertise in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and contributing to workforce initiatives that drive economic development across the southwest region, aligning with state goals for sustainable growth. Proven success as a Regional Workforce Council Liaison, serving seven rural counties by fostering impactful partnerships and implementing innovative workforce solutions. Skilled in program management, strategic planning, and community engagement to advance workforce readiness and sustainable development.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
REGIONAL WORKFORCE COUNCIL LIAISON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
07.2023 - Current
- Support the Southwest Alabama Regional Workforce Council (RWC), Region 7, serving nine counties, including seven rural counties, to promote workforce development and economic initiatives
- Act as an ambassador for workforce development by fostering partnerships and connecting local stakeholders with resources and opportunities
- Contributed to the RWC's efforts to expand workforce development program access in rural areas, driving initiatives such as quarterly partner meetings, job fairs, and other programs to foster rural community growth
- Build relationships with Local Economic Development Organizations (LEDOs), government officials, and community partners to assess needs and deliver tailored solutions
- Facilitated workforce development meetings in Choctaw County, fostering collaboration among economic developers, educators, and employers to strengthen local resources
- Participated in efforts to secure grant opportunities for healthcare workforce expansion, benefiting distressed rural communities
- Collaborated with the Manager of RurAL Development to identify and implement initiatives that support the economic development goals of the state, providing resources and assistance to rural economic developers
- Facilitated and coordinated regular rural workforce development meetings, bringing together key stakeholders (businesses, educators, government officials, and community leaders) to discuss critical workforce issues, identify skills gaps, and develop strategies to improve workforce readiness and align educational programs with local business and industry needs
- Collaborated with University of Alabama researchers to facilitate meetings with key stakeholders in Choctaw and Conecuh County including business leaders, educators, and government officials, to gather data and insights on workforce needs and economic development opportunities
- Represented the Regional Workforce Council at state and regional meetings to advocate for STEM education and workforce readiness in the region with emphasis on the rural counties
- Engage with partner councils, community leaders, and educational partners to advocate for workforce development initiatives, fostering collaboration and addressing challenges in the state and rural and underserved areas
PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
AIDT
01.2007 - Current
- Served as a project coordinator, temporarily took on an interim project manager role to oversee a large-scale project
- Responsibilities included monitoring supplier performance, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance to maintain 100% adherence to timelines, organizational standards, and strategic goals
- Collaborated with industry stakeholders and cross-functional teams to design and implement workforce training programs tailored to strategic business goals and the unique needs of surrounding counties
- Analyzed existing training programs and identified critical gaps, working with training leaders to restructure internal and external processes, resulting in improved employee performance, client satisfaction, and measurable cost savings
- Advocated for workforce development initiatives by participating in workforce council meetings, community engagements, and educational/job fairs to support K-12 and postsecondary stakeholders
- Created and maintained monthly and quarterly reports using data analysis to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement
- Successfully connected rural counties with training and grant opportunities, increasing workforce participation
- Spearheaded initiatives to address rural challenges, resulting in enhanced job readiness and skill development programs
- Delivered impactful presentations to stakeholders, driving engagement and support for regional workforce projects
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Waldorf University
Forest City, IA01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Waldorf University
Forest City, IA01.2016
Skills
- Strategic Workforce and Economic Development
- Community Engagement
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Data Analysis and Reporting
- Event Coordination and Facilitation
- Project planning
- Adaptability and flexibility
Professional Development
- Certified Leader I, 04/01/10
- Certified Leader II, 04/01/10
- Certified Leader III, 11/01/17
- Project Manager Essentials, 06/01/18
- Train the Trainer – Instructor Assessor, 05/01/19
- Intensive Economic Development Training Course, Auburn University, 09/01/24
- Certified Workforce Development Professional, In progress, 12/01/24
Timeline
REGIONAL WORKFORCE COUNCIL LIAISON
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
07.2023 - Current
PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR
AIDT
01.2007 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Waldorf University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication
Waldorf University
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