Grace Manning: Expanding the Possibilities for the Cohen Technology Center

Less than three months ago, Grace Manning stepped into her current role as Community Manager for the Cohen Technology Center. Yet she already has a clear vision for how the CTC can evolve beyond its original function as a co-working space. 

“There really is so much more potential than that,” says Grace. “Hopeworks is such a supportive organization for the young professionals that come and go through the system. But once they graduate from the program, there isn’t any formal programming to continue their evolution as a young professional.” Her idea: put a “more formal structure in place” that offers support with professional development, networking, and hunting for—and landing—the right next job to continue their upwards career trajectory. “I think the CTC can be the hub for all of these things.”

Grace is the ideal person to do this. She has a history of “building things from the ground up” (something she has done in three previous jobs), and a real gift for “connecting the dots,” seeing what’s needed, gathering the necessary resources, and launching the new initiative. Grace is all about making a real impact.  She also has great respect for inclusive, data-driven practices, which is what drew her to Hopeworks initially. Grace says she recognized that Hopeworks had the data to back up its mission, a measure she uses to size up nonprofits. “There are a lot of people doing good work,” says Grace, “but not all can prove they are actually working toward a theory of change and actually making a real  impact.”

Prior to Hopeworks, Grace served as the Head of Impact for Saxbys, a social impact company that uses food, beverages, and hospitality to make a positive difference in the community it serves. At Saxbys, Grace oversaw all social and environmental impact-based initiatives, such as multiple workforce development programs, partnership creation, and scholarship management. She was also responsible for creating and implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies. In that role, Grace took charge of content and communications creation, the implementation of DEI strategies, and all the training necessary to see that they were carried out. She also facilitated Saxbys’ transformation into a certified B Corp and Benefit Corporation. 

All in all, Grace brings over eight years of community development experience to the Hopeworks team. Hopeworks’ alumni stand to benefit greatly from all of it, and Grace’s vision for what can be.

January 28, 2023
Hopeworks Recognized During Philadelphia Eagles Game As Community Sponsor!

We are ecstatic to announce that we have been named a Community Redzone Sponsor by our friends at the Philadelphia Eagles Organization, in partnership with Philadelphia Insurance Companies! It is an honor to have a new found partnership with our hometown team, especially with the recent opening of our Kensington location.  Three of our young […]

Read More
January 28, 2023
WIP Interns Begin Internship With Technology Company Akamai!

Our Workforce Internship Pathways Team has successfully placed four young professionals in a 6-month Winter internship with Akamai Technologies! The newest cohort consists of Ciara, Alex, Patrice, and Jojo - a group of incredibly talented, creative, and driven interns. They will be joining the Customer Support Department, and after successful completion of the internship, will […]

Read More
January 28, 2023
Ra’San and Henessey Receive Their High School Diplomas!

Here at Hopeworks our mission is to train young professionals in tech and help them become ready to thrive in the professional world. Many of our young professionals face circumstances in life that do not allow them to successfully graduate or earn a diploma.  Our ABS program is in place to assist with HiSet testing […]

Read More
808 Market St 3rd Floor
Camden, NJ 08102
(856) 365-4673
Hopeworks is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization, EIN: 31-1660671.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram