Panelists, Community Voices, and Hopeworks Alumni gathered together to share insights on the importance of making meaningful connections for career success
Camden, NJ – May 21, 2024 – On May 15, Hopeworks, a nonprofit, social enterprise that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term, living wage careers, hosted their ‘Empowerment Through Connections: The Power of Social Capital’ event at Akamai’s offices in Philadelphia. The event brought together a diverse group of community advocates, experienced individuals, Hopeworks mentors and alumni, and aspiring young professionals to discuss and focus on the transformative impact of social capital in creating sustainable pathways to economic mobility.
The event underscored Hopeworks’ commitment to providing hands-on experiences to young adults who may have faced limited access to such transformative opportunities. Additionally, the panelists and community voices at the event exemplified Hopeworks’ commitment to improving the lives of aspiring young professionals in the Greater Philadelphia Area and South Jersey region. Such connections serve as crucial stepping stones toward achieving professional success, opening doors to rewarding careers and greater financial stability.
“Events like this provide invaluable opportunities for individuals to network and leverage the support of trusted professionals,” says Angel Serrano, Senior Director of Development at Hopeworks. “This event showcased the remarkable influence of social capital in shaping pathways to success and nurturing inclusive communities. We are proud to have facilitated this important conversation and look forward to continuing our work in empowering more individuals through meaningful connections."
During the event, the panelists discussed topics such as the benefits of mentorship, how to build authentic connections that can lead to new opportunities, and unique challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing social capital.
The panel was moderated by Tanya Washington, Senior Associate of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Speakers included Abigail Ellis, Executive Director, MENTOR Independence Region; Wil Reynolds, Founder & CEO, SEER Interactive; and Melissa Smith, Director Strategy Transformation, Holman.
In addition to the panelists, the event invited the community voices of Gemyra Wynn, Hopeworks Alum and Assistant Property Manager; Anthony Cole, Hopeworks Alum and Associate Web Producer, Nutrisystem; Doug Tonklin, Hopeworks Mentor and Manager of Consulting Architects, Tecton; and Lisa Hendrickson, Hopeworks Mentor and Artist, to share their experiences of making connections in the modern workforce.
"Having experienced the transformative power of social connections firsthand as a Hopeworks alum, I can attest to the profound impact in driving positive change and nurturing resilience," explains Gemyra Wynn. "It was truly a pleasure and an honor to share my perspective on the challenges and rewards of building a supportive network while progressing in my career."
The event’s partners included SEER Interactive, Holman, and VoIP Doctors.
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training, trauma-informed care, and real-world experience is what leads to extraordinary results. The approach, combined with high-demand, high-wage technical training and paid work experience is helping to build a workforce that can not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.
To provide this experience, Hopeworks runs real businesses, providing technology solutions for businesses in web design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and trauma-informed solutions through training and consulting services with the Hopeworks Training Team. These businesses help generate over 100 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in a growing tech industry.
Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 85% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of almost 90% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $400 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $42,000 annually.
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com
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