Empowering Futures: Navigating Career Readiness in the Nonprofit Sector

Earlier this month, experts from the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors came together for the annual CHEFA Nonprofit Forum. With the theme “Career Readiness: How Current Workforce Trends Affect Mission-Driven Nonprofits,” the event aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in preparing individuals for the evolving job market.

The forum provided attendees with an opportunity to connect and exchange ideas. The keynote presentation was given by Dr. Chauncy Lennon, Vice President for Learning and Work at the Lumina Foundation. Dr. Lennon’s expertise in workforce development, honed through his roles at Lumina Foundation and JPMorgan Chase & Co., provided those in attendance with valuable insights on equitable access to education and job opportunities.

Following Dr. Lennon’s address, a panel of esteemed experts took the stage. Shannon Marimón, Executive Director of ReadyCT, Jeremy Race, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England, Inc., and Hector Rivera, President and CEO of Our Piece of the Pie, Inc., shared their experiences and strategies for navigating the complex landscape of career readiness.

A moderated discussion touched on practical approaches for supporting high school and college students, Opportunity Youth, and adult learners in acquiring the skills demanded by today’s job market. From apprenticeship programs to skill-based learning initiatives, the panelists offered valuable insights that resonated with the audience.

The annual CHEFA Nonprofit Forum  provides educational opportunities for grant applicants and clients, and is   a platform for robust discussion of pressing issues facing nonprofits in the state .