Executive Director, Career & Workforce Readiness, BGCSTL: St. Louis Internship Program
Bio:
Shanise Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Career and Workforce Readiness at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. She is responsible for implementing the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), which merged with BGCSTL in September 2020, along with driving a comprehensive workforce program, for the entirety of BGCSTL. Shanise is responsible for overall management of workforce programs, managing partnerships, designing student programming, and directing evaluation and reporting.
What is your vision for the workforce development profession?
My vision for the workforce development profession is that we have an abundance of accessible onramps for diverse workers who are seeking employment or want to skill up. I want to eliminate barriers to employment by creating opportunities for training and employment for the populations who need it most. I want to operate in a world where all members of society can tap into their innate abilities, passions, and tenacity to actualize their full potential.
Do you have a particular interest area or passion in workforce development?
My areas of interest in workforce development is youth development. I have a passion for providing foundational opportunities for youth to establish their career planning, knowledge, and skills. I want my region to have access to a diverse talent pipeline.
Why do you want to serve on the Board?
I would like to serve on the Board because I have committed my life’s journey to workforce development for youth and young adults. I truly believe that workforce development is the catalyst for economic development, civic engagement, and overall personal development. Workforce development impacts the social fabric of our individual communities.
What do you think is the biggest challege facing the profession today and how can NAWDP address that challenge?
The biggest challenge facing the profession today is our skilled workforce. I believe that too many barriers are in place that prohibits the skilling up and development of talent. There are too many people in the labor pool who do not know about or cannot afford workforce opportunities. I want to make these opportunities readily available to the labor pool, with the help of employers, training providers, and workforce development systems.