“When we help young people access job training in a specific occupational skill that has a future, and introduce financial literacy and ways to establish responsible credit, we are at the same time adding to the cultural wealth of the community.”
Juanita Woods is a tireless advocate for safe and secure communities where all people can thrive. As director of programs and participant services at NOVA in Monroe, La., she connects residents with training programs and employers so they can find living wage employment and benefits. Woods spent 25 years as a human resources professional before bringing her experience to NOVA.
She has been particularly engaged with young people throughout her career. For instance, she launched an after-school program for children in who lived in a local housing authority development, not only organizing typical homework assistance but working to broaden the participants’ view of the world with field trips; reading and discussions of autobiographies of people with similar backgrounds; a chess program; nutritious eating; and exercise.
Woods has a master’s in public administration from Grambling State University, a bachelor’s degree Northeast Louisiana University in biology, and a bachelor’s from Southern University in pre-med.
Organization:
NOVA
Area of Focus:
Youth employment/empowerment
Fellowship Project:
Develop an apprentice and life skills training program to address the economic and social factors that disrupt the lives of youth
Final Presentation:
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