Press Room

Youth Workforce Summit A Success
Monday, Oct 20th, 2008



Students from Mobile and Baldwin County Public Schools took a break from the classroom to learn about jobs and career opportunities at the 2008 Youth Workforce Summit hosted by Mobile Works, Inc. The event, held on Wednesday, October 8 at the Mobile Civic Center was filled with motivational speakers, interactive activities and informational booths aimed at increasing awareness of opportunities available to students locally.

The constant message echoed to students by Youth Summit presenters was to stay in school, remain drug and alcohol free, and make positive choices. The "Success Panel" was moderated by Dorinda Phillips, Career Tech Supervisor, Mobile County Public Schools. This panel gave students the opportunity to hear first-hand how bad decisions can impact someone's future. Former students who successfully completed alternative programs focusing on G.E.D preparation and employment and training programs represented the "Success Panel". Panelists were Katie Clark, 100 Black Men of America-Phoenix Program; Carolina Dallas, DESI Career Training Center; Theodore Hearn; DESI Career Training Center; Antwan Nodd, Dearborn YMCA Pathway to Employment Program.

Antwan Nodd, a former Williamson High School student encouraged students to stay in school. "Don't go down the same road I went down," stated Nodd. "The streets are nothing nice. Instead of doing my school work, I decided to hang out and smoke marijuana. I ended up getting caught smoking at school. I was sent to jail and eventually expelled from high school." Nodd further states that his high school guidance counselor referred him to the Dearborn YMCA's Pathway to Employment, supported by Mobile Works. "Thanks to their support, I was able to turn my life around," stated Nodd. He is working a full-time job as a longshoreman and making a positive contribution to society. Nodd hopes to write a book someday to inspire others to overcome obstacles and achieve the impossible.

Katie Clark, a former Murphy High School student gave a testimonial on the affects of alcohol. "I went from being a class favorite, a member of the homecoming court, Students Against Drunk Drivers (SADD) and other clubs at Murphy High School to being expelled for alcohol related activities. Thanks to the 100 Black Men of America-Phoenix Program, I was able to get my life on track and I entered a rehab program for alcoholism, " Clark explained. "Please remember that your actions affect the people most important to you. Make choices which better you as a person. Do not make insecure, impulsive choices that many teens make."

Furthermore, students had the opportunity to question leaders in business and industry. Maynard Odom, Bishop State Community College moderated the Business and Industry Panel which shared with students career and training opportunities available after graduation. The panel consisted of Kevin Atkins, Mobile Aerospace Engineering; Olga Harris, AIDT Project Manager; Barbara Estes, Associated Builders and Contractors; Vandlyn Pierre, Drug Education Council.

After visiting the Exhibitor Area and Survey Zone, students listened to a presentation by Debra Mack, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Mobile Division. Mack discussed how a criminal record will impact chances of being employed with state, federal and local agencies. "It's hard for employers to hire someone with felony arrest records," stated Mack. "Our agency conducts extensive background checks on prospective employees. Don't let your actions today limit your possibilities of tomorrow." Mack further explained that her agency requires an extensive background review of applicants which includes a credit check, criminal background check, verifying references, interviewing past employers and other criteria pertinent for employment.

The summit concluded with Mayor Jones encouraging students to consider opportunities available to them in Mobile after graduating high school. "Mobile has opportunities today that was unheard of years ago. It doesn't matter whether you have a G.E.D or a Ph.D, you are equally important to this community. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you at home. You can go anywhere you want to go in Mobile and be successful," Mayor Jones said.

The 2008 Youth Workforce Summit was sponsored by the Mobile Area Education Foundation and the Mobile Society for Human Resource Management. Members of the 2008 Youth Summit planning committee included Wilbert Merriweather, Mobile Works, Inc. Youth Council President; Patsy Herron, United Way of Southwest Alabama; Jeremiah Newell, Mobile Area Education Foundation; Remigia Coleman, Department of Human Resources; Jeanine Phillips, Community Foundation of South Alabama; Judy Graham, Alabama Power Company; Charles Porter, Bishop State Community College; Dorinda Phillips, Mobile County Public School System; Lorinda Day, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Barbara Mann, Mobile Works Youth Council; Kimberly Pettway, Department of Human Resources; Lorraine Reynolds, Mobile Housing Board; John Sipple, Mobile Works Youth Council; Vandlyn Pierre, Drug Education Council; Frewin Osteen, Prichard Housing Authority; Kelly Warren, Mobile County Health Department.