National Career Development Conference 2023
Vanessa Ackley, Mark Parker Jr., Miyoko Hill, Teliyah Ramos, Gino Martin, Tracy Wilson, Malakai Rodriquez-Montanez, Pam Macer and Nika Newsome
Monday, May 1, 2023 On Wednesday, April 19, six JOG students and two Career Specialist Instructors flew to Orlando, Florida to attend the National Career Development Conference (NCDC). NCDC also serves as a recognition opportunity for Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) members to demonstrate the competencies gained in the classroom through the NCA National Recognition and Competitive Events Program.
The students had all medaled in the Y.O.U. Youth Career Olympics earlier this spring and went to compete at the national level. Tracey Wilson, Gino Martin, and Malakai Rodriquez joined from John Marshall School of Civic and Business Leadership, Mark Parker Jr. and Mioko Hill joined from Maple Heights and Teliyah Ramos joined from Lincoln West.
Pam Macer, the Chief Program Officer at Y.O.U., joined the competitors on their trip. She noticed how the competitors had “a lot of first experiences that went way beyond the competition. The trip showed the youth what they can aspire to be.”
One youth confided in Macer, “I like this life.”
The students wore new blazers provided by JAG Ohio. They spent a day at Universal Studios after the conference. The students got to enjoy a variety of eating experiences. Specifically, they enjoyed the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios and one even had their favorite steak dinner. The students stepped up to new opportunities during the event. Teliyah got trained at the conference to vote for the new national officers. Others stepped in to represent not only Ohio but Pennsylvania and Oklahoma as flag bearers at the opening ceremony. They met many other students from across the country, They were exposed to international speakers like Darryl Bellamy Jr.
Darryl asked the student leaders to reckon with what they fear most. He told them that everyone is one fearless moment away from getting everything that they want in their lives. He challenged them to reconsider what stops them from conquering their fears.
The trip offered a grounding moment to learn the spirit of teamwork while considering their next steps. Tracey is planning to attend Wright State next year with a partial scholarship for basketball. Miyoko will be attending the University of Cinncinnati. Malakai plans to attend Akron University. Mark plans to enter the National Guard and attend college for IT. Teliyah plans to pursue a career in architecture and interior design after her senior year. Gino acted as the leader of the team, helping everyone get where they needed to be throughout the weekend. Gino plans to attend Tri-C and pursue a career in fashion design.
Senior Career Specialist Instructors Nika Newsome and Vanessa Ackley chaperoned the youth in Orlando. Nika was awarded a position on the national faculty of JAG. She will be trained by JAG to offer their curriculum to other JAG teachers and students in multiple states across the country. Nika will be using her experiences as a certified yoga teacher to support the trauma informed care and socialization elements of their programming. YOU is proud to support Nika in her national training while she continues to work with us locally.
