
Bridge the Access Gap
We believe everyone should have equal access to jobs. Our model brings together local workforce organizations and global employers, resulting in connecting more job seekers in underinvested communities to opportunities. We are striving towards an equitable future, join us.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Empower local organizations to adapt the demand-driven model to create solutions for employers to get unemployed and underemployed job seekers back to work.
Our Vision
Build a network of partners and connected affiliate sites so the Skills Model is available to all employers focused on inclusive hiring and anyone searching for a job.
Our North Star
To increase the economic mobility of underemployed and unemployed talent by connecting them to quality jobs through our deep partnerships and understanding of the hiring needs of our network of engaged employers.
We Start with the Job
We've flipped the traditional workforce development model. The Skills Model is a jobs-first approach, working directly with companies to identify their hiring needs. Then we recruit diverse job seekers who are unemployed or underemployed and fit those open opportunities. The Skills Model is proven effective and efficient, and is utilized at all Skills Affiliate Sites.
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We drive inclusive hiring
Skills Affiliate Sites are focused on serving underinvested communities and our recruitment efforts—including strategic marketing and sourcing—connect applicants with jobs nearby with our dedicated employers.
We’re a part of the local community
Our Skills Affiliate Sites are established leaders in the local workforce community. With a footprint in the community we're serving, we understand the business and workforce landscape and know how to work with partners to achieve the impact our city needs.
We eliminate barriers
The jobs-first model is proven to expand talent pipelines by focusing on the needs of the business community, then connecting often overlooked individuals with the available, quality jobs they are qualified for.
We are a network
The power of our national network brings operational efficiencies, shared learnings and insights to our Skills Affiliate Sites in cities across the country to drive local change and increase impact.
We Prove that Equity Works
A job is transformational. At scale, the power of a job can be measured through both economic and social impact. As we scale and growth the network of Skills Affiliate Sites, the impact will also grow exponentially, lifting up underserved populations across the country.
17,720+
cumulative placements
317+
employer partners
$411.4M
total wage impact
Our Locations
Our original site was founded in Chicago in 2012 and remains our headquarters today. We have since expanded with sites in Rhode Island and Phoenix. Over the next 10 years we plan to serve 25 sites, helping to grow and strengthen the opportunities we provide.
Join Our Team
Do you have a passion for workforce development and impacting the economic mobility of underserved communities? If you also value innovation, equity and integrity, we invite you to browse open positions at Skills and apply today.
OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Oversight provided by the Skills for Chicagoland's Future Board of Directors
Suffolk
Dennis Berger
Former Chief Culture Officer
McDonald's
Heidi Capozzi
EVP, Global Chief People Officer
Research Improving People's Lives
Scott Jensen
CEO and VP of External Affairs
Discover Financial Services
Matt Johanson
Social Impact & ESG
HUB International
Mark Kendall
Executive Vice President
JKL Advisors LLC
Jeff Lackey
Founder & CEO
ARCO/Murray
Joe Pomerenke
Principal
Walmart
Keith Wyche
Vice President, Community Engagement & Support
Joyce Foundation
Whitney Smith
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer
SKILLS AFFILIATE SITE CHAIRS

Mark S. Hoplamazian
President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Board Chair of Skills for Chicagoland's Future
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Jeff Lackey
Founder and CEO of JKL Advisors LLC
Board Chair of Skills for Rhode Island's Future
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Daniel Cervantes
SVP, National Expansion & Strategic Initiatives
Mayra Alarcon
Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition Consulting
Jason Smolka
Director, Site Replication
Berkeley Gaither
Project Coordinator
Allie Brinskelle
Manager, Talent Acquisition Consulting