Charting Professional Paths: Career Readiness Day at the Ladders Program
By: Timi Jafojo
ATLANTA – The Georgia Public Defender Council held the Ladders Program’s 2nd Annual Career Readiness Day On December 13th, 2023. The day-long event focused on fostering professional growth among youth 16-24 who are exiting the justice system.
Participants received a warm welcome from GPDC Executive Director Omotayo Alli, who set the stage for a day filled with inspiration and practical advice.
The keynote address by Gary Davis, founder of the Next Level Boys Academy, captivated the audience with insights from his life experiences and encouraged the participants to strive for excellence in their respective journeys.
Executive Director of the Georgia Public Defender Council Omotayo Alli with Keynote speaker, Gary Davis, founder of the Next Level Boys Academy.
A panel discussion featured prominent community leaders Edward Allen and Omar Howard alongside Rashida Dennis and Joshua Miller, graduates from the first cohort of the Ladders Program. The panelists engaged in a candid conversation about their experiences with the criminal justice system and emphasized the significance of embracing second chances when they are presented, highlighting the transformative impact these opportunities can have.
(Left to Right) Joshua Miller, Ladders Alumnus, Rashida Dennis, Ladders Alumna, Jarelle Thompson, Client Support Specialist for the Georgia Public Defender Council; Omar Howard, founder of Freedom is a Choice; and Edward Allen, community activist and entrepreneur spoke to Ladders participants during a panel discussion.
Participants were engaged by a series of educational presentations designed to bolster professional skills. GPDC Deputy Director of Human Resources and Administration LaWanda Onley and Armishia Wiley-Adams, GPDC human resources supervisor, provided crucial knowledge focused on strategies for successfully maneuvering the professional landscape.
Financial literacy was brought to the forefront through a session led by Terry Raiford, GPDC’S chief finance officer, Jason Ring, director of fiscal services, and Tracey Raindrop, budget analyst. Their presentation highlighted key financial principles, underscoring their importance in achieving and maintaining career stability. Thomas O’Connor, GPDC deputy director of strategic planning, research & communications, discussed the do’s and don’ts of social media, emphasizing that a clean and professional online presence can significantly enhance career paths.
(Left to Right) LaWanda Onley, Deputy Director of Human Resources and Administration, and Armishia Wiley-Adams, Human Resources Supervisor, give Ladders participants career tips.
The event also included career prep workshops. The hands-on sessions included how to craft resumes that effectively showcase skills, participating in mock interviews to hone interviewing techniques, and how professional headshots add a crucial element to a professional portfolio.
The event embodied the GPDC’s overarching commitment to education, skill development, and community reintegration. It also exemplified the Ladders Program's core mission: to be a transformative journey for individuals transitioning beyond the justice system.
Ladders Program
To learn more about the Ladders Program or to partner in our mission, please visit our foundation's website at www.gapdf.org.
The Georgia Public Defender Council
The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is an independent state agency within the Executive Branch of the State of Georgia responsible for representing approximately 85 percent of all criminally accused persons. GPDC public defenders work tirelessly to provide zealous, effective, and timely legal counsel to all in the care of GPDC. More at https://www.gapubdef.org.
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the efforts of Public Defenders across the state. It provides comprehensive social services and development programs to assist defendants exiting the justice system. Learn more about the Georgia Public Defense Foundation at https://www.gapdf.org/.