Introducing our new blog series, 5 Questions in a New York Minute, in which we hear from New York City’s workforce. Through concise and insightful interviews, we aim to spotlight the unique experiences, strategies, and new approaches of a diverse group of individuals as they navigate and adapt to a rapidly evolving work landscape in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Join us for inspiring stories that shape the Big Apple!
In a New York Minute with Youth WINS Coalition Director Sean Ghazala
Can you provide an overview of your organization’s mission and how it specifically supports young people who are out of school and out of work?
Youth WINS (Workforce Initiative Network of Staten Island) mission is for all young adults on Staten Island to be meaningfully employed in order to become financially secure and economically mobile. We provide support to young adults in Staten Island, aged 16–24, who are seeking educational and employment opportunities. Our coalition of community-based workforce organizations each individually have dynamic legacies of supporting communities across Staten Island with fewer resources. Through Youth WINS—for greater overall impact—we align strategy, collectivize advocacy, and build partner capacity.
What are some of the biggest challenges that young adults who are out of school and out of work—and most at risk of becoming out of school, out of work—face, and how does Youth WINS address these challenges?
Young adults who find themselves out of school and out of work, often face barriers navigating complex workforce systems once they do begin to seek employment. Our young people benefit immensely when they can turn to a dedicated advocate who can provide coaching and mentorship on everything including resume preparation, the importance of being on time, as well as putting your best foot forward during an interview.
How do you measure the impact and success of your programs in improving the lives of young adults? Which of your approaches to addressing the needs of young people has been most effective?
As a coalition of nonprofits, community-based organizations, the local Chamber of Commerce, and community colleges, measuring the precise impact of our programs on the lives of young adults is a complex task. It is challenging to distinguish the specific contributions of each partner from the overall impact of our collective efforts.. Nevertheless, Youth WINS employs several metrics to assess our effectiveness. We track the growth of our coalition membership, the number of young adults reached annually through our collective efforts, and the success of our career placement initiatives. Tracking these metrics allows us to quantify our progress, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the tangible outcomes of our collective endeavors. Our approach to addressing the needs of young people is deeply rooted in a place-based, community-driven, and youth advocacy-centered framework, ensuring that our efforts are tailored to each of the communities we serve.
What is NYC Strong?
A defining trait of New Yorkers is their remarkable solidarity in times of crisis, standing united to support one another. An impactful example on Staten Island was the emergence of mutual aid groups in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Sandy’s storm surge hit Staten Island’s south shore where ten people drowned, many homes were partially or completely flooded, and families were displaced. This tragic course of events inspired Staten Islanders to work together to comfort and uplift each other. In the aftermath of the storm, we continue those traditions of responding to young adults and their families when in crisis with acts of unity and coalition.
What book, person, or event has inspired you the most?
In our community, the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic—after grieving for the lives lost—became a moment of inspiration for many. The pandemic laid bare so many of the inequities that existed under the surface, from broadband and technology access to so much more. We are all still coming to terms with a new normal, but certainly our vision of an alternative has become sharper.
Youth WINS is a collaborative of nonprofits, the local Chamber of Commerce, and a local college that focuses on meeting the career readiness needs of young adults through educational attainment, certification, and job placement.
To learn more about Youth WINS visit YouthWINS.me and reach out to Stephany Garcia at sgarcia@jobsfirstnyc.org.
