On the first day of JobsFirstNYC’s two-day Adapting to the Future of Work convening, over 200 young adults walked into New York City’s Civic Hall and demonstrated that they’re buckling up and taking the driver’s seat to shape their own futures. As the workforce evolves, education transforms, and policy shifts, these young people aren’t just adapting—they’re leading the way.

This year’s theme, Buckle Up, was chosen to reinforce the preparedness and grit needed to face the rapid transformations in today’s workforce and education ecosystem. From artificial intelligence and apprenticeships to cannabis and community engagement, each of the inspiring speakers brought the workforce’s most pertinent conversations to the center stage.

Morning Motivations

From the outset, emcee Yulkendy Valdez, a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur, filled the room with electric energy and shared her experiences of the power of solidarity amidst uncertainty. Reminiscing about her own experiences with “buckling up,” Valdez reminded attendees to “not buckle up alone, but [to] grab the person next to you.” Opportunity Youth United’s Kimberly Pham then delivered a reflective wake-up session featuring visualization techniques and confidence-building affirmations.

Beyond the Boardroom – Advice from Top Leaders

Marjorie Parker, CEO and President of JobsFirstNYC, welcomed the young New Yorkers in attendance and while most of the day amplified youth voices, part of the morning was dedicated to hearing from current workforce development trailblazers. Parker urged them to “Be proactive in seizing opportunities” and “persistent in the face of adversity.” Drawing from her own professional journey, she emphasized the crucial role of humility in learning and achieving success, underscoring the vast potential of young adults. She acknowledged that while their potential knows no bounds, the obstacles they face in realizing it are numerous and ever-changing.

Confidence in and gratitude for young people was a recurring sentiment throughout the day, as leaders in education and workforce development, including Valerie Mulligan, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Youth and Community Development, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share their space and learn from the insights and lessons young people offer every day. Said Mulligan, “There’s a lot that we all as ‘adults’ can be learning from you. This space is really yours to take.”

Dare to step into your rightful position as leaders.

Marjorie D. Parker, CEO and President, JobsFirstNYC

Cat B on Small Business, Community Building, and The Bodega Lounge

Setting a powerful tone for the remainder of the day, keynote and local entrepreneur Catherine Buccelli, also known as Cat B, spotlighted creating spaces of inclusivity in the workplace and managing many of life’s hardships. Cat B, the owner of The Bodega Lounge, encouraged young adults to always embrace “authenticity and perseverance.” A dedicated advocate and founder of #BlackMenCryToo, Cat opened herself up about her own anxieties, life-altering encounters with grief and loss, and the frequently harsh realities of entrepreneurship. Cat explained, “When they say business isn’t personal, but you’re an entrepreneur, everything is personal.” She also highlighted the impact of finding motivation where it matters: “Mindset, action, community – are vital.”

Pitch Perfect – Transforming Communities through Innovation

Back by popular demand, JobsFirstNYC’s My City, My Community social impact pitch competition made a powerful return for its fourth year, showcasing submissions that wowed both judges and the audience. Perfect for visionaries eager to ignite change in their communities, this annual competition provides young adults with the opportunity to strengthen and present their innovative ideas, demonstrating commitment to making a difference. The six finalists delivered their pitches to a distinguished panel of judges: Atiba Edwards, President and CEO of Brooklyn Children’s Museum; Aisha Norris, Co-Founder and Executive Director of DREAM!; and Charles F. Johnson II, Esq., Senior Labor and Employment Law Education Associate at the Cannabis Workforce Initiative of Cornell University. Alongside thoughtful questions and constructive critiques, the judges were challenged with breaking the finalists’ frequent ties for the prizes.

Kazi Tasin, Naureen Asha, and Shaquan Larose, the bright minds behind International Circle, were awarded the first place prize of $2,500.00 to pursue a mobile-app solution for the feeling of isolation and lack of resources experienced by international students in great need of a support system. Ifrita Shajedeen, creator of Beyond the Blueprint, won second place for her multifaceted program geared towards encouraging youth participation in addressing environmental racism. Kayla Everett and Damari McDonald secured third place for CareAssist, an organization that produces the CarePack – a tent and travel bag in one. And Isaac Scotland was named “Audience Favorite” for his presentation of 4U4US, a job listing application for maintenance tasks around New York City.

Trendspotting – Staying Ahead of the Workforce Curve

Following the excitement of the pitch competition, attendees moved into the first round of breakout sessions, giving them an opportunity to hear from experts on today’s emerging industries and workforce trends in a more personal environment. Mahmoud Khedr, Board Member at Mental Health America, provided a safe and comfortable space to explore what mental health in the workplace looks like. Ana Reyes Martinez, Senior Director of Instructor Learning and Development at The Marcy Lab School, moderated a discussion with a panel of their students and alumni focused on demystifying software engineering and the robust tech sector. Rachel Ceruti, CEO and Founder of Reclypt, led a session on circular business models and minimizing fashion waste. Essential partners of the pitch competition, Kenya George and Justin Lokossou from BUILD.org presented on money managing techniques and entrepreneurship. Also integral to the social impact pitch competition, Charles F. Johnson II, Esq. covered the rights you should be aware of as a youth worker.

How might I build sustainable wellness habits to empower myself and others to flourish?

Mahmoud Khedr, Board Member, Mental Health America

Round of Applause

This year’s musical performance by Seattle-based artist Victoria Standoak had the audience captivated by her piece “Better” in which she sings, “I buckled up and I paved the way… I want better for me.” Her skillful lyricism was felt by all who had attended, and her performance left the room energized and introspective.

Ready, Set, Talk

Later in the afternoon, attendees participated in the convening’s signature Picnic Table Talks, designed to encourage candid dialogue, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Deshawn Childress, Community Organizer and Policy Liaison at NYEC, and Mia Williams-Payne, Organizing Lead of Youth Civic Hub, each led breakout sessions on community engagement and initiating impact in their communities. Kimone Napier, Founder and CEO of Hire Breakthrough, guided the audience through future-proofing careers providing guidance on work readiness and intergenerational relationships. Joined by two current apprentices Keilah-Mari Seabrooks and Emily Ventura, Ismail Ocasio, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Accelerator at the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, shared insights on emerging apprenticeship options and their significance in determining future career decisions. David Serrano, Project Manager and Instructor at the Cannabis Workforce Initiative of Cornell University, illustrated what different successful careers in the cannabis industry could look like. And Elran Tsabag, Director of Enterprise Solutions at Dale Carnegie’s New York Center of Excellence, underscored the humanity of AI, the remarkability of what are considered our “soft skills,” and that “learning is not about answering questions, but asking them.”

The important thing about civic engagement is understanding the power that you have as a voter and as a citizen. Do for your community what you can do for yourself.

Mia Williams-Payne, Organizing Lead, Youth Civic Hub

Ending the Day with Notes on Justice

Given the fundamental role of policy at school and work, Adapting to the Future of Work wrapped up with its final group of speakers, the Buckle Up for Self-Justice Panel, How to Stand Up for Your Rights as a Young Adult. Dévon Patterson, Director of Community Engagement at Open Buffalo, moderated a dynamic discussion about civil liberties, human rights, and activism. Shaquana Boykin, District Leader and State Committee Member of Assembly District 57, and Tyler Cox, Community Engagement Associate at Bronx Defenders fired up the audience during the powerful conversation of political activism and lived experience, Cox garnered cheers when she exclaimed, “You are an expert of your own experience.” Building off each other’s momentum, Shaquana clarified, “We have to continue to unlearn things that aren’t pushing us forward.”

Takeaways

• Share your experiences, doing so has the potential to motivate others.
• Have the courage to take up space, be seen and be heard.
• Nurture your ideas for innovation.
• Buckle Up with your community because a successful professional journey is not a solo ride.
• Every setback you experience brings you a step closer to finding your own path to success.
• Ask more questions than you answer. Learning is enriched with inquiry.
• Visualize the most impressive, accomplished version of yourself; there are no limits to your greatness.
• Be mindful of and attentive to your physical and mental well-being. The best version of yourself begins with the basics.
• Seek out opportunities that integrate your personality and passions into your professional path.

A Standing Ovation

A big thank you to all the young adults and JobsFirstNYC partners who participated in this incredible convening. With the support of our sponsors and partners, we had the privilege of hearing from a diverse group of young adults. 

We are grateful to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development for their continued partnership and belief in our mission.

Thanks to Amalgamated Bank, Children’s Aid, Chmura, Fiduciary Plan Partners, Fund for the City of New York, Grant Associates, NCheng LLP, Phipps Neighborhoods, Ponce Bank, Resorts World, US Bank, and Workforce Professionals Training Institute. Your sponsorship made a difference, and we are thankful for your contribution.

See you in the summer of 2025 for our tenth annual Adapting to the Future of Work!

Stay tuned for a video recap of Adapting to the Future of Work: Buckle Up.