JobsFirstNYC kicked off the first day of its two-day Adapting to the Future of Work convening on July 18, 2023. Designed specifically for young people, the day centered their voices with a special call to action – listen up to diverse experiences and engage with their peers to spark change. After three years of transformative virtual content, the convening returned to its original in-person format.
Since 2016, Adapting to the Future of Work has provided a nexus for sharing experiences, bold ideas, and forward-thinking conversations that highlight important shifts and breakthroughs in the workplace. This year’s speakers represented a wide cross section of emerging and traditional industries, which made for lively conversations.
Wake Up New York
From the start, emcee and Youth Leader Nasir Mack, challenged attendees to open their minds to new experiences and make meaningful connections. Long-time JobsFirstNYC collaborator, Jamiel Alexander, Senior Fellow and Consultant at the Aspen Institute delivered his signature wake-up session filled with meditation and movement..
Listen Up to the Poetry of New York City
As one participant put it, 2023 New York City Youth Poet Laureate and Inaugural New York State Youth Poet Laureate, Stephanie Pacheco, “brought the fire”. The young poet opened the day on a pitch-perfect note with a riveting performance that spotlighted the value of community. “It’s knowing it took more than a village to raise me. It took the whole neighborhood,” recited Pacheco.
Listen Up to the Voice of Experience
JobsFirstNYC President and CEO, Marjorie Parker, welcomed the eager attendees and urged them to listen up to their peers as well as experienced professionals. Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Deputy Commissioner, Denice Williams, imparted some of the enduring and humorous life lessons that she has used to guide her own professional pathway. During his special remarks, New York State Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, spoke candidly about his personal experience of finding his passion and following his aspirations as a young person by moving to LA to pursue hip-hop stardom. He emphasized the importance of embracing and learning from failure.
Young Adults Have Plenty to Say and are Leading the Way
This year’s keynote speaker was two-time best-selling author and founder of Project I Am, 15-year-old Jahkil Jackson. Jackson, a 2022 TedX Presenter and 2019 CNN Hero: Young Wonder, recounted the inspiring story of how he founded his Project I Am nonprofit to amplify the awareness of homelessness when he was just 8 years old. Jackson emphasized the importance of taking an active stance and reminded the audience to also “have a little fun while making a difference in our world”, encouraging those who are in a position to do so to pay attention.
There’s Nothing You Can’t Do in New York
Kimberly Pham, Engagement Coordinator for Opportunity Youth United (OYU), elicited a standing ovation when she declared, “No matter our origins, we stand firm for New York City.” During the I Am A Multiplier – Bringing Out the Best in Your Community panel, Pham highlighted the importance of advocacy to ensure that all individuals have equal access to a variety of means of achieving success and an inclusive setting.
Let’s Hear It for Our City and Our Community
Bronx-born activist and storyteller, Daphne Frias focused attention on the support and encouragement she received to continue with her activism, saying, “I had everyone in my community at my back and at my front.” Frias is a lauded figure among young activists, and knows that community is crucial for successful organizing. “When fighting against injustice, those in charge are not always going to be willing to listen.” She reminded the audience that “It is our [community’s] responsibility to save us, no one else’s.” Opportunity Youth United’s Carrie Mays and Teresa Rivera, explained the importance of civic engagement in creating a more inclusive and equitable environment. Mays, additionally, drew attention to the creative practice of using art as a means to express oneself in times of injustice.
Youth Leader Nasir Mack served as emcee, with help from Jamiel Alexander, Senior Fellow and Consultant at The Aspen Institute. In addition to reiterating sentiments expressed by speakers, the duo offered personal and professional anecdotes, keeping the audience engaged and energized.
Build Your Social Capital and Use It Wisely
The Your Network is Your Net Worth – Social Entrepreneurship and Building Social Capital panel moderated by The Fordham Ram’s Managing Editor, Sebastian Diaz, triggered animated discussion between panelists as they pointed to how building their networks advanced their careers. Founder of MFC and Buffalo State University’s inaugural recipient of the Black Fashion Scholarship, Madison Bryant-Wagstaff, testified that she started appreciating her own net worth when she realized that every new connection she nurtured, helped her open new doors and led to her becoming a jewelry designer and entrepreneur. Emcee Nasir Mack added how networking helped him overcome his initial struggles with speaking up and launching projects. Founder of MARTK’D, Dion Walcott, emphasized that unique and diverse experiences have the potential to shape our futures and young people should seek them out. Crain’s Notable Crain’s Black Leader 2023 Awardee and BCW Communications Executive, Jordan Folkes, advised the crowd to create relationships that leave lasting impressions.
Claim Your Seat at the Picnic Table
After lunch and networking, the attendees returned to participate in the convening’s signature Picnic Table Talks. These workshops were developed and incorporated into Adapting to the Future of Work to provide a more relaxed and interactive experience for hosts and participants. This year attendees had a wide choice of topics ranging from sneaker design to digital communications.
Collaboration is Everything!
The convening ended with a surprise Collaborator Award being presented to Opportunity Youth United (OYU) by the JobsFirstNYC team. The award recognized OYU’s as a long-standing partner in planning Adapting to the Future of Work convenings. In accepting the award, Kimberly Pham noted, ”It is truly touching to be recognized for our joint efforts in collaboration. This award not only symbolizes our partnership but also serves as a reminder of the incredible outcomes we can achieve when working together towards a common goal.” It was a fitting ending to a day filled with unforgettable life and work lessons.
We heard you loud and clear so here’s what we took away…
- The importance of persisting through tough situations. It is evident that every person’s journey towards their goals is different, yet all speakers discussed working through the challenges encountered along the way to achieve their vision.
- It is essential to seek the right balance of self-belief and assistance from family and community. Believing in yourself and having a supportive circle helps you strive for success.
- It is vital to be intentional about networking with people in order to open the door to new opportunities and facilitate the exchange of ideas and expand your connections.
Think of ways to form productive relationships by introducing yourself and inquiring about each other’s projects. - It is critical to use various media to express your ideas and opinions. Words, melodies and collective groups are all viable avenues for social advocacy.
- It is imperative to pay attention to the voices of young people. Encouraging them to share their views and ideas not only would benefit the workforce, but also positively contribute to our social development.
Thanks to all of the young adults and program providers who joined us for this amazing convening. With the help of our sponsors and partners, we were able to Listen Up to the voices of a diverse group of young adults. It was the experience of a lifetime. See you in the summer of 2024!
Stay tuned for a video recap of Adapting to the Future of Work: Listen Up. Until then, here is a snapshot of the content.
Guest Speaker
Listen Up: You Can Own Your Future
Tawan Davis, CEO, Steinbridge Group
Featured Breakout Sessions
Listen Up and Stay Ahead – Preparing for Emerging Industries and Workforce Trends
Workforce Trend: Virtual Reality as a Training Tool
John Lynch, State Workforce Manager, TransfrVR
Emerging Industry: Sustainability & Green Jobs
Domingo Morales, Founder, Compost Power
Workforce Trend: Belonging, Meaning, Well-Being and Purpose
Nee Frankson, Youth Researcher
Emerging Industry: AI Bias & Ethics
Sasha Hori, New York Co-Chapter Lead, Encode Justice
Emerging Industry: Solving the World’s Biggest Problems with AI
Vidya Bharadwaj, Co-Director of Education, Encode Justice
Panel #1: I am a Multiplier – Bringing Out the Best in Your Community
Daphne Frias, Youth Activist and Storyteller
Carrie Mays, Social Justice Activist Warrior
Teresa Rivera, Community Educator and Youth Advocate, Boricua Looks Like
Moderator: Kimberly Pham, Engagement Coordinator, Opportunity Youth United
Panel #2: Your Network is Your Net Worth – Social Entrepreneurship and Building Social Capital
Jordan Folkes, Healthcare Account Director, BCW
Dion Walcott, Founder, MARTK’D
Madison Wagstaff, Founder, MFC (The MFC Collective, LLC)
Moderator: Sebastian Diaz, Managing Editor of the Fordham Ram, Fordham University
Picnic Table Talks
Take Back the Narrative: Communications in Today’s Digital World
Jordan Folkes, Account Director, BCW
Listen Up: I Am Who I Want to Be
Daphne Frias, Youth Activist and Storyteller
Exploring Apprenticeships
Armitina Smith, Program Alum, Stacks and Joules
Francisca Peral, Program Alum and Facilitator, Stacks and Joules
Making a Career Out of Being Creative
Dion Walcott, Founder, MARTK’D
Krystal Fortune, Footwear Designer and Linebuilder, MARTK’D Family
Thanks to all of the young adults and program providers who joined us for this convening. Through our sponsors and partnerships we ensured that the young attendees had the experience of a lifetime. See you in the summer of 2024!
