Laura Aka

2 months ago | workingnation.com | Laura Aka

The number of people with an incarceration, conviction, or arrest record – – might surprise you. What might not surprise you is that for those who have interacted with the U.S. justice system, even in a minor way, finding a good job can be a challenge with lifetime economic implications. Research out of the University of California, Los Angeles finds stigma in hiring.

2 months ago | workingnation.com | Laura Aka

Skip to content Apprenticeships can be a pathway to good careers, but they don’t work for everyone. Research indicates that a main reason some don’t complete their apprenticeship programs is financial difficulties. Jobs for the Future (JFF) has just launched the National Apprentice Fund (NAF) – an initiative to cut that hardship as a means to support Registered Apprenticeship completion. Google.org is financially supporting NAF with $2,800 individual, one-time awards going to 750 apprentices....

Mar 27, 2025 | workingnation.com | Laura Aka

A new call to action from JFF Labs – AI for Economic Opportunity and Advancement – poses the question many of us are asking ourselves these days: “Is AI making us all better off?” JFF Labs, Jobs for the Future’s innovation lab, makes the case that the answer is “no” to that question “unless AI promotes shared prosperity through quality jobs, entrepreneurship, financial security, and broad economic growth — especially for populations facing barriers to opportunity…” The call to action (CTA)...

Mar 25, 2025 | workingnation.com | Ramona Schindelheim |Michael James |Laura Aka |Victoria Lim

Dana Beth Ardi, PhD, Executive Committee, is a thought leader and expert in the fields of executive search, talent management, organizational design, assessment, leadership and coaching. As an innovator in the human capital movement, Ardi creates enhanced value in companies by matching the most sought after talent with the best opportunities. Ardi coaches boards and investors on the art and science of building high caliber management teams.

Mar 21, 2025 | workingnation.com | Laura Aka

In our continuing “Focus on” series, WorkingNation takes an in-depth look at cities and towns around the country – recognizing local efforts that create jobs as pathway to economic mobility. In our latest article, we Focus on Birmingham, Alabama. “The root of Birmingham is actually a blue collar city.” That’s how Mayor Randall Woodfin describes his city. Founded in 1871, Birmingham, Alabama was built on an abundance of iron ore, coal, and limestone, and the area’s iron and steel production.