The Future of Talent: Apprenticeships & Internships

Cultivating Your Workforce: Apprenticeships & Internships

Panelists: Katie Dulaney, Central VA Partnership for Economic Development; Nedra Fleming, UVA Career Center; Jennifer Hynson, Virginia Works

As the Experiential Learning Coordinator for the University of Virginia Career Center, Nedra Fleming is enthusiastic about helping students to find pathways to achieve their career goals through recruiting and establishing paid and credit bearing internships through Virginia Talent+ Opportunity Partnership (VTOP). She focuses on linking UVA students with internships offered by employers in Central Virginia. Nedra is also the program leader for the Truist Leadership Academy which is an immersive, living and learning experience designed to support Black/African-American students and all UVA students who have a passion for inclusion and equity. She put her Master’s degree to use by teaching 8th graders at Burley Middle School before focusing on non-profit work and engaging with the community. Her role in creating the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) division at the United Way of Greater Charlottesville and working in DEI at the UVA Cancer Center demonstrates her leadership, dedication and focus on fostering inclusive environments.

Katie Dulaney serves as the Talent Director of the Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development. She oversees the Partnership’s talent attraction and retention efforts, including a GO Virginia funded initiative, TechLink. TechLink focuses on retaining college graduates to launch their careers within the Central Virginia region, thereby providing a talent pipeline for higher paying jobs in technology fields. Katie also works as a V-TOP (Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership) coordinator. Katie earned her PhD in Educational Theory and Policy at Penn State University. As a Ph.D. student, she helped launch an undergraduate internship program at the Center for Education and Civil Rights and worked closely with numerous school boards deliberating on local policies. A former middle school teacher of six years, Katie has served as both a leader in and a liaison for the education sector.

Jennifer Hynson is a Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with Virginia Works, dedicated to providing professional and technical assistance to employers and apprentices across Virginia. With a background in rural and underserved community development, Jennifer emphasizes the critical link between the strength of our communities and statewide economic growth. Having personally completed an apprenticeship, Jennifer brings a unique perspective as both a passionate advocate and a direct beneficiary of the transformative impact of these programs.
 

---

The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce and the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development proudly present the Future of Talent series, diving deep into the evolving landscape of work. Employers will learn new strategies to attract great talent and build a strong team.

Sponsored by Avature