May 12, 2021 1:39pm
Private Contributions from Area Business Leaders Fund Operations of GLI Talent Pipeline Initiative
Louisville, Ky. (May 12, 2021) – Thirty-six local leaders donated over $100,000 to fund the core operations of Greater Louisville Inc.’s (GLI) Career Acceleration Network Initiative, which will launch as a two-year pilot program to move workers in low-skill, low-paying jobs, to skilled jobs with family-supporting wages. The program will create a talent pipeline with the support of employers, higher-education institutions, and skills training professionals to help people advance their careers.
“The tremendous support for this program from both corporations and also local business leaders highlights the important community need the Career Acceleration Network will fulfill,” said Sarah Davasher-Wisdom, President and CEO of GLI. “We are extremely grateful to all of the individuals who believe in and support this program’s mission to expand equitable access to career mobility in our workforce.”
Last month, Chair of the Greater Louisville Foundation (GLF), Matt Thornton, challenged the GLF Board of Directors, and the GLI Board of Directors to help raise the remaining funding. Thornton kicked off the challenge with his own generous private contribution and Sandra Frazier, Managing Member of Tandem Public Relations, helped finish the campaign with her own substantial private donation.
Individual donors include:
- Lonnie Bellar
- Lisa Benson
- John Y Brown
- Spencer Bruce
- Gabby Bruno
- Toni Clem
- Ann Coffey
- Paul Costel
- Russ Cox
- John Crockett
- Condrad Daniels
- Wendy Dant Chesser
- Jennifer Eberle
- Sandra Frazier
- Les Fugate
- Steve Gault
- Demetrius Gray
- Michael Gritton
- Audwin Helton
- Alice Houston
- Lance Mann
- Jeff McKenzie
- OJ Oleka
- Caroline Oyler
- Theresa Reno-Weber
- Simon Richards
- Kendrick Riggs
- Karl Schmitt
- Camilla Schroeder
- Brad Smith
- David Tate
- Matt Thornton
- Purna Veer
- Joe Ventura
- Karen Williams
- Jennifer Willis
“The quick success of this challenge showcases the character of our local business leaders who are willing to step up and use their own private dollars to support an initiative that will create a stronger regional workforce. Working with these donors and the rest of our business community will ensure we are building a workforce and economy fit for the future,” said Thornton.
The Career Acceleration Network will launch this summer with 15 businesses and nine community and workforce partners committed to pilot the program.
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