CVTC Staffers Advocate for Women Workers

Staff of the Special Populations program at Coosa Valley Technical College met with U.S. Representative Phil Gingrey (R) to discuss the needs of the organization and its clients in Washington, D.C. The Special Populations program helps students and other members of the community, with barriers to employment, prepare for high skill, high wage careers. Latrenda Leaks, Special Populations Coordinator; Cecelia Slaton, Job Coach Specialist; Amy Ogles, Facilitator: and Jennifer Delevie, Georgia Fatherhood Program met with Gingrey in conjunction with the Women Work! / National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) conference.

The Special Populations program works to educate legislators about the importance of programs that help a diverse population enter and succeed in America’s workforce. The Special Populations program at Coosa Valley Technical College offers technical education programs as well as classes on basic job readiness skills to Northwest Georgia women and men who wish to obtain family supporting employment and careers.

Leaks said that meeting legislatures in person is an opportunity to raise the awareness of the issues important to the female working community. Leaks stated, “I’m pleased to share the needs of the individuals in economic transition in our community so they will be better represented at the federal level.”

Women Work!, the National Network for Women’s Employment, advocates for policies that increase education and training opportunities, ensure economic security, and provide employment support for women. Women Work! strives to educate policymakers and the public about the status of women in the workforce; develops resources, services, and trainings to help women enter, re-enter, and advance in the workforce; organizes state networks and projects to advance women's economic self-sufficiency; and partners with other national organizations, advocacy groups, and corporations that support women's economic security.

NAPE is a consortium of state and local agencies, corporations, and national organizations that collaborate to create equitable and diverse classrooms and workplaces where there are no barriers to opportunities. NAPE focuses on improving the achievement of students and special populations, in secondary and postsecondary education, that lead to high skill, high wage, and nontraditional careers; develops educational materials that promote equitable learning environments; analyzes federal accountability data and publishes reports to impact public policy and local program improvement; and provides technical assistance to states and local agencies regarding the implementation of Perkins, WIA, Title IX, TANF, and other legislation related to education and workforce development.