Local organization helps train workforce with credentials for advancement

CHARLOTTE, N.C – As companies across America end diversity, equity and inclusion programs, there’s a local organization working to help train people to be competitive in the workforce.

Urban League of Central Carolinas Young Professionals are working to make sure our local workforce can compete and have the opportunity to economically advance.

Nneka Ayozie is on the board of the UL of CC Young Professionals. She enrolled in the Leadership Academy to develop professionally and find more job opportunities.

“When you walk into this room and you’re talking about merit based choices, selections, promotions, whatever that might be. It’s not a question if you get it or not, because you are the best in the room,” Ayozie said. “These kind of programs help build that up, as well as creating a community where you can support others on their journey to do that.”

YP is hosting it’s Join Week to recruit members at the same time companies across America are ending DEI programs and shifting to what President Donald Trump calls a merit based society.

“What we have to do is continue to focus on ensuring that we have the correct pathways to help ensure that people can get employed by trade programs employed in high skill demand jobs, so that merit is not an issue, and that our resume speaks for ourselves,” Kyle Brown, President of Urban League Young Professionals said.

The organization targets people ages 21 to 40. The group hosts workshops, career fairs, seminars and more focusing on advancement professionally and financially.

“Because of those credentials, they are then allowed to be able to be employable and from there, we hope that our programs can continue to grow, scale and impact the community and create a pipeline to help build workforce development,” Brown said.

Ayozie says the tools and skills she’s learning are invaluable.

“It really prepares you to step into the landscape in a different way, not just being the only in the space, but also being the best,” Ayozie said.

For the month of February, membership to YP is $50. After that, most training opportunities are free for members