The Skill Set

August 2025

Dispatch from the CEO

Validation of Our Vision

Last month, we shared some big news: We received a $450,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and with that funding have expanded our team. We've welcomed Serena Jezior as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Ian Marks as Manager of Employer Solutions. They join Marcus Harris, Director of Programs and Services, who came aboard in May, as the three newest staff members, bringing our team to a total of 13.

The funding also supports wraparound services for more job seekers, professional development opportunities for staff, and software to modernize the OhioMeansJobs Center and Greater Cleveland Works’ operations. 

Beyond that, the investment validates our bold vision and enables us to create the results-oriented organization we've set out to become. We're grateful to the Cleveland Foundation for supporting our strategic direction and look forward to all the great things to come!

Check out more news below about what's happening in our workforce world. Thanks for reading!

Michelle Rose

Chief Executive Officer

Greater Cleveland Works

What's New

Our Website Expands

We continue to build out our website with more information and resources for job seekers, employers and partners interested in working with us. Our primary goal: Make it easy to connect with us and get what you need to succeed. Take a spin around the site and let us know what you think! There is more to come. Stay tuned for a phase two launch in the next couple of months.

Working With ...

Grace Heffernan

In this month's Working With vlog, we chat with Grace Heffernan, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Worker Center, a key partner in pay transparency and worker rights efforts. Michelle and Grace chat about the new pay equity law and how it will be enforced by the Cleveland Fair Employment Wage Board.

High Five

Staff / Board Honors

The Cleveland Leadership Center has selected board member Kim Thomas, mayor of Richmond Heights, as part of its Leadership Cleveland class of 2026, and our own Crystal Reed, director of the Youth Mental Health Workforce Task Force, as part of its 2026 Cleveland Bridge Builders class. Congratulations, Kim and Crystal!

In the News

Manufacturing Sector Partnership Celebration

Cuyahoga County's Manufacturing Sector Partnership recently celebrated an important milestone: the placing of 3,000 individuals in manufacturing positions in the last three years. Congratulations to MAGNET, Cuyahoga County, and all those who have been involved to make this a success!

Research Corner

Built Environment Case Study

A new case study on the Built Environment Collaborative from the American Institutes of Research explores how our model and approach helped foster genuine collaboration among all partners involved to better serve Cleveland residents and small businesses.

Around Town

LAUNCH Program Kicks Off

On July 25, we hosted the Financial Empowerment Kickoff Celebration for LAUNCH (In the Land), Cleveland's new young adult (18-24) career initiative. It was a great day filled with career resources, food, and music!