Steph Ricks Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

United States

I lead initiatives to build comprehensive workforce development programs in collaboration with employers, non-profits, and educational institutions. My role is centered on developing reskilling and upskilling programs to meet both business and community needs while fostering partnerships that ensure long-term success for both companies and individuals.

United States

Led regionally targeted strategies to position Strayer University within key U.S. employability and educational ecosystems. Managed two business units—Community Engagement and Strayer University Alumni—overseeing programs that served over 130,000 graduates, providing career development, job placement, and mentoring services. Spearheaded national partnerships, such as with KinderCare, to extend socio-economic support, including discounted childcare, to more than 150,000 students and alumni. Actively engaged in the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Talent and Education Council, advising on strategies to expand regional talent access. Convened stakeholders across non-profits, economic development organizations, government bodies, and corporate leaders to foster discussions on employment trends and regional workforce needs.

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Developed a strategic community engagement strategy, saving $2M in attrition costs through U.S. talent pipelines.Directed second chance hiring initiatives, placing over 4,000 individuals across 56 fulfillment and customer service centers.Spearheaded a global refugee hiring program, providing opportunities to over 500 marginalized individuals.Partnered with HR business partners, Compensation, and Benefits teams to link performance and rewards processes, reinforcing a culture of performance and development.Developed DE&I-focused strategies, launching programs that enhance community partnership image and internally link performance and rewards processes.Formed partnerships with over 35 workforce boards across the U.S. to support local Wayfair sites' hiring goals.

Launched a DEI-focused business, generating $300,000 in 5 months, emphasizing social determinants of health. Created 17 scalable internship programs for Fortune 500 firms in healthcare, IT, and finance. Managed 28 apprenticeship and workforce programs across 18 states, working cross-functionally. Expanded 35 strategic community impact partnerships, driving workforce development initiatives. Introduced a career kiosk in a Northern Kentucky retailer, placing 105 community residents in just 2 months.

Herndon, Virginia

Developed 3- and 5-year strategic plans for states and regions, outlining pathways, solutions, trainings, and outcomes for corporate partners.Launched an 18-month apprenticeship program with eight nationwide school districts, enrolling 250 students in the pilot year and scaling to 500 in year two, generating a $1M revenue stream.Implemented 20 innovative workforce development initiatives, leading to the creation of new business products and services.Designed and launched the Fellows for Justice Scholarship program in collaboration with 55 community-based organizations across 11 cities, establishing it as Strayer's flagship scholarship initiative.

New York, New York

In a city as complex and diverse as ours, it isn’t just the mayor and chief executives who shape our future. At Coro, they believe that meaningful change must also come from people in business and communities, schools and unions, government and nonprofits, who have the conviction and ideas to do more. Since 1984, no other group has put this insight into practice more successfully than Coro.

Brooklyn, New York

Forged over 200 corporate partnerships to strengthen NYCDOE college and career readiness programs.Managed a $5M budget, optimizing resource allocation and securing external funding to support district goals.Enhanced and scaled early career pipeline programs across 15 Fortune 500 companies.Designed work-based learning curricula for 25 U.S. early college schools, integrating 21st-century skills into core competency coursework.

Brooklyn, New York

Led the partnership strategy for nine P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) programs, IBM’s marquee Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.Secured $4M in philanthropic funding from Bloomberg Foundation to design and execute a national apprenticeship program.• Oversaw 19 work-based learning coordinators, driving the success of DOE's college and career readiness programming.Managed a $7M Youth Career Connect Grant from the Department of Labor, benefiting four NYC schools.

New York

Second Chances - Transforming Lives through Employment: Led a $4M U.S. Department of Labor Training to Work grant, overseeing daily operations to empower formerly incarcerated individuals across the U.S. in securing meaningful employment.Supervised a team of five career coaches and two job developers, achieving an 82% placement rate for 350 clients in one grant year. Spearheaded nationwide workforce programs in correctional facilities, equipping reentry individuals with vital skills and industry-recognized credentials for employment and career advancement.

Brooklyn, New York

Spearheaded the launch and Go-to-Market strategy for 60 youth programs in 35 NYC public schools, while managing a team of 4 student support case managers.Partnered with NYC’s Department of Education - Instructional Design team to infuse 21st-century skills into career, financial literacy, and STEM education programming.Orchestrated communication between project teams, senior management, external advisors, and counterparties.Authored all student-facing communications related to program enrollment and continuity.

Brooklyn, Ny

Elevating Retail Excellence: As Victoria's Secret Store Manager, I oversaw a large team of 43 staff members, consistently surpassing sales targets and driving profitability. My leadership fostered a motivated team, reduced turnover, and enhanced productivity. I also excelled in visual merchandising, elevating the store's appeal and customer experience.

New York, United States

Driving Retail Success and Efficiency at The Children's Place:As Assistant Store Manager at The Children's Place, I led a team of 15 associates, fostering a collaborative work environment. I implemented sales training programs, optimized inventory management, and analyzed consumer trends for increased profits and efficiency.

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa), Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Criminology/ Sociology

Associate Of Arts And Sciences (Aas), Legal Assistant/Paralegal