National model. Local mission.
STRIVE is a workforce development leader that has been successfully providing services to populations facing significant barriers to employment for over 36 years. Our model is a solution that works - STRIVE programs have changed the lives of 80,000 graduates across the country.
This year, STRIVE opened STRIVE Atlanta, our first-ever STRIVE-operated site outside of NYC. We are excited to bring STRIVE’s five-pillar Career Path Program to Atlanta, supporting current efforts underway to develop a coordinated regional workforce strategy and approach.
WHY ATLANTA?
Despite the growth of the city, Atlanta currently experiences significant income inequality and remains the lowest among major US cities in terms of upward mobility for individuals facing poverty. The timing and opportunity to leverage our model, in partnership with some of the region's foremost partners tackling workforce needs, was the ideal combination of factors that made Atlanta the clear choice for expansion.
In the city of Atlanta, a child born into poverty has almost no chance of reaching the upper middle class – less than four percent. And more than half of those born into poverty will remain in poverty their entire lives. —Brookings Institute
STRIVE Atlanta intends to graduate 350 people within the first three years of full operations and provide a pathway toward family-sustaining careers. After a year of exploration with local workforce organizations, businesses, philanthropy, and key stakeholders, we heard loud and clear the call for high-quality career pathways that lead to upward mobility for Atlanta residents, with a focus and footprint on the southside. Now, the work begins.
MEET JOMAL
Jomal Vailes is the Founding Executive Director, STRIVE Atlanta.
Jomal is committed to closing the access gap for families and children of color. As Chief Philanthropy Officer for Communities In Schools of Georgia, Jomal worked closely with its President and Board of Directors to lead statewide strategies focused on expanding philanthropic investments and agency visibility. Jomal, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), is no stranger to advocating for vulnerable populations. Vailes previously served as Chief External Affairs Officer for The Center for Working Families (Annie E. Casey Foundation, Atlanta Civic Site), overseeing fund development, communications and strategic partnerships as part of its Family Economic Success and Two-Generation portfolios. An accomplished leader focused on impact and systems change, Jomal has served Atlanta’s nonprofit community for more than 20 years including leadership roles for Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Mission.
Jomal is a candidate for the MA in Philanthropy from LaGrange College, and holds a BS in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University after matriculation at Morehouse College. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and three daughters.
GET INVOLVED
STRIVE Atlanta has galvanized support and thought leadership from a local Steering and Advisory Committee co-chaired by champions Tom Cook and Angele Barrow, who are passionate about the STRIVE vision and committed to expanding local support. STRIVE closely collaborates with partners such as Atlanta CareerRise to ensure that our launch fully aligns with existing local efforts and planning, as well as the City’s vision for One ATL.
STRIVE Atlanta’s steering and advisory committee members act as ambassadors within the community, advisors to the executive director and partners in building the organization’s relationships. The role members play is invaluable and exciting during this new growth phase of development.
There is a great opportunity to shape the future of STRIVE Atlanta and become a part of our dynamic team. We welcome further conversations with local civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders who would like to learn more and lend support. We look forward to bringing our vision to life with you.
