A celebrated nonprofit change agent whose public service career spans over two decades, Ms. Shiloh Cryer was carefully selected after an extensive search to identify a standout leader with a proven track record serving the people of New Orleans to spearhead STRIVE’s newly announced site. View the press release.
“As a proud lifelong resident of New Orleans, I am overjoyed to take the reins as Founding Executive Director of STRIVE New Orleans. I am committed to serving our community and leading the charge for holistic economic healing and growth and social progress for our residents, who have long experienced equity disparities. I know what the power of STRIVE can do for people who are ready for real change—I have seen it with my own eyes. This is a time for great celebration in the Crescent City and I am dedicated to continuing my work creating positive change and growth and eliminating equity barriers for a better New Orleans for all,” says Angela Shiloh Cryer, STRIVE New Orleans Founding Executive Director.
Angela Shiloh Cryer has over 35 years’ experience in administration and implementation of federal and state programs and has worked in the nonprofit area for over 25 years. She has a passion for working in her community and has primarily focused on equitable systems change in re-entry and workforce development.
Ms. Shiloh Cryer comes to STRIVE from New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), the official economic development organization for the City of New Orleans. Ms. Shiloh Cryer served as the Senior Director of Advancing Cities/Talent Partnerships. Ms. Shiloh Cryer has a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University and a Master's in Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans, where she has been an Adjunct Professor at their School of Social Work for over 20 years. Ms. Shiloh Cryer has a long history with STRIVE, serving as the head of STRIVE’s highly successful partnership with The City of New Orleans to deliver services beginning in 2015.
Angela Shiloh Cryer at a STRIVE affiliate program graduation ceremony in New Orleans, 2015.
Angela Shiloh Cryer with STRIVE affiliate program graduates in New Orleans, 2015.
“I can think of no better leader to drive the empowering impact of STRIVE programs in our great city of New Orleans than Angela. She understands our communities and what it takes to partner effectively with the rich fabric of local organizations and employers committed to generating mobility through opportunity. Mayor Cantrell and the Office of Workforce Development are excited to build with STRIVE New Orleans and look forward to a robust partnership creating pathways to living wages and advancement with in-demand industries,” says Sunae S. Villavaso, Director of the Office of Workforce Development.
STRIVE New Orleans was announced in July of 2023 and will launch STRIVE’s signature Career Path program in 2024. Grounded in evidence and proven practice, Career Path includes a dynamic combination of curricula, job readiness training, coaching and occupational skills for students to build the hire-ready toolkit that employers demand. Strong employer partnerships inform the program and ensure graduates enter career pathways that offer opportunities to advance. To meet the high industry demand of the region, STRIVE New Orleans will initially offer an on-ramp to careers in nonclinical healthcare support, with additional industry pathways developed over time. Long-term accountabilities with follow up and wrap-around supports ensure conditions for success beyond graduation.
“STRIVE is proud of our long-standing commitment to the city of New Orleans and its residents. We are grateful for the deep partnerships we have cultivated with local leaders and employers who share our vision of building a more equitable economy for stronger communities. With Angela at the helm, we are confident that STRIVE New Orleans will hit the ground running in 2024 and quickly grow to provide an impactful service for both residents and local employers, that fostering upward mobility and financial empowerment for local residents,” says Phil Weinberg, STRIVE CEO & President.
Since 1984 STRIVE has served over 85,000 individuals with the training and supports needed to build a career. STRIVE provides access to good jobs with living wages and opportunities to advance. STRIVE is proud to hold an 80% graduation rate, 75% placement rate and a 70% retention rate.
At capacity STRIVE New Orleans will serve upwards of 200 individuals annually.
“Ochsner is proud to partner with STRIVE New Orleans in creating accessible entry points to healthcare careers. Our industry has an ongoing need for fully trained and credentialed candidates to fill key roles that offer great benefits and opportunity for growth. STRIVE is a key partner in linking talent to career pathways, especially for those with traditional societal barriers such as the justice impacted. Knowing that Angela will be at the helm affirms our belief that STRIVE has come to New Orleans at a most opportune time and we can’t wait to get started on this work together,” says Missy Hopson, Vice President of Talent Management at Ochsner Health.
At the 2023 STRIVE Birmingham partner reception, from left to right: STRIVE New Orleans Founding Executive Director Angela Shiloh Cryer; STRIVE National Training Manager Latisha Smith; STRIVE VP of Development & Communications Cynthia Trevor; STRIVE Board Co-Chair & ‘03 Graduate Roy Castro; STRIVE Birmingham Executive Director Quiwintre Frye; STRIVE Birmingham Program Director Archie Stewart.
The launch of STRIVE New Orleans arrives at a turning point for STRIVE as we embark on an ambitious new growth plan that includes an increase in the annual budget from $14 million in 2023 to $20 million by 2025. The plan will deepen the STRIVE impact in existing locations, expand into new markets, and grow from serving 2,000 annually to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.
STRIVE New Orleans is grateful for early funders such as the Greater New Orleans Foundation, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Truist Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and the Justice and Mobility Fund from Blue Meridian Partners. Growth will also be fueled by a recent investment by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
STRIVE New Orleans is actively launching the new site and building a local team. A search is in process for a Director of Programs. View the job description.
