02 Jun Charlotte Works Concludes Final Board of Directors Meeting of Program Year 2025
The final Charlotte Works Board of Directors meeting of the program year successfully concluded with a review of regional workforce milestones, a moving participant testimonial, and key leadership updates. The session underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering robust talent pipelines and driving economic mobility across Mecklenburg County.
The Mission Moment: Overcoming Barriers to Career Success
A central highlight of the afternoon was the Mission Moment presentation featuring Itaejah Lucas, a dedicated participant in the Pathways to Prosperity program. Lucas shared her personal journey of overcoming immense structural barriers, including domestic violence and childcare challenges, while pursuing her career goals.
Through the coordinated support of program staff and NCWorks, Lucas was able to secure essential childcare, obtain immediate employment at a local dental practice, and enroll in a dental assistant training program.
During her presentation, Lucas emphasized the profound impact of having a support system that truly understands the unique challenges participants face:
“These programs they help so much. It just lets you know that you are somebody and you can make it. I’m just thankful that you guys were able to just stay on me with this process because this is what I want. My kids say, ‘Oh, that’s my mama. That’s Dr. Lucas.’ And they gonna get that because I’m working for it. This means a lot to me and my kids.”
Her testimonial provided the board with a direct example of how targeted workforce interventions create stability, safe environments, and clear paths toward long-term career advancement.
Celebrating Leadership Continuity and Transitions
The meeting also marked a significant transitional period for the Charlotte Works leadership team. The board expressed its profound gratitude to Board Chair Raki McGregor for his visionary leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure, which officially runs through June 30th.
Simultaneously, the organization is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest board member, Kim White of Coca-Cola Consolidated. White brings extensive corporate leadership and industry expertise to the board, which will be vital in steering upcoming strategic initiatives.
to the Next Program Year
As Charlotte Works prepares for the official launch of the new program year in July, the organization remains focused on expanding employer partnerships and enhancing workforce equity. Calendar dates and schedules for the upcoming program year’s board meetings will be finalized shortly and published on our website.