Workforce for Tomorrow Fellowship Launch

The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (Partnership) is proud to announce the launch of the Workforce for Tomorrow Rotational Fellowship (WFT), a first-of-its-kind opportunity designed to mold fellows into the next wave of leaders within the state of Georgia.

“Workforce for Tomorrow presents an amazing opportunity for early career professionals to explore career paths, and engage in a mission-driven initiative that benefits the public and private sectors. I could not be more proud of, and impressed, with the quality of fellows and employers who are a part of the launch of Workforce for Tomorrow. I’m looking forward to seeing this program blossom and grow,” said Clarence Anthony Jr., PIN Workforce Development Manager.

It will serve as the flagship program of the Partnership’s workforce development pillar. WFT further supports the Partnership’s mission of driving growth and innovation forward while building connections between the public and private sectors.

“This program is structured in a way that includes the participation of both private and public sectors and accommodates diverse people with a wide range of experiences and academic backgrounds,” said Phillip Abidoye, one of five individuals selected for the first cohort of WFT fellows. “WFT is unique and different from other programs that I have participated in.”

Fellows will complete two 6-month rotations at two different organizations (one in the private sector and one in the public sector) within the same industry. Over the duration of WFT, fellows will receive full-time compensation and work experience. WFT fellows are also provided career development and exploration opportunities during the program, as well as mentorship from their site hosts and the Partnership.

The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate degree holders with less than five years of professional experience. Fellowship applicants must currently reside in Georgia or have an interest in relocating to Georgia.

“I learned about the fellowship through one of my mentors,” said Iesha Baldwin, another of the five fellows in the first cohort. “WFT is based in my home state of Georgia, so it is giving me the opportunity to return home and be closer to family.”

The first cohort of WFT fellows – Phillip Abidoye, Iesha Baldwin, Isabelle Barnett, Sruthi Kumar, Noah McQueen, and LaDerrius Williams – have been matched with employers in advanced manufacturing and logistics, sustainable energy, and information technology and sustainability. The inaugural class of fellows will work with the following employers:

• Philip Abidoye – Georgia Technology Authority
• Iesha Baldwin – Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute and Freudenberg NOK
• Isabelle Barnett – Georgia Tech Supply Chain & Logistics Institute and Freudenberg NOK
• Sruthi Kumar – Cox Enterprises and the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute
• Noah McQueen – Microsoft and the Atlanta Beltline
• LaDerrius Williams – Cox Enterprises

“I have never seen a fellowship that so clearly advocates for mentorship and advocacy for its employees,” Barnett said. “I am really excited to work with Georgia Tech and Freudenberg NOK – I truly can’t imagine a better partnership.”

The fellowship formally launched December 1, with a kickoff event at Microsoft Atlantic Yards in Atlanta. The event featured a keynote presentation from Georgia State Sen. John Albers as well as a panel discussion between public and private sector partners to discuss the role of workforce development and public-private partnerships in economic growth.

“We are so excited to welcome our fellows with this cohort,” said Michelle Guthrie, Cox Enterprises’ human resources leader. “We are very excited to bring new talent into our organization who can bring their own innovative perspectives to what we do every day.”

Learn more about the program.