Marlene Taylor is President of Taylor Trim and Supply. She is also Chair of SDWP’s Workforce Investment Board. Here she describes what motivated her to join the WIB and the workforce issues she is most passionate about.
SDWP: What motivated you to join the WIB?
Taylor: At the time I was asked to join the WIB, I was very involved at San Pasqual Academy as a mentor and employer advisor to foster youth. I was astonished that I had never heard of the San Diego Workforce Partnership despite the fact that I’d been in business in San Diego for 22 years. When I researched all the programs and people that SDWP seeks to serve, I was intrigued by the potential impact their work can have on our community. The possibility that I could add value to that work and participate in these efforts is what motivated me to join the WIB.
SDWP: What issues are you most passionate about as they relate to workforce development?
Taylor: The work-readiness of our future workforce. Fortunately, we have a robust Youth Council that includes high-level educators, youth service providers and employers who are passionate about bringing all sectors together to increase skill-level and work opportunities for San Diego youth. These objectives conform beautifully to the new WIOA legislation that calls for increased collaboration!
SDWP: Tell a brief story about a person, event or project that you were involved with that underscored your passion for these issues.
Taylor: We had a high school foster youth from San Pasqual Academy intern as a warehouse helper for two weeks during his Christmas break. He was a diligent, hard worker. The experience was a positive one for our organization and for him. A couple of years later, I got word that he was looking for a job. I remembered his strong work ethic so I asked that he apply at our company as soon as possible because we were hiring warehouse workers. This young man has proven to be such an asset within our organization. He is now training to become a finish carpentry installer in which he will earn a good wage and increase his skill level significantly.
I believe that providing real work experience through internships, job shadowing and worksite tours builds awareness, confidence, ability and direction for our future workforce here in San Diego.