Gaby Ledezma is a program specialist supporting our County Foster Youth program. Below, Gaby tells us about her typical day, what she enjoys about workforce development and how she spends her time out of the office.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me consists of meeting participants in person or virtually and helping them work on professional development skills. Sometimes, we review resumes or conduct mock interviews, but many meetings are spent helping them feel more confident and prepared to enter a professional workspace. My conversations differ from client to client, whether they pursue an entry-level position or aim for a professional career in a specific industry. Understanding their individual needs is critical when working with participants. Many may need more space or the ability to confide in someone who offers them the safe space to ask questions that no one talks about. The best part of my job is hearing someone nervous about a job interview; thank me for making them feel more prepared to take a step towards their new journey.
What do you like best about working in workforce development?
My favorite part about working in Workforce Development is helping people through a time that can otherwise feel very isolating. Searching for a job can be very triggering for some. There are often many moments of rejection, and it can be a difficult process to deal with alone.
I also enjoy working to build people’s confidence and being someone they can confide in. I’ve had the privilege of working with youth and adults, and no matter what age or experience one may have, everyone is susceptible to feeling overwhelmed when looking for new opportunities. I enjoy being someone they can trust to help with their journey of self-improvement.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I enjoy trivia, reading and relaxing at home with my dog! I always talk to my participants about the importance of “unplugging ” and decompressing after work to create a healthy work-life balance. I also love spending time with my family. My two nephews are very involved with baseball, so my family spends much time on the baseball field. I usually DJ and announce for the kids as they walk up to bat. It’s a lot of fun, and the kids enjoy it!