Meet Jennifer
Your connection to enhancing your Youth Workforce Development programming!
Jennifer Ricks is a dedicated workforce development leader and advocate for at-risk youth, currently serving as the Chief Program Officer for Employ Prince George’s, Inc. She has dedicated her career to helping young people connect with career pathways and secure meaningful employment opportunities. She is responsible for leading teams and departments, creating partnerships with key stakeholders, maintaining fiscal performance, recruiting, training staff, and monitoring performance.
Before her work in workforce development, Jennifer was an educator in the Prince George’s County Public School System (PGCPS). She has worked on both sides of the youth system, and much of her work has contributed to preventing young people from getting involved in the criminal justice system. For over a decade, Jennifer has designed and managed nationally recognized Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded programs and has been committed to helping young people find their way in the workforce. Jennifer is a lifelong Prince George’s County resident, growing up in Fort Washington, MD. She takes pride in giving back to her community by mentoring at-risk and marginalized youth. Jennifer believes that every young person has the potential to succeed and works tirelessly to help them achieve their goals.
Experience
Jennifer holds a Master’s Degree in Project Management from the University of Maryland University College and is a National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) member. Jennifer is a graduate of Bowie State University! Let’s go Bulldogs! She also holds a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) credential, which demonstrates her commitment to helping young people find success in the workforce.
VALUES
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and loved ones in her spare time. She is dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle and works out regularly. She also enjoys traveling and binge-watching movies and TV series in her free time. Jennifer is a true leader and advocate for at-risk youth. Her dedication to helping young people find their way in the workforce is inspiring, and her work has made a meaningful impact on the lives of many young people in Prince George’s County and beyond.