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July 2024 Edition

KRA Leader Spotlight

A Message From Kalandria Thompson, SHRM-CP, CWDP, People & Culture Manager

Originally, Human Resources (HR) was not the career path I initially chose. Like many professionals, I held leadership roles that involved managing "human resources," which sparked my passion for helping others grow and thrive.

During my 5 years as a People Manager at McDonald's, I learned valuable lessons about engaging employees rather than just supervising them. This experience shaped my leadership framework and solidified my decision to pursue a career in HR, leading me to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management.

In 2013, I joined a Public Library as an HR Assistant and steadily advanced to HR Manager and then HR Director by 2021. I was content in this role, but for the first time in a decade, I considered leaving when KRA presented me with an opportunity as the People & Culture Manager. This role encompassed a "people first" approach to all aspects of human resource management and much more.

Upon learning about KRA's vision and mission, I realized that their values aligned directly with my own. KRA provides essential resources for individuals to grow and become the best versions of themselves, both for their workforce-services customers and their employees.

Working for such an amazing and forward-thinking organization is a pleasure. I lead a talented P&C Team that creates programs promoting employee engagement, personal and professional development, work-life balance, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing and safety, and other activities that show our employees they are valued.

KRA's Employee Value Proposition, "If you take care of your people, they will take care of the business," perfectly describes the company's approach and my guiding principle for attracting and retaining talented individuals necessary for long-term organizational expansion, growth, and success.

Sincerely,

Kalandria Thompson

Workforce Wednesday

The Role Of Community Colleges In Building An Equitable Future Of Work

Community colleges are invaluable in workforce development, as they partner with local industries to design programs that align with current and future job market needs. They are also pivotal in creating an equitable future of work in America, by providing accessible and affordable education, tailored to the evolving demands of the labor market. Unlike traditional four-year institutions, community colleges offer flexible learning options, making higher education attainable for a diverse population, including underrepresented groups.

According to the New America organization, “The tech workforce’s notorious lack of diversity in racial, gender, and socioeconomic terms not only breeds biased technologies and talent shortages but also deepens social divides. To address immediate workforce needs and unlock the potential of the high-tech sector, we must break down barriers to entry."

A diverse group of students, some holding laptops, pose in front of a background filled with educational and technological icons, including a graduation cap, gears, and lightbulbs.

Furthermore, community colleges foster innovation through initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which empowers them to lead in technological advancements. By investing in cutting-edge programs and facilities, community colleges are crucial in building a diverse and equitable workforce, capable of meeting the challenges of the future.

The KRA Way

5-Star Experience. Real Life Impact.

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Principles - trailblazing is in our DNA, People - inclusive since inception, Programs - Innovative workforce programs at the speed of business, Partnerships - relationships that deliver results, Performance - your success is our success!

Learn More

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KRA Corporation Champions Staff Wellness

KRA is dedicated to fostering a healthy workplace through a variety of wellness initiatives that prioritize employee well-being. A key component of our wellness education is quarterly ergonomics training that educates staff on creating comfortable workspaces and preventing injuries.

In June 2024, KRA hosted an Ergonomics Live Learning Event presented by Samare Sambou, Cigna Healthcare Engagement Consultant. This event deepened employees’ understanding of ergonomics in the workplace, preventing injury through education, and how we can make small changes daily to work in a more ergonomically-friendly way.

In May 2024, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the KRA Employee Engagement Committee surprised staff with individual mental health wellness boxes, promoting stress management and self-care

In addition, KRA will soon present a Mental Health Wellbeing Live Learning Event, and we are excited to invite Samare back to share her expertise with staff surrounding mental health management.

KRA is proud to support employees through various other wellness benefits, which include individual TASC Wellness Accounts, our Employee Assistance Program that includes free counseling services, and initiatives brought to life by our Employee Engagement Committee.

Through these kinds of activities, KRA underscores its commitment to creating a supportive environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

KRA's Latest News

Two pictures stacked horizontally, the top picture of a glass sign that reads "Chatham Education & Workforce Center" on a blue wall, bottom photo is of the outside of the referenced building

"Rosal Chavira, Operations Manager, American Job Center @ Malcolm X College’s West Side Learning Center and the Chatham Education & Workforce Center (CEWC), both operated by KRA for the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, reports, 'I am thrilled to share the success of the United States Postal Service (USPS) Recruitment Event held at the CEWC last month, marking a significant milestone for KRA/Chicago as the highest attended event of our CEWC operation.'..." Read More: KRA/Chicago Hosts Successful Recruitment Event for USPS

Photo of the outside of a brink building with a building sign that reads "west side learning center of malcolm x college One of the City Colleges of Chicago"

"KRA’s American Job Center (AJC) in East Garfield Park closed on June 28, 2024, reopening on July 1st in the Austin community as the American Job Center @ Malcolm X College’s West Side Learning Center, an integral component of the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) network. KRA’s Chatham Education Workforce Center program will continue to operate in that community on the South Side..." Read More: KRA/Chicago AJC Joins City Colleges of Chicago Network