Page 52 - 2022 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

One Million Strong Workforce Development
Building Thriving Communities
Soulful Synergy is committed to a more inclusive world by leveraging resources, relationships and human potential to build sustainable, healthy, thriving communities.
With a strong focus on workforce develop- ment for marginalized communities, Soulful Synergy is a consultancy dedicated to social, environmental and econom- ic justice issues. The consultancy has been tasked by the County’s Office of Economic Development to develop a pre-apprenticeship construction program to help create construction careers for local residents.
“The County is committed to ensuring a pipeline of qualified local construction workers – especially from disadvantaged communities – and that they have access to pre-apprenticeship training,” says Bridget Gibbons, Director of the Westchester County Office of Economic Development. “This is an important priority, and we believe that Soulful Synergy has the expertise, passion and holistic approach that we need to drive our success.”
BELIEF IN A BETTER WORLD
Created in 2013, Soulful Synergy pursues its mission grounded in “the belief that a better world, centered around healthy, thriving communities, is possible,” according to its founders Alejandro Alvarez and Dwayne R. Norris.
The company provides a variety of services and education programs to support individuals, non-profits, businesses and government agencies in accomplishing clean energy objectives,
including Green Construction, Clean Energy Training, Electric Vehicles, Energy Audits, Energy Retrofits, Solar Projects and Urban Farming.
A SYNERGISTIC APPROACH TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Working with industry partners and contractors, Morris and Alvarez develop curricula tailored to the needs of local employers and ecosystems. In the case of Westchester’s pre-apprenticeship program, this includes hands-on training in framing, dry wall, taping, mudding, painting, plumbing, electrical and fixture installation. “We take it a step further to tailor our work to green principles,” says Norris, “and we offer additional benefits post program, including professional development services, as well as resume, cover letter and interview preparation.”
“We are open to all backgrounds but want to focus especially on people who are right out of school,” says Alvarez. “We interview potential candidates and ask
themtosharetheiraspirations.Wealso offer trainings on topics to help partici- pants explore their inner motivations, cultivate mental toughness and prepare for the world of work.”
With the first Westchester cohort beginning in the Spring of 2022, this project is a source of great satisfaction for Alvarez and Norris. “We’re excited to work with Westchester County,” says Norris, who serves on the Westchester African American Advisory Board.
“The County is very thoughtful about what they’d like to see. It’s a great partnership.” Alvarez concurs. “It’s exciting to be able to give back to the community and support development of individuals and opportunities – that’s a very rewarding feeling.”
Opposite: Soulful Synergy Founders Alejandro Alvarez and Dwayne R. Norris
Above: Soulful Synergy provides education programs to support individuals and businesses in accomplishing green
energy objectives.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
© Courtesy of Soulful Synergy