Gladys Okine is the Executive Director of First Work: Ontario’s Youth Employment Network. Having served a variety of populations, she specializes in designing, delivering and securing resources for marginalized youth, women and newcomers. For 1 7 years Gladys has contributed to the improvement of employment and community development programs through progressive leadership roles with YMCA of Greater Toronto, WoodGreen Community Services, George Brown College and Toronto Community Housing. Gladys recently completed her MBA, which she cites as one of her greatest achievements. In addition to her role, Gladys further contributes to workforce development as a Member of the Advisory Council for the Career Development Practitioners Development of Ontario, Director on the Board of the Canadian Coalition for Community-Based Employability and Training and co-chair of the Youth Employment Reference Group with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
Gladys Okine is a member of the Toronto Sector Skills Academy, Class of 2018, one of several Workforce Leadership Academies in localities across North America.
The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.