Goodwill® Industries of the Southern Piedmont is pleased to welcome Carola Cárdenas as Director of Workforce Partnerships and Outreach.
In this role, Cárdenas will operationalize partnerships at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, educational partnerships and regional partners. She will manage a portfolio of existing partnerships to drive collective outcomes to support organizational initiatives. Additionally, she will lead efforts aligned with the strategic direction of Goodwill’s Workforce Services division by adding partnerships and expanding established partnerships’ collaboration.
Through its 31+ retail stores, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, and partnerships with employers and other organizations, Goodwill builds pathways for members of the community to uncover their passions, enhance their skill sets, and achieve more for themselves and their families—creating a brighter future for all. Cárdenas’ leadership will help to ensure the nonprofit’s existing programs and new services are in line with the impact the organization intends to make as it envisions a greater Charlotte community where equitable access to career opportunities is available for all.
Cárdenas most recently served as the Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Officer for Aldersgate, a prestigious Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). During her tenure, she spearheaded the establishment of the influential Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council, collaborating with team leaders across all hierarchical levels and residents alike. Carola made invaluable contributions to the organization by orchestrating a comprehensive revision of policy manuals, ensuring their alignment with principles of inclusivity. Furthermore, she demonstrated exemplary leadership by leading a transformative three-year strategic planning initiative for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) endeavors.
Welcome to the Goodwill family, Carola Cárdenas!
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