Ashannti Ross

About Ashannti Ross

About Me Approaching work with purpose and a plan creates possibility. Since 2016, I’ve been proud to serve Lake County Workforce Development, where I currently lead our Career Services Team as Training Manager. With over a decade of experience supporting youth, adults, and dislocated workers, I’ve seen how collaborative systems and compassionate leadership can transform lives.My focus is on building programs that expand access and equity. These initiatives directly impact our community and empower individuals to pursue their goals. I specialize in translating complex requirements into clear, actionable strategies, and I’m passionate about designing tools and processes that are inclusive and built to support our team’s success.I believe in not just guiding careers, but uplifting lives. That belief shows up in every project I lead, whether I’m drafting project plans and managing timelines, refining compliance documentation, or mentoring staff. I’ve led initiatives aligned with policy benchmarks, facilitated multi-stakeholder collaborations, and helped shape systems that connect people to opportunity in powerful and personal ways.Whether I’m creating a new workflow, managing a budget, or launching a resource, I approach each detail with intention and care. My goal is always the same: build with clarity, lead with empathy, and ensure every voice is supported along the way.

Experience

1. Training Manager

   Lake County

   Mar 2024 — Present · Waukegan, IL, US

   WIOA Employment and Training Grants:• Supervises career specialist personnel engaged in comprehensive WIOA-funded training and grants• Deliver, oversee, and implement projects aligned with employment and training grants • Communicate and coordinate policy, compliance, and program-related goals• Supervision of the Trade Adjustment Assistance grant and its grant compliance Training: • Organizes and coordinates the implementation of established goals, objectives, plans, and daily activities of career specialists • Review and train career specialists on department policies, procedures, processes, and WIOA regulations• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of State and Federal laws governing or related to WIOA and other workforce programs. Outreach: • Promotes understanding and utilization of WIOA programs to community stakeholders, training providers, CBOs, and local community colleges to enhance job seeker utilization.• Review and share information on the certified training providers to support occupational skills training while reviewing additional MOU opportunities with leadership.• Engage with workforce development board committees and participate accordingly.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Parkside

  Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Psychology

  2009 — 2010

Skills

• Case Management
• Mental Health
• Group Therapy
• Psychology
• Therapists
• Nonprofits
• Leadership Development
• Community Outreach
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Coaching
• Time Management
• Team Building
• Program Development
• Public Speaking
• Event Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Microsoft Word
• Leadership
• Training