Rochelle T. Cooks

About Rochelle T. Cooks

I\'ve spent more than ten years at the intersection of employer demand and community-based talent supply — connecting diverse adults to careers in skilled trades, healthcare, and professional services, and building the pipelines that make those connections sustainable.My work has spanned full-cycle recruiting, employer partnership development, and program leadership. I currently oversee workforce programming at the largest Title II organization in Philadelphia, including a PA-registered pre-apprenticeship program in the building trades. Previously, as Director of Workforce Development at The Welcoming Center, I led the organization\'s largest department, drove an 84% increase in enrollment, and cut average days-to-placement from 262 to 108.My approach blends strategic program design, cross-sector collaboration, and a sustained commitment to inclusive economic growth. I bring a practical, data-informed, and human-centered lens to the work — whether I\'m advising on program strategy or sitting at the table with employers and stakeholders. Currently, I\'m exploring opportunities to serve on boards where I can contribute my experience in workforce systems, equity-focused program leadership, and community partnership strategy. I\'m particularly drawn to mission-driven organizations advancing economic mobility or structural inclusion across sectors.

Experience

1. Director, Workforce Solutions

   Beyond Literacy

   Jul 2024 — Present · Philadelphia, PA, US

   1) In addition to program oversight, I manage recruitment for my department — posting roles, designing pre-screening questionnaires to identify qualified candidates from high-volume applicant pools, and conducting structured interviews with role-relevant skills assessments.2) Strengthen program quality and outcomes by evaluating performance data, identifying improvement areas, and collaboratively redesigning key processes—including the student handbook, intake, enrollment, and employability skill development—to enhance expectations and results.3) Drive student success through strategic partnerships by implementing targeted outreach and recruitment strategies and cultivating strong employer and community relationships to support enrollment, retention, and high-demand career pathways.

Education

• UMass Boston

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology and Sociology

  2014

• Temple University College of Education and Human Development

  Master of Education - MEd, Adult and Organizational Development