Marano Fellows Class of 2014
Name: Judy M. Kasey
Title:

Workforce Placement Coordinator

Organization:

YouthBuild Louisville

Location: Louisville, KY
Industry Sector: Environmental (Conservation/Land Management/Forestry)

Organizational Background & Mission: YouthBuild Louisville was established in 2001 with a mission of championing young adults to build productive lives and sustainable communities. The vision of YouthBuild Louisville is that young adults realize their potential through the development of life and job skills. Students are inspired to reach lifelong success as they become strong, confident young adults with a commitment to work, education, family, and community. Our program offers young people an opportunity to complete their high school or GED diploma and learn construction and environmental trade skills to earn a living wage. YouthBuild Louisville is committed to opening the door to the Environmental Sector for our students and also to serve as a hub for both start-up and existing businesses. We are a natural place for people/businesses/partners to turn because we are a place to come and mentor, to find/place interns, to host meetings on our campus, and to help businesses hire unemployed/underemployed young adults who have met with adversity all their lives and are moving in a positive direction. YouthBuild Louisville is a non-profit that seeks to build community, to mobilize local people to solve problems, and to remember at all times that our mission is to work with our students to “improve and be building blocks for our community.

Interest in Sector Work: YouthBuild Louisville is committed to opening the door to the Environmental Sector for both our students and partners, as well as serving as a hub for both start-up and existing businesses. We are a natural place for people, partners, and businesses to turn because we are a place to come to mentor or be mentored, to find and place interns, and to help businesses hire unemployed/underemployed young adults who are moving in a positive direction. YouthBuild Louisville is a non-profit that seeks to build community, to mobilize local people to solve problems, and to remember at all times that our mission is to work with our students to improve and be building blocks for our community. Our staff is committed to this sector initiative, and I have committed to not only bring information from the Sector Academy to them but to also share their thoughts and efforts with Academy fellows. I have been an advocate throughout my adult life and know that the environment, that going green, is an issue that needs wise leaders to bring our citizenry together. Pulling together the businesses that fall into this sector and our partners and our students will be a cause well worth advocating.