Inspiring Careers: WorkReady BOOST Hosts Local Professionals for Career Panel

This past weekend, students in PYN’s WorkReady BOOST program had an exciting opportunity to explore four diverse career paths through an engaging career panel and discussion. WorkReady BOOST is PYN’s school-year career development program, designed to equip young people with the skills, experiences, and professional exposure they need to thrive in the workforce. This initiative plays a critical role in preparing youth for the job market by offering mentorship, career insights, and hands-on experiences designed to open doors.

A part of WorkReady BOOST's 6 week professional development sessions, the career panel provided students with an interactive platform to engage with professionals from various industries, ask questions, and gain real-world insights. The discussion emphasized the different paths available to young professionals and highlighted the importance of adaptability, persistence, and continuous learning.

Meet the Panelists

We were honored to welcome four accomplished professionals who generously shared their time and expertise:

Aleeyah Hopkins – Systems Engineering Manager, Northrop Grumman Corporation
Rayna Smaller – Social Worker/Therapist, Founder of BrownGirl SPACE
Jebar Lee – Owner/Founder, Jebar's Rubbish Removal
Noah Lattanzi – Communications Manager, Philadelphia Youth Network

From navigating high level STEM careers and launching a business to advocating for mental health and building a career in corporate communications, each panelist had a unique perspective to share. In addition to answering a set of questions presented by student participants, the professionals shared their personal career journeys, including challenges they overcame, pivotal learning moments, and key decisions that helped shape their success.

Here are some of the key takaways from our discussion:

Passion and Persistence Matter – Find something you enjoy doing! Whether thats helping out in your community, launching your own business, or working in a high level corporate environment, find a space that inspires you, where you can be comfortable being your most authentic self.
Networking is Essential – Building strong connections, seeking mentorship, and leveraging professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities.
Career Paths Aren’t Always Linear – Many panelists shared how their career journeys included unexpected pivots, reinforcing the idea that success comes from adaptability and a willingness to embrace new experiences.
The Value of Both Soft and Hard Skills – Communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are just as crucial as technical knowledge in any profession.

Students walked away with not only valuable career insights but also practical advice on goal-setting, professional growth, and the steps needed to achieve success. The panel also reinforced the importance of early career exposure, a core element of PYN’s mission to empower young people with the tools they need to build thriving careers.

PYN remains committed to providing career readiness and workforce development experiences that bridge the gap between education and employment. By offering direct access to industry professionals and real-world learning experiences, WorkReady BOOST continues to be a transformative program for young people across Philadelphia.

📸 Check out highlights from the event below!

Are you or someone you know interested in gaining career exposure and workforce development experiences?

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