Richmond-area job seekers and students now have a new resource to jumpstart their careers with the opening of Career Connect, an initiative of Reynolds Community College and it’s workforce division, Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA). Located on the first floor of the Downtown Campus of Reynolds at 700 E. Jackson St, Career Connect is a major step forward in providing comprehensive career services for students, job seekers, and the regional workforce.
The February 27 ribbon-cutting event brought together key stakeholders, including student speaker Sebastian Portillo; community partner Sheryl Garland, Chief of Health Impact, VCU-Health; Anna Karnas Knowles, Director, Career Services and Network2WorkRVA, CCWA; Laura Faulcon, Director of Career Exploration and Development, Reynolds Community College; Elizabeth Creamer, Vice President of Workforce Development, CCWA; and Dr. Paula Pando, President, Reynolds Community College.
President Pando emphasized the transformative role Career Connect will play in the region, stating: “The Career Connect Center is more than just a space – it’s a launchpad for dreams, opportunities, and brighter futures.”
Career Connect serves as a one-stop hub for career exploration, planning, and job readiness. Its services include career assessments, job market insights, goal-setting tools, job readiness training, access to community resources, and direct employment connections. By bridging education and workforce development, Career Connect strengthens partnerships with regional employers to support workforce pipelines and economic growth.
Anna Karnas Knowles highlighted the power of collaboration in this initiative, stating: "We are proud of this collaboration and look forward to expanding our community partnerships to support the career goals of students and job seekers, and the growth of the region as a whole."
Elizabeth Creamer echoed the enthusiasm surrounding Career Connect’s launch, adding: "The energy and enthusiasm from the career coaches and staff at Reynolds and CCWA are truly inspiring. Every day, they’re helping students and job seekers find their path, and this new center in the heart of downtown Richmond is the perfect place to support them on their journey."
This initiative reflects Reynolds and CCWA’s commitment to expanding equitable access to career pathways, particularly for underemployed individuals, job seekers, and students navigating their next steps.