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On The Pathway to Economic Empowerment
Presenters will share the findings of the Intersecting Barriers: Challenges to Economic Empowerment for Domestic Violence Survivors report, which led to the pilot project. Presenters will acquaint the audience with what career exploration programs are, how they are used, and how Women Employed worked with DV partners to modify the Career Foundations curriculum for this pilot. Presenters will detail how through the collaboration of workforce services, adult education, and Domestic Violence service organizations, we are able to deliver the curriculum to survivors, the final step being the development of an actionable and personalized career education and training plan.
Attendees will learn how they can build collaborative relationships between adult education and workforce development services and domestic violence services.
Attendees will learn how career exploration curriculum can support survivors on their road to economic independence.
Tara Driver - Presenter
Sr. Career Pathways Manager, Women Employed
As the Senior Career Pathways Manager, Tara is charged with developing and expanding Women Employed’s Career Pathways Programs, which are designed to build equity in the advancement of the workplace and combat the education barriers that Black and Latina/x women face to obtain economic sustainability. Additionally, she is currently spearheading an Education and Career Exploration and Training “pilot” program to address the barriers that DV Survivors face when trying to access and navigate workforce training.
Smriti Shukla - Presenter
Advocacy Program Manager, Apna Ghar
Smriti is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in leading intersectional programs, she brings a wealth of expertise in managing diverse teams spanning cultures, geographies, and generations. Her career is distinguished by a focus on program management, strategic partnerships, and impactful advocacy, with a particular emphasis on combatting gender-based violence and championing the rights of children. She possesses robust leadership and training abilities cultivated across various sectors, including mental health, social impact, and community-based initiatives, both in South Asia and the United States. With a track record of delivering tangible outcomes, she is committed to driving positive change and enhancing the well-being of marginalized communities.
Efrata Sasahoulih - Presenter
Program Research Coordinator, Women Employed
Efrata Sasahulih is the Program and Research Coordinator on the Policy, Programs, and Research team at Women Employed. Efrata has an M.A. in Applied Social Psychology, and bachelors degrees in African Studies and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. Efrata has a background in project management, research, and evaluation. She is passionate about pursuing workplace equity and educational opportunities for women, especially for immigrants, first-generation students, and women of color.
