Episode 11 - Empowering Women's Career Development: Inclusive Leadership and Holistic Support with Ayanna Jordan from New Directions Career Center
Join host Jennifer Sconyers for an inspiring conversation with Ayanna Jordan, Assistant Program Director at New Directions Career Center in Columbus, Ohio. This episode explores women's career development, workplace inclusion, and innovative career coaching strategies that support women of color in today's challenging job market. Learn about holistic career services, inclusive leadership practices, and practical career transition advice from a leading career development expert.
What You'll Learn About Women's Career Development Career
Development Strategies:
- Holistic approach to career coaching for women
- Four core areas of career development: self-assessment, exploration, goal setting, and personal branding
- Career transition support for women 55 and older through Mature Works programming
- One-on-one career counseling techniques that address individual barriers
Workplace Inclusion and Belonging:
- How to create inclusive career development programs
- The importance of belonging in professional development
- Cultural consciousness in career services
- Supporting diverse populations in career transitions
Women's Employment Challenges:
- Addressing the impact of job loss on women of color (300,000+ Black women lost jobs in 2025)
- Career support during economic uncertainty
- Overcoming employment barriers through comprehensive services
- Building financial sustainability and career resilience
Guest Expert: Ayanna Jordan
Ayanna Jordan serves as Assistant Programs Director at New Directions Career Center, a comprehensive career services organization in Columbus, Ohio. With extensive experience in women's empowerment, workshop facilitation, and professional development, Ayanna specializes in creating inclusive career development programs that meet women where they are in their professional journey.
Ayanna's Expertise:
- Women's career development and empowerment
- Inclusive leadership and workplace belonging
- Career counseling and coaching
- Program development for diverse populations
- Professional development and skill building
Key Topics Covered in This Episode
1. Holistic Career Development Approach
- Understanding career development beyond job placement
- Incorporating personal values and identity into career planning
- Creating safe spaces for career exploration and growth
- Comprehensive support including career education, counseling, and coaching
2. Workplace Inclusion and Belonging
- Why belonging matters in career development
- Creating culturally conscious career services
- Supporting diverse women in professional settings
- Building community and connection through career programs
3. Adapting Career Services for Modern Challenges
- Pivoting programs to serve emerging needs
- Mature Works: Career development for women 55+
- Responding to current employment statistics and trends
- Meeting diverse populations with targeted programming
4. Practical Career Development Programs
- Your Employment Success signature course breakdown
- LEAD symposium on inclusive leadership
- Career counseling and coaching methodologies
- Personal branding and self-marketing strategies
Featured Programs and Services
New Directions Career Center Programs:
- Your Employment Success Course - Comprehensive career development program covering self-assessment, exploration, goal setting, and personal branding
- Mature Works Initiative - Specialized career services for women 55 and older
- LEAD Symposium - Two-day inclusive leadership training program
- One-on-One Career Counseling - Personalized support addressing individual career challenges
- Career Education and Skill Building - Comprehensive professional development offerings
Actionable Career Development Tips
From Ayanna Jordan:
- Practice Self-Compassion: Approach career development with patience and kindness toward yourself
- Think in Increments: Break down career goals into manageable, time-based steps
- Focus on Values: Align career decisions with your core personal and professional values
- Seek Holistic Support: Look beyond job placement to comprehensive career development
- Embrace Your Journey: Remember that career development is ongoing, regardless of age or stage
Career Development Resources
- Connect with New Directions Career Center:
- Website: newdirectionscc.org
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Services: Career counseling, coaching, education, job search support
- Opportunities: Volunteer positions and giving opportunities available
Upcoming Events:
- Your Employment Success Course (starts October 14th)
- LEAD Inclusive Leadership Symposium (October 24th & 31st)
- Annual Fundraiser and Woman of Promise Celebration (October 2nd)
Guest Quote Highlights
"Belonging is everything. It creates community, it creates connection. It allows for us to be very conscious about our role and what we do for our clients and for each other." - Ayanna Jordan
"We want to meet you where you are. There is no judgment. It is a safe space for you to learn, grow, to really tap into what you want personally and professionally." - Ayanna Jordan
"Be patient with yourself. Doing things in increments of time with self-compassion, patience, and increments of timeā€”that's always helpful to your pathway to anything that you want to achieve." - Ayanna Jordan
Connect with Ayanna!
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newdirectionscc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16y6FfB58D/
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/newdirectionscc?igsh=MTlsa2IxZW4waGdpaQ==
About ALC ChangeMakers Podcast
The ALC ChangeMakers Podcast features conversations with leaders, innovators, and change agents who are making a difference in their communities and industries. Hosted by Jennifer Sconyers, each episode explores leadership development, professional growth, and social impact through engaging interviews with experts and practitioners.
Subscribe and Connect: Listen to more episodes about leadership development, women's empowerment, career development, and social change. Available on Spotify.
Episode Timestamps
- [00:01:00] Introduction to Ayanna Jordan and New Directions Career Center mission
- [00:03:00] The importance of belonging and inclusion in career development
- [00:05:00] Program adaptations and the Mature Works initiative
- [00:08:00] Supporting women of color in challenging employment conditions
- [00:10:00] Upcoming programs: Your Employment Success and LEAD symposium
- [00:13:00] New Directions culture of relationship and community
- [00:15:00] Words of wisdom: self-compassion and incremental progress