MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, recently welcomed Yawa Zewou as its newest workforce development specialist to support ‘Become A Real-Life Rosie’ pilot program, “Diversifying Advanced Manufacturing: Women in the Workforce.”
Through the support of the Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development, MACNY is partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), Working Solutions, and other community-based organizations to attract and connect women to apprenticeships and occupations as well as support services like mentorship, childcare subsidies, and transportation vouchers. Orientations and trainings will also be held for employers on the specific needs of female employees.
According to MACNY, Zewou will play a pivotal role in advancing this program through all phases of its roll-out in the next couple years. One of the critical offerings she will be executing is a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program that will include on-the-job training through virtual and in-person classes at MVCC.
Zewou holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations and francophone studies from SUNY New Paltz and a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University. Her previous supervisory experience working in Cornell’s Office of Academic and Diversity Initiatives will play a key role in her success leading MACNY’s newest initiative. Additionally, Zewou speaks four languages and spent two years volunteering for the Peace Corps as an English teacher in Indonesia.
