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Alumni Changemaker: Yolanda Macklin Crewe’s Journey in Workforce Development
By Tiffany Murray-Robertson
In the complex landscape of today’s workforce development, the career trajectory of Yolanda Macklin Crewe, Ph.D., stands out as a compelling illustration of how dedication, strategic thinking, and a commitment to public service can forge pathways to success for oneself and thousands of others. As an alumna of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, where she was awarded her doctorate in public policy and administration in 2020, Crewe’s academic and professional journey exemplifies a lifelong commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment.
Raised in a family where public service was not just valued but lived, Crewe’s early experiences in the tight-knit, rural community of Emporia, Va., laid a robust foundation for her future endeavors. Her father, the owner of the only black pharmacy in the area, and her mother, a steadfast supporter of the business and a community service advocate, instilled a profound sense of duty to serve others in Crewe and her two siblings. This upbringing, enriched with activities like Girl Scouts and voter engagement on behalf of the local NAACP, shaped her worldview and sparked an early interest in creating positive community impacts.
Like many, Crewe’s career trajectory resembles less a straight line and more a meandering brook, winding purposefully through the landscape of her passions and commitments. After graduating from Hampton University with a degree in accounting, she ventured into the corporate world but soon realized that her true calling lay beyond the confines of ledgers and balance sheets. That realization prompted a daring shift to education and career development, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to fostering opportunities for others.
Her work with Inroads, a career development organization for minority students, was a crucial steppingstone, providing Crewe with her first foray into the world of career development. In the intervening years, Crewe held positions of progressive responsibility in higher education and career services, including the Associate Director of Employer Relations at the University of Richmond and the Director of Career Services at Virginia State University. These positions honed her skills and deepened her dedication to workforce development.
“FastForward is a pioneering initiative designed to quickly upskill individuals for in-demand jobs, ensuring participants are invested in their success through a shared funding model.”
-Yolanda Macklin Crewe, Ph.D. (PPAD '20)
Crewe transitioned to the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) in 2015 as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Programs Director, finding a powerful platform where her dedication and expertise could resonate on a much broader scale. For eight years, she provided exemplary statewide administration, leadership, and coordination for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) federal grant Title I programs. Her tenure was distinguished by the development of statewide policies, strategic partnerships, and the administration of programs that supported Virginia’s 14 Local Workforce Boards and over 50 Virginia Career Works Centers that directly impacted adults, dislocated workers, and youth initiatives statewide.
In July 2023, Crewe was appointed the Career Education and Workforce Programs Operations Director. She now supports innovative workforce programs like FastForward, marking a new chapter in her mission to align education with Virginia’s workforce needs. “FastForward is a pioneering initiative designed to quickly upskill individuals for in-demand jobs, making education accessible and ensuring participants are invested in their success through a shared funding model. Participants and the Commonwealth of Virginia share in the cost of the training, a strategy that reduces the financial burden on the individual and fosters a deep commitment to completing the program. This unique approach has contributed significantly to its success,” Crewe explains, echoing the sentiment of her impact and vision.
With over 52,000 credentials awarded through VCCS since 2016 and completion rates soaring above 93%, FastForward underlines the efficacy of strategic workforce education. Crewe’s support in this realm underscores her commitment to fostering opportunities and enhancing workforce development programs across the state. “Collaborating with partners like the Wilder School’s Center for Public Policy has been crucial. It allows us to blend academic insights with practical applications, enriching our strategies and outcomes in workforce development,” says Crewe, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in her work.
Looking forward, Crewe envisions a more integrated and responsive workforce development ecosystem in Virginia, emphasizing the critical need for educational programs to align closely with employer needs to adeptly meet the rapidly evolving demands of the job market. For those aspiring to impact public service or workforce development, Crewe’s advice is grounded in her experience: “Persistence, discipline, and the willingness to seek out and offer help are key. It’s about being committed and strategic in your approach, not just being the smartest person in the room.”
Crewe’s narrative, rich with academic achievements and significant contributions to workforce development, stands as an inspiration. It’s a testament to the power of education, policy, and collaboration in meeting the challenges and seizing the opportunities within the workforce development sector. Through her dedication and strategic initiatives, Crewe continues to shape Virginia’s approach to workforce readiness, championing an innovative and inclusive path from education to employment and ensuring opportunities are accessible for all.