Neighborhood

The 100 Flatbush Equity Plan strives to create a best-in-class model for equitable development by ensuring project-related employment, housing and economic opportunities are accessible, especially for historically disenfranchised individuals. Liz was one of the authors of the Equity Plan and is now helping to ensure it's implementation, with a focus on workforce development. She's been leading Alloy's local hiring and training efforts, with a specific focus on residents of local NYCHA communities.

Tell us a little bit about how you got involved with the Alloy Block project.

I live a few blocks away from the site so when I heard Alloy was looking for someone to build out the workforce development program for this project, I knew I had the right background and qualifications for the job. I worked in workforce development for seven years prior to coming on board and I knew how to connect Alloy to the right nonprofits and trainees they were looking for. Since Alloy’s program is driven by equity, I knew it would be helpful to have a leader who can effectively reach people and can also relate to the people they’re recruiting. I live in the area so I knew I could provide valuable insight in terms of understanding the local community, their needs and the best ways to reach them.

In what ways is the Alloy Block supporting the local community?

So right now, we’re in the construction phase and my responsibility is to help fill those construction positions. Local hiring is a priority of the project so I first went to the local NYCHA developments in the area to try and identify recent graduates or people who have been out of the workforce for a while but have the right qualifications, and give them priority status in the hiring process. What’s unique about Alloy is that they are also sponsoring 30 people to receive training so even after this project is over, they will be able to maintain employment in the field. Overall, I think it’s a really important program to have in place.

Why do you think it is important to encourage local workforce hiring?

It’s so important to ensure that the local community is supported while projects like this are being built. Without local workforce hiring programs, residents tend to feel that their community is changing without them having a say or they feel as though they won’t benefit from the end result. That’s why I’m so proud to be a part of this project. I was actually the first local hire for the Alloy Block and it gave me a chance to learn more about my neighbors and provide them with opportunities that will jumpstart and advance their careers. The effects of local workforce hiring programs like this one can be felt across a community well into the future, which is why they are so important to implement.