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Mary Snyder
Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (MILR) Candidate ('23) at Cornell University
Professional Background
Mary Snyder is a dedicated Workforce Development Specialist with extensive experience in empowering diverse populations across various sectors. With a career marked by a strong commitment to enhancing accessibility to career pathways in the United States, Mary's work centers around education, skill development, and fostering economic inclusion. Her hands-on approach and passion for social impact have driven her to collaborate with organizations that prioritize workforce training and development.
Having cultivated her expertise through myriad roles at Upwardly Global, Mary has transitioned from an Employment Services Advisor to Senior Employment Services Advisor, where she honed her ability to work with underrepresented communities. In these roles, she has successfully guided individuals seeking economic self-sufficiency through career counseling, job placement, and essential skill training. Her methodical and empathetic approach allows her to connect deeply with clients, giving them the tools they need to achieve their professional aspirations.
In addition to her work at Upwardly Global, Mary has contributed her talent to GRID Alternatives as a SolarCorps Fellow. Here, she focused on workforce development and volunteered her time to promote clean energy solutions while empowering individuals seeking to enter the growing renewable energy sector. Through her diverse experiences in various organizations such as the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), she has cultivated a comprehensive understanding of international labor dynamics and the complexities of socio-economic factors impacting workforce participation.
Education and Achievements
Mary's educational background is robust and diverse, having earned a Master's in Industrial and Labor Relations with a focus on International and Comparative Labor from Cornell University. This rigorous program equipped her with critical insights into labor economics, policy analysis, and workforce systems, which she applies in her current work to advocate for systemic change in labor practices.
Before her master's degree, she studied Middle Eastern Studies and Environmental Studies at Tufts University, granting her a well-rounded lens to assess global economic issues and sustainable development. Additionally, Mary's proficiency in Arabic, developed through her studies in Amman at Middlebury, allows her to engage with Arabic-speaking communities, furthering her commitment to expanding career pathways for immigrants and refugees in the U.S.
Notable Achievements
Mary Snyder's professional journey is peppered with noteworthy achievements. As a former Research Assistant at the United Nations, she contributed valuable insights into socio-economic progress in the Middle East, demonstrating her commitment to international development and workforce issues on a global scale. Mary's roles as a fellow and intern, including a stint at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, showcase her longstanding dedication to food security, agriculture, and sustainable practices.
Moreover, her position at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture prepared her to understand the intersection of workforce development and environmental sustainability, reinforcing her advocacy for inclusive green jobs and training programs that promote environmental stewardship.
As a communications intern at the United Nations Population Fund, Mary developed essential communication strategies that aid in outreach and education efforts, which are crucial in her current work advocating for workforce development. Her varied experiences not only amplify her skill set but also enrich her perspective on workforce challenges and solutions.
With an established ability to navigate the complexities of labor and employment while maintaining a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Mary Snyder exemplifies the ethos of a true Workforce Development Specialist. Her work empowers individuals to overcome barriers and seize opportunities, ultimately transforming lives and communities in the process.