Workforce Policy
The Joint Center’s Workforce Policy Program centers Black workers in policy debates concerning the future of work, workforce development, and access to good jobs. The Workforce Policy Program is about the future of Black workers.
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Kayla Elliott
Director, Workforce Policy
Kayla C. Elliott, Ph.D., is the director of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank. Her team centers Black communities in policy solutions for the future of work, workforce development, and access to good jobs. Kayla was previously director of higher education policy at The Education Trust, and held teaching and research positions at Florida Atlantic University, where she earned a Ph.D. Kayla also holds a master's in philanthropy and has worked with a range of nonprofit organizations on diversity, development, and engagement. A proud graduate of Fisk University, Kayla is a fierce HBCU advocate.
Brian Kennedy II
Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy
Brian Kennedy II is a senior policy analyst of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Prior to joining the Joint Center, Brian served as a policy advisor in the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Recovery Programs where he supported the administration of American Rescue Plan funds to states and local governments. Brian is also the co-host of At The Intersection, a Durham-based podcast about policy, culture, and identity.
Justin Nalley
Senior Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy
Justin Nalley is a senior policy analyst of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center. Justin brings his experience advocating for access to equitable resources for Black communities to produce timely policy research and data analysis, which centers Black workers in workforce development, post-secondary access, and access to quality jobs.
Before joining the Joint Center, Justin served as the senior public policy analyst for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. In this role, Justin researched, lobbied, and conducted state fiscal analysis to shape policy for Black youth and families in public education, juvenile justice reform, and voting rights.
Five Charts Illustrating the Need for Policies that Prioritize the Experiences of Black Workers