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.

Research & Data

The State of the Black Labor Market
Billions Invested, Black Workers Must Benefit: A Case Study of Place-Based Industrial Policy in Arizona and North Carolina
State of the Dream 2026: From Regression to Signs of a Black Recession
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Policy Analysis & Commentary

The State of the Black Labor Market
July 2026 Jobs Day Analysis
June 2026 Jobs Day Analysis
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Press Statements

Joint Center Releases State of the Dream 2026 Report on Black Economic Regression in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday
New Joint Center Brief Outlines Five Principles to Support Black Workers and Learners in Non-Degree Credential Pathways
New Joint Center Brief Explores Career and Technical Education Programs’ Impact on Improving Economic Mobility for Black Workers  
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In The Media

Black Star News Shares Joint Center Research on Young Black Workers
Diverse: Issues In Higher Education Shared Joint Center Research on Young Black Workers
Houston Style Magazine Shares Joint Center Research on Young Black Workers
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Events

Joint Center Participates in Howard University HBCU Center Event ‘From Participation to Power: HBCU Policy Strategy, Advocacy, and Systems Change’
Joint Center Joins Howard University Panel ‘Reimagining Public Education, Part II: Policy, Power and the Future of HBCUs’
Joint Center Joins Panel ‘Shaping a Workforce Ecosystem that Endures’ at 2025 Further Together Conference
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Gabrielle Smith Finnie

Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie

Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy

Gabrielle Smith Finnie, Ph.D. is a policy analyst of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Prior to joining the Joint Center, she was a research intern at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) and graduate assistant in the higher education PhD program at Old Dominion University.

In both roles, Gabrielle has worked to reimagine higher education and advocate for evidence-based and equity-driven practices to ensure student success in higher education and economic mobility post degree attainment.