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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Dr. 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.
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.
Bianca Dacres
Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy
Bianca Dacres is a policy analyst of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Before joining the Joint Center, she was a policy analyst on the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) at New America, where she spearheaded work surrounding skilled trades and construction and Opportunity Youth. She also co-led the Youth Apprenticeship Policy Academy Cohort alongside PAYA partner National Governor’s Association.
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.
The Good Jobs Collaborative Responds to House Passage of ‘A Stronger Workforce For America Act’