overview
Dwight E. Battles
Program Coordinator, Chicago
Dwight is the program coordinator for the Engaging Adults in Skills Training Program and Transitional Jobs Project. Prior to joining CFL Workers Assistance Committee, Dwight worked in several community based organizations including the North Lawndale Employment Network, Faith Inc., and Deer Rehabilitative Services. Dwight earned a B.G.S. in Social Science and an M.B.A. from Roosevelt University (Chicago).
"I am motivated by the firm belief that a mind is a terrible thing to waste."
John Bradarich
Business Services Manager
John has more than 15 years of experience in job development, career planning and placement. Previously, John was the Director of the Internship and Career Centers at Loyola University Chicago, DePaul University, North Central College and Moraine Valley Community College. He earned a M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Michigan, a M.A. in English Literature from St. Louis University, and a B.A. in English from Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles). John has three sons and proudly volunteers as a baseball and football coach at an area high school.
Freddie Fisher
Operations Manager
Freddie is responsible for administration and human resources. Prior to her current position, for 31 years, she worked for the largest Yellow Pages publisher (R.H. Donnelley; formerly DonTech) as the Accounts Payable and Telecommunications Manager. Freddie brings more than 25 years of management and budgetary experience. She received the President’s, Chairman’s, and six MVP awards during her tenure at DonTech for innovative and cost savings initiatives she implemented. A native of Blytheville, Arkansas, Freddie attended Harold Washington College in Chicago.
"To be successful, we must neither underestimate nor overestimate our own abilities."
Michael Furlong
Program and Administrative Specialist
As the Program and Administrative Specialist, Michael is serves as an “extension” of the main-office administrative unit, coordinating our technological needs, tracking attendance, documentation administrative processes, among other responsibilities at our Westchester location. Michael is an integral member of our Dislocated Worker Program and Business Services Team. He supports through customer recruitment, testing and assessment, resource room management, case managing exited customers, and performing various clerical duties. Michael assumed the specialist position in July, 2011, after serving as the part-time Administrative Assistant for two years. Michael earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Saint Xavier University and a paralegal certificate from Loyola University. In his spare time Michael enjoys running, cycling, and martial arts. He also volunteers with Advocate Hospice.
All of life is a journey; which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.
From A Little Book of Happiness (Anonymous or Unknown)
From A Little Book of Happiness (Anonymous or Unknown)
Mary B. Gallagher
Executive Director
During her six years as Executive Director, Mary has grown the agency from a single program to a multi-program organization with more than 15 full time employees in two offices and a $3 million budget. Mary has more than 20 years of workforce development experience, including seven years with DePaul University in various leadership positions; three years as employment director for Mercy Home for Boys and Girls (Chicago); three years as assistant Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training and five years with the Cook County’s Presidents Office of Employment and Training. Additionally, Mary serves on several workforce boards, including the Workforce Board of Northern Cook County and the Cook County Workforce Board. She earned a M.S. in Public Service from DePaul University (Chicago), with an emphasis on nonprofit management.
"Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon comes to pass."
Paul J. Meyer
Paul J. Meyer
Sarah Gutierrez
Program Coordinator, Westchester
Sarah provides a variety of services to help laid-off workers re-enter the workforce. She helps her customers define short and long-term goals, overcome employment barriers, enhance trade skills, and apply for social services.
She earned a B.A. from De Paul University (Chicago) and is pursuing a M.A. in Community Health and Urban Development from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sarah is passionate about community organization and public health issues and has volunteered extensively with the Chicago Recovery Alliance. "Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.
She earned a B.A. from De Paul University (Chicago) and is pursuing a M.A. in Community Health and Urban Development from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sarah is passionate about community organization and public health issues and has volunteered extensively with the Chicago Recovery Alliance. "Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.
Judy Lai
Program Manager, Chicago
Judy began her career with CFL Workers Assistance Committee in 2005 as an intern and was promoted to Program Manager for all Chicago-based programs, including the dislocated worker program and transitional jobs project. Judy thoroughly enjoys working with her customers and feels immensely proud when they obtain employment, set new goals or complete training. She is an active member of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Smile Train and World Vision.
Judy graduated from DePaul University (Chicago) with a B.A. in Political Science and a M.A. in Public Services Management. "I was sad because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
Indian proverb
Judy graduated from DePaul University (Chicago) with a B.A. in Political Science and a M.A. in Public Services Management. "I was sad because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
Indian proverb
Katherine Layden
Program Coordinator, Westchester
Katherine recently joined the CFL Workers Assistance Committee as a Program Coordinator at the Westchester location. Katherine was second author on an article entitled, "Aging Workers Perceptions on Opportunities for Professional Reinvention: Implications for Human Resource Development," which was published for the Academy of Human Resource Development's 2011 Americas Conference. She graduated from National-Louis University with a B.S. in Applied Behavioral Sciences; and currently pursues an M.S. in Community Counseling from National-Louis University.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Michelle Lydigsen
Program Coordinator, Westchester
A Chicago area native, Michelle joined CFL Workers Assistance Committee as an intern in 2008 and was promoted to Program Coordinator, where she seeks to make a difference in her clients' lives by helping them achieve their professional and personal goals. Michelle also provides marketing support to the organization, writing for Working Connections, cflwac.org and other materials.
Michelle earned a B.A. in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Business Administration, from the University of Iowa. "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Walt Disney
Michelle earned a B.A. in Communication Studies, with a concentration in Business Administration, from the University of Iowa. "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Walt Disney
Brandon Miller
Account Executive, Westchester
Brandon recently joined the CFL Workers Assistance Committee as an Account Executive with the Business Services division at the Westchester location. Brandon possesses professional experience in multiple industries such as automotive retail, banking, and advertising. He actively seeks and builds relationships with companies and organizations to potentially partner with the CFL Workers Assistance Committee. As a Chicago native, Brandon attended North Park University where he obtained his B.S. in Advertising. Brandon is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Management from North Park University.
“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”
Areli Nunez
Program Coordinator, Westchester
Areli joined the Chicago Federation of Labor Workers Assistance Committee in 2008 as a Program Coordinator, where she provides career planning, case management and job readiness services for laid-off workers.
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign with a B.A. in Psychology, Areli earned an M.A. in Psychology from National-Louis University (Chicago). Areli volunteers for a non-profit organization, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, where she works with inner city adolescents and their families. She is fluent in Spanish. "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign with a B.A. in Psychology, Areli earned an M.A. in Psychology from National-Louis University (Chicago). Areli volunteers for a non-profit organization, Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, where she works with inner city adolescents and their families. She is fluent in Spanish. "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
Kristen Roberts
Associate Director, Chicago and Westchester
Kristen has more than 10 years experience in the nonprofit sector as a case worker, job developer, program manager and senior manager. Prior to joining CFL Workers Assistance Committee, Kristen was Associate Director and Program Manager for the Government Assistance Program at DePaul University. She earned a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology from Truman State University and an M.S. in Public Service Management from DePaul University. Kristen is a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and has volunteered with several organizations including Alternatives, Inc., Center for Economic Progress, Interchurch Refugee and Immigration Ministries.
"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou
Sharon Stowers
Administrative Assistant
Sharon joined CFL Workers Assistance Committee in early 2010, bringing her more than 20 years of accounting and administrative experience. She earned an Associates Degree in Arts from Triton College (River Grove, Illinois), with a concentration in Business Administration. A dedicated member of her community, Sharon volunteers at Mars Hill Baptist Church, where she is the Children and Youth Ministry administrative assistant, Lion of Judah security officers/secretary, and administrative assistant to the Pastoral Care Ministry.
"Let everything that I say and do today keep a smile on your face."
Unknown
Unknown
Eileen Vesey
Program Manager, Westchester
Eileen joined the agency in 2005 as a Program Coordinator at the Chicago office and now manages the Dislocated Worker Program at the Westchester office. Prior to joining CFL Workers Assistance Committee, Eileen worked at Chicago Public Schools, Lakeshore Athletic Club, and coached youth soccer teams.
She began her career at the Livonia Family YMCA of Metro Detroit, where she managed the largest Sports & Recreational department in the YMCA Association, with more than 2,500 participants and 150 volunteers. A native Chicagoan, Eileen earned a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University. She volunteers with local organizations, including Chicago Cares.
"Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."
Louisa May Alcott
Louisa May Alcott
