Promoting a strong, diverse workforce in Berks [opinion]

Yahoo

17-02-2025

By Amy Young
Tec Centro Berks
For over four decades, I have called Reading home. My journey from working in corporate insurance to teaching in public schools has always been about one thing: empowering people to reach their full potential. Today, as the adult basic education coordinator at Tec Centro Berks, I am privileged to be part of an organization that is breaking down barriers and opening doors for Black and brown individuals striving for financial stability and generational wealth.
When people hear the term 'generational wealth,' they often picture extravagant homes, luxury cars or investment portfolios. But for many families in communities of color, generational wealth can simply mean the ability to pass down a home, a life insurance policy or a pension. It can mean having a stable, well-paying job that allows parents to build a college fund for their children or avoid the cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living.
At its core, generational wealth is about economic security, something that cannot be achieved without access to quality jobs and career training.
That's where Tec Centro comes in.
Tec Centro is committed to workforce development that prioritizes real career pathways, not just temporary employment. We provide training in industries with long-term financial stability, including health care, technology, government, construction and food. These fields are essential to the health and vitality of our region and offer opportunities for upward mobility, particularly when individuals receive the right certifications and education. And contrary to the belief that lucrative careers are only found in major metropolitan hubs, opportunities exist right here in Berks County.
However, workforce development alone is not enough. Structural barriers such as limited access to quality education, child care and financial literacy continue to stifle economic mobility for Black and brown individuals. Without affordable child care, parents are forced to choose between earning a paycheck and ensuring their children are cared for. Without financial literacy, individuals struggle to build credit, buy homes or start businesses. These challenges are not just personal hurdles; they are systemic issues that require institutional change.
Employers play a critical role in either reinforcing or dismantling these barriers. When I moved to Reading, there were Black professionals in human resources and managerial roles, positions that allowed them to influence hiring decisions and foster a more diverse workforce. Today, if decision-makers lack diversity or fear it, the workforce remains homogenous, shutting out qualified Black and brown candidates. True workforce diversity isn't about filling quotas; it's about recognizing that diverse teams drive innovation, strengthen businesses and reflect the communities they serve.
Policymakers at the local and state levels must also take action. Workforce training should be accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort — without the stigma that often accompanies government-funded programs for communities of color. Historically, assistance for white Americans has been framed as an investment, while similar programs for Black and brown communities have been dismissed as handouts. This narrative must change. Investing in workforce development for all Americans strengthens the economy and benefits society as a whole.
The impact of programs like Tec Centro extends beyond the individuals we train. When children see their parents and neighbors pursuing education and career advancement, they are more likely to follow that path. Representation matters. When community members serve as role models, whether as students, educators or business leaders, they create a ripple effect that influences future generations.
My message to business leaders, policymakers and the broader community is simple: Get to know the people in your community. Recognize their talent, potential, and contributions. Understand that no one succeeds alone; everyone who has reached financial stability has received support along the way. Be that support for someone else.
If I could make one major change to improve workforce diversity and economic opportunity, it would be to challenge the growing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. When those in power frame diversity as a problem rather than a strength, it is deeply demoralizing to those of us who embrace it. Despite this, I remain committed to uplifting and supporting diversity, ensuring that Tec Centro continues to be a beacon of opportunity for all communities.
Building generational wealth is not an overnight process, but with intentional investment in workforce development, financial literacy, and equitable hiring practices, we can pave the way for a future where economic security is within reach for all.
Amy Young is the Adult Basic Education Coordinator at Tec Centro Berks, where works to advancing workforce development opportunities for all communities.