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Submitted by Kail Lubarsky of JobTrain.

Sharon Williams, who for more than 30 years has served as executive director of JobTrain, the Menlo Park-based job training and placement program, will step away from her position in late spring or early summer. On Saturday, March 9, a reception and dinner will be held at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto to celebrate her leadership and to raise funds for her "Life Skills" legacy to JobTrain.

Ms. Williams joined JobTrain as a GED teacher in 1973 and became director of development in 1978. She took the helm as executive director in 1979.

During her 30-plus years in JobTrain's top spot, the major accomplishments include the purchase and renovation of a 31,000-square-foot training facility; accreditation through Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); and a diverse funding base that includes support from prestigious Silicon Valley leaders and corporations.

Ms. Williams' most valuable contribution, supporters say, may be what's often referred to as JobTrain's "secret sauce": the upbeat and energetic spirit that permeates the organization. "We believe in the potential of every person who comes to us," says Ms. Williams, "and that helps them believe in themselves. Once they know they can succeed, the challenge is nearly won."

JobTrain says it currently helps 8,000 people each year, 500 to 600 of them through full-time vocational training. At least 85 percent of those who enroll complete their training; 75 percent are placed in jobs; and 12 months after placement, 84 percent are still working.

Vocational training skills constitute one important aspect of a multi-faceted approach at JobTrain. "Vocational skills prepare our graduates for employment. These skills get them hired and help them launch careers," says Ms. Williams. "But their life skills, their attitudes and habits, will determine long-term life success and deeper happiness."

Life skills are modeled by JobTrain staff and are incorporated into the trainee's daily experience at JobTrain. Life skills are also taught as a stand-alone course.

"Ironically," says Ms. Williams, "this vital aspect of training is often perceived as an 'extra' and is at risk when funding limitations dictate cutbacks. Life skills are an essential ingredient in our formula for success. My legacy will be to assure the long-term continuation of life skills training."

She has been an active community change agent for many years. She currently serves on the boards of Center for Excellence in Nonprofits (CEN) and the East Palo Alto Digital Village. She previously served on the boards of the East Palo Alto Senior Center, Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula, Leadership Mid-Peninsula, and the Workforce Investment Board of San Mateo County.

She has been honored with many awards, including the Career Action Center's Woman of Vision Award, the Palo Alto Chamber's Athena Award, induction into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame, the University of the Pacific's Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Silicon Valley Women of Influence Award. Ms. Williams is an ALF (American Leadership Forum) Senior Fellow.

For information about Ms. Williams's Legacy Dinner, scheduled for March 9 at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley, contact Susan Boiko at 650-330-6521 or sboiko@jobtrainworks.org.

About JobTrain
Since 1965, JobTrain has helped more than 160,000 men and women reclaim their lives from welfare, incarceration and unemployment by preparing them for successful careers in high-demand and emerging fields.

The goal of JobTrain, formerly OICW, is to transform personal motivation into skills that are the foundation self-sufficiency and self-esteem. In addition to "vocational training," JobTrain assists clients in getting a high school diploma, computer literacy, one-on-one counseling, and access to basics like housing, transportation and childcare.

JobTrain says it places 75 percent of its graduates in jobs. Click here to go to the JobTrain website.

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