St. Louis Workforce Development Board Welcomes New Chair

August 9, 2018, ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Workforce Development Board (WDB), the governing entity that oversees activities of the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) aimed at linking unemployed individuals to job readiness, education, life coaching and mentoring, vocational training, financial workshops and career opportunities, announced the election of a new Chair for the 2018-2020 term.   

Lydia Padilla is a franchise owner of TRC Staffing Services and TRC Professional Solutions. She is a passionate 28-year veteran of the staffing industry, and was elected to serve as the WDB’s Chair at the Board’s last meeting on July 26, 2018, at SLATE. Padilla was elected for her demonstrated commitment to a strong regional workforce, inclusion, and innovation in the workplace that positively impact the St. Louis communities. Padilla served on the WDB since June 2006, and prior to today’s announcement, has served as the Board’s past Chair.

 “I am honored to serve as a Chair to the Board that means so much for the City of St. Louis and the overall region. I look forward to continue working alongside my colleagues, dedicated professionals and leaders from their fields. I also welcome the experience and insight that Dr. Alice Prince, SLATE Executive Director, brings to our Board. Our collaboration will be key to fulfill the Board’s mission of connecting real people to real jobs and developing a quality workforce that meets the economic and labor market needs of the St. Louis region for years to come,” Padilla said.

“This change in the St. Louis WDB leadership happens at an exciting time for our Agency. As we implement many initiatives designed to champion our communities, we need Lydia’s expertise in staffing, non-profits and other business-related matters to guide our efforts for maximum impact and excellence in execution,” said Dr. Alice M. Prince, SLATE Executive Director.

Padilla has served on numerous boards and is the past President of the Hispanic Chamber Foundation of St. Louis. She is starting her 10^th year on the board of the St. Louis Community College Foundation, is a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, and a member of FORUM St. Louis.