NAWB was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lenita Jacob-Simmons at the end of June. Lenita was a force in the workforce development world. She was a dedicated leader at the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration whose work touched countless programs, professionals, and lives.
More than her impressive career, Lenita was known for championing others. She believed in the power of work to transform lives and communities. Many of us were lucky to learn from her, be encouraged by her and inspired by her.
We are privileged to have her son, Walter Simmons, on our Board of Directors. His leadership locally at Employ Prince George’s and nationally with us at NAWB and our friends at the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals is a beautiful reflection of Lenita’s values and legacy.
To honor her work and spirit, her family has established the Lenita Jacobs-Simmons Memorial Fund, with the Greater Washington Community Foundation to support workforce development professionals’ own professional development.
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