Donald Woodard

Donald Woodard is the current Career Services Manager at Coding Dojo. Prior to their current position, Donald was a Career Coach at Metropolitan Family Services from May 2016 to September 2017. In this role, they were responsible for providing employment services to over 2,000 Altgeld-Murray Homes’ residents. Donald also helped Coordinate, plan and facilitate programming for over 240 youth ages 16-24 participating in the Summer Youth Employment Program, a summer job training program for CHA residents. Additionally, Donald developed and maintained relationships with several employers in the Chicagoland area including Mariano’s, the Chicago Ford Assembly Plant and MSI Candy Factory. Donald also helped develop and monitor Individual Employment Action Plans for residents who do not currently meet the work requirement for CHA residents.

Before their time at Metropolitan Family Services, Donald was the Employment Coordinator at Teen Living Programs from August 2012 to May 2016. In this role, they coordinated employment and career development services for Teen Living Programs, raising employment rates amongst program participants from 55% to 93% within 6 months of hire. Donald also oversaw Teen Living Programs’ participation in the “Operation Jobs” Job Readiness Program. Furthermore, Donald developed and maintained professional partnerships with corporate sponsors including the Gap, Neuberger Berman, and United Airlines. Lastly, they created and facilitated Job Readiness Trainings for TLP residents covering a number of topics pertinent to 21st Century job seekers.

Donald Woodard graduated from Lewis University with a B.A. in Print Journalism/Multimedia Journalism.

Donald Woodard works with Joseph Yea - Career Services Manager, Erica Peryga - Career Services Manager, and Emily Pelkowski - Career Services Manager. Donald Woodard reports to Duy Lyford, Lead Career Services Manager.