Kenneth Walker

Kenneth Walker serves as the Deputy Director of Federal Workforce Programs at DOES, where he oversees many notable programs, including the work of our American Job Centers, Office of Out-of-School Youth, and Office of Apprenticeship, Information, and Training. Kenneth comes to DOES with an extensive background in youth education, workforce development, family/community engagement, and economic development. With over 15 years of experience specific to moving individuals and communities forward, Ken has achieved incredible success with program start-up, project management, grant writing, and advancement. Notable accomplishments in his career to date are the buildout of two different licensed employment and training schools in Philadelphia, PA, along with being a member of a 5-person founding leadership team responsible for opening, and operating, a boarding charter school in Washington, DC.

 

Before working with DOES, Kenneth was the first Director of Operations and Assistant Principal of Monument Academy, a Washington, DC Charter School with a mission to serve students in, or at risk of being, in foster care. In these roles, Kenneth was tasked with numerous executive-level functions, including advancement and development, overseeing day-to-day operations, overseeing the school’s operational budget, and family and community engagement.

 

Before Monument, Kenneth the Director of Workforce Development at one of DC’s most reputable and historic non-profits, Sasha Bruce Youthwork. In this role, Kenneth grew a department of one program into a department of seven programs within one year. The department focused on equipping young adults, aged 16-24, with the pre-requisite employment and life skills to be successful in college and/or career. The impact of those programs on one of DC’s most vulnerable populations garnered national attention, including acknowledgments of program successes from the Department of Labor, Georgetown University, and YouthBuild USA.

 

Coming out of college, Kenneth started his career at KRA Corporation as a case manager within the City of Norfolk’s (VA) newly launched ex-offender re-entry program. Within a span of a five years, Kenneth worked his way up the KRA Corporation ladder, where his experience culminated in serving as Executive Director of the KRA Career Institute Program and Director of the New York City-based KRA Out of School Youth Training Program. Kenneth also spearheaded the creation and licensure of the KRA Career Institute and its accompanying certified curriculums in phlebotomy, dental assistant, and child development associate/care.

 

Kenneth attended Old Dominion University, where he double majored in Marketing and Finance. In addition to his undergraduate studies, Kenneth has also attended the Harvard Extension School, gaining certificates in organizational leadership and public speaking. Kenneth is a member of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Psi National Business Fraternity.