Ep. 247 | Empowering Lives: Goodwill's Impact on Florida's Workforce with Executive Director Keyna Cory

Join host Tom Kindred in an inspiring episode of Small Biz Florida, recorded live at the 2023 Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum. In this compelling conversation, Tom engages with Keyna Cory, the Executive Director of the Florida Goodwill Association, shedding light on Goodwill's transformative efforts to create an inclusive and empowered workforce across Florida.

Explore the heart and soul of Goodwill's mission, extending beyond retail, as Keyna reveals how the organization provides employment, comprehensive training, and career assistance to individuals facing barriers to meaningful work. Discover the impact of every dollar earned in Goodwill stores, with 90 cents reinvested into programs and services benefiting those in need.

Dive into the diverse services offered by Goodwill, including job skills training, GED assistance, and specialized programs for individuals with disabilities. The episode unfolds success stories from Goodwill's initiatives, spanning housing projects, homeless shelters, and innovative micro-entrepreneurship training programs, fostering not just employment but also purpose and dignity.

Keyna emphasizes Goodwill's collaborative spirit, where nine independent territories exchange ideas, share best practices, and collectively innovate. The commitment to sustainability is evident in Goodwill's effort to divert over 182 million pounds of materials from landfills.

As Keyna shares her journey in association management and her role as the Executive Director of the Florida Goodwill Association, listeners gain insights into the organization's entrepreneurial spirit and its partnerships with businesses like Publix and Bells.

Connect with Goodwill through their website, where you can explore regions and access contact information tailored to your location. This episode serves as a reminder that Goodwill transcends retail—it's a catalyst for positive change, an advocate for environmental sustainability, and a driving force behind the creation of a thriving and inclusive workforce in Florida.

Recorded live at the Florida Chamber's "Future of Florida Forum," from Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando near Florida’s Disney World. Special thanks to the Florida Chamber for hosting this momentous event and providing a platform for innovative discussions.