Episode 273: How DECD is Empowering Maine's Youth, With Kaylin (Kay) Kerina

The PR Maven Podcast

This PR Maven Podcast® episode features Nancy's conversation with Kaylin (Kay) Kerina, the Maine Career Exploration program manager in Portland, Maine. Kay shares her journey from a varied career background to youth workforce development, emphasizing the importance of helping young Mainers find meaningful employment opportunities. She discusses her work in social justice, youth advocacy and community outreach, aiming to implement systemic change and support communities through a trust-based approach. The Maine Career Exploration program, part of the Department of Economic and Community Development, aims to connect 6,000 young people to work experiences in various industries, fostering passion and providing mentors. Kay also touches on her personal joy in gardening and how Maine employers and young people can get involved with the career exploration program.

00:00 Welcome to the PR Maven Podcast with Kaylin (Kay) Kerina

00:34 Kay Kerina's Journey: From Social Work to Career Exploration

04:25 The Mission of Maine Career Exploration

06:39 Personal Stories of Career Guidance

09:12 Engaging Young People in Maine's Workforce

11:30 The Importance of Passion in Career Choices

19:35 A Gardening Detour: Kay's Personal Passions

22:15 How Employers and Young People Can Get Involved

25:00 Back to Business: Expanding Career Opportunities in Maine

27:24 Tools for Productivity and Contact Information

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About Kay Kaylin (Kay) Kerina is the Maine Career Exploration Program Manager, with a background in social work, human services and alternative education. With over seven years of experience, Kay is dedicated to serving students with barriers to employment and advocating for youth in the community. Her work in Youth Workforce Development focuses on supporting youth to find meaningful work opportunities and implementing systemic change for the communities she supports.