The WorkPlace’s Adrienne Parkmond, Esq. was recently chosen as a 2021 awardee for the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut. Parkmond and the other awardees will be honored October 23rd at an awards reception at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. It will feature a keynote address from Reform Alliance CEO Rob Rooks and a special performance from hip-hop artist Nas.
“The 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut Award Ceremony will celebrate many renowned influencers, while also recognizing community leaders and industry trailblazers who often go unrecognized for their exceptional work in the community,” according to the Connecticut Chapter of the NAACP.
Attorney Parkmond serves as Chief Operating Officer of The WorkPlace. During her tenure, the organization has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in creating state of the art workforce development programs. Parkmond leads a team of 180 staff across 6 states in the implementation and operation of over $40 million in grant funded programs each year. She is responsible for the design of programs for unemployed, youth, people with disabilities, veterans, dislocated workers, and mature workers.
“Adrienne’s arrival at The WorkPlace coincided with a period of unprecedented expansion for our operations and her leadership has been central to our success” said Joseph Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “Her calm and cheerful demeanor, her unrelenting pursuit of excellence and seemingly uncanny instincts serve to bring out the best in all of us. I would like to congratulate Adrienne on this well-deserved honor.”
As a workforce development advocate, Attorney Parkmond has been a force in supporting in the community to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers. Her effectiveness in creating innovative programs has led to media features on 60 Minutes, CNN, PBS, and various other national news outlets.
Beyond the office, Attorney Parkmond is a tireless contributor to the community as President of The Waterbury (CT) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, President of the New Haven Pearls of Excellence Foundation, past Board Chair for the CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF), having served on two Charter Revision Commissions for the City of Waterbury as well as the City of Waterbury Human Rights Commission, and the City of Waterbury Board of Assessment Appeals. Other current and past community and civic involvement include: United Way of Greater Waterbury Board of Directors, Girl Scouts of Connecticut Board of Directors, Girls, Inc. of Western Connecticut (past Board Chair), Waterbury OIC of America Board of Directors, Waterbury Hospital Children’s Center Board of Directors, Children in Placement Board of Directors, Chase Collegiate School Board of Trustees, The Gunnery Parents Council, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter, The New Haven Girl Friends, and the Greater Waterbury CT Chapter of the National Congress of Black Women (Past Chair).
About The WorkPlace
The WorkPlace conducts comprehensive planning and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers. As national leader in the field, The WorkPlace regularly shares ideas and best practices with lawmakers, foundations, think tanks and other workforce development organizations around the country. For more information, visit www.workplace.org.