John Yoon

• Conducted academic and field research on causes of unemployment among impoverished individuals of Buffalo culminating in a 45-page study
• Analyzed data for 1000+ clients of CAO's Employment and Training Division, which revealed persistent racial and age-based employment discrimination and increasing spatial and skills mismatch
• Developed organizational model and strategic plan to increase quality of comprehensive career development service delivery for one of the largest social service agencies in Western New York
• Followed federal guidelines to create and implement documentation workflow for division

"The High Road Fellowship made this summer the most powerful I’ve had yet. I found such a smart and passionate group of friends who I am so lucky to have shared time, thoughts, struggles, and dreams with together. I met with people carrying immense burdens of despair, neglect, trauma, and experiences I could never fully come to understand, who made me become ever more aware of my privileges and the need to use it for those for whom those privileges are systemically unattainable. I had the opportunity to do something I really believed in — helping people make a transition from joblessness, homelessness, and shame to self-sufficient wage earning and living meaningful lives."

John is an incredible young man. He showed tremendous maturity and provided valuable input that will contribute to our organizational success. His command of logic, analysis, and other vital skills were an asset in every assignment he tackled.

Nicole Stewart,

Director for Employment and Training, Community Action Organization of WNY