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A Letter from Joan Graci, President, CAREERsavers and APA Solutions Dear Parents and Teachers, Like so many young people I’ve spoken to, I had NO CLUE about what I wanted to do with my life career-wise for all of high school and quite some time there after. Whenever I speak about utilizing my 25 years of recruiting experience to help direct our young in their passion quests I am asked that question. It’s a rare (and fortunate) person who has found their life’s calling in high school, and 30 years later who still feels the same fulfillment by it. I, like many others, followed in the footsteps of a person I admired; my mother. She was a pioneer in her day; leaving a small heavily Italian town for the big city of Buffalo to fulfill her dream as a nurse. She loved the work she did and what I didn’t realize when I sought to become a nurse that it was her passion I admired, not HER career of choice. I got into nursing school by the skin of my teeth, and it was very apparent, VERY quickly, that I stunk at science and the starchy white uniform was not for me. To me, these were both very clear roadblocks to my success as a nurse. Unlike many, I was fortunate enough to have a mentor at school that clearly understood what my core strengths were and instructed me as to how to utilize them best. I was able to make a quick transition. Fast forward to today where personality profiling tools have evolved in such an exciting way, that I’m consistently surprised at people’s remarks that my generation is still the “example” of the wonderful things we can accomplish for our children. Through the countless interviews I’ve had with hiring leaders and the number of jobs each year that go unfilled due to lack of talent, I feel compelled to move my career into a new direction. I’d like to make a difference where it can be most effective – in the emerging stages of one’s life. I hear so many negative comments about this generation and don’t buy them for a second. This generation has the courage to want to do work they’re good at and that they enjoy. Each of us knows many people who are unhappy doing what they do and it shows in every aspect of their lives. Is this what we want for our children? Is this what we want for our nation? Any good parent does anything they can to set the nurturing foundation to prepare our children for adulthood. Let me share my knowledge of work reality, combined with classical education and let’s all take the gambling out of our kids’ future. There are job opportunities for all of our young citizens; not just the best and the brightest. Let us fill in those blanks! Sincerest Regards, Joan Graci Aside from managing two thriving companies (CAREERsavers and APA Solutions Recruitment Firm), Joan is an active speaker in the Buffalo business and academic community. Joan is also the host of “Buffalo Works” radio show that airs every Sunday from 9:00am – 10:00am on KB1520am. Joan has recently completed the first edition of her book: “MBA – More Bad Advice” about what educators don’t tell you about the job market! Her affiliations include: 2002 graduate from University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (CEL) as well as 2005 CEL President and mentor in the Canisius College Business Woman’s Center. Joan is also part of “Western New York Works for Women. A Buffalo native, Joan is a dedicated wife and mother of two children Speaking Engagements:
Jean is an alumnus of Mercyhurst College where she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree with a focus in Business and Fashion Merchandising. Seeking to utilize her education, Jean began a successful career in the retail management sector with high end women’s retail organizations. After ten years and progressive upward movement in the retail sector, Jean moved back to her hometown of Buffalo, New York and reinvented herself. In the summer of 2000, Jean joined APA Solutions as a Human Resource Assistant, a move that allowed her to utilize her management and recruitment skills. Within three months, Jean was promoted to Executive Recruiter of a specialty division. She was again promoted in 2002 to a Regional Management role of a specialty division covering Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Jean is currently a key member of the APA management staff and is involved several organizations including the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Organization. She is the chair of the DMSA program for the BNSME and graduated from Canisius Women’s Leadership program in 2005. Most recently, Jean has embarked on a new venture with members of the APA team to launch CAREERsavers. Her passion for people and their success continue to be a driving force in Jean’s career.
Dale Martin is an entrepreneurial spirited leadership/business consultant and community activist. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Dale has devoted his career to helping others and building business relations that result in win-win opportunities for his clientele. Dale partnered with APA Solutions in Fall 2008 as Director of Client Relations which is a position that fits well with his core personality preferences. Prior to APA, Dale successfully ran his own consulting business, Martin & Associates, and held a number of diverse positions in the Business Technology Field. Dale is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo class of 2005, a member of Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Business Executives and a graduate of the City of Buffalo Citizen’s Participation Academy. He is an active SUNY-EOC board member and mentor for the Realm Leadership Program at UB. In addition to a number of IT certifications ascertained, he is pursuing his Master’s Degree in International Business at D’Youville College where he’s a member of the Pinnacle Honor’s Society and Vice President of the SIFE program. Dale actively represents the college at business competitions throughout the country. In addition to Dale’s busy work and academic life, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends and participates in events that give back to the community.
Erica considers herself a Buffalo, NY native; she’s been a member of the Western New York community since the age of five. She attended Williamsville North High School and acquired her Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University at Buffalo. Erica began working with APA Solutions in 2007 as the support assistant and has moved her way up to a Recruiter and Candidate/Client Liaison, as well as Office Manager. Erica began her post-collegiate career working in various positions, but found her love within Human Resources/Recruiting while working with APA. She is planning on continuing her education next fall to attain her Master’s degree in Human Resources. Most recently, Erica has begun to work with Buffalo/Niagara 360, the Buffalo/Niagara Partnership’s newly formed Young Professionals group. Here she plans to continue networking within the Buffalo community and do her part to grow both APA Solutions and The Western New York region as a whole! Go Bills! |
JOAN GRACI
JEAN SZULC-FILIPIAK
DALE MARTIN
ERICA HOOD