Youth Solutions, a non-profit organization at the intersection of education and workforce development, announces the appointment of Karen Aldridge-Eason, Jenny Geno, and Jarrad Grandy to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen, Jenny, and Jarrad to the Youth Solutions team,” announced Roger Curtis, the organization’s Executive Director. “As we continue our dynamic growth and statewide expansion, their unparalleled expertise in philanthropic leadership, career & technical education, and educational leadership will be instrumental in addressing the diverse and evolving needs of our stakeholders.”
Currently serving as foundation liaison to the governor’s office for the State of Michigan, Karen Aldridge-Eason has been instrumental in bringing state legislators and foundation leaders together to find creative solutions to challenges facing Michigan’s children and their families. Karen’s passion about quality education, from birth through college with accessible career readiness, aligns directly with the mission of Youth Solutions.
Jenny Geno has spent over 21 years in Career and Technical Education (CTE) throughout the state of Michigan, focusing on improving the lives of students and adults through opportunities provided by CTE. She serves on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board and chairs Michigan’s Talent Cultivation and Aptitude Pairing Committee. Throughout her work, Jenny has focused on breaking down barriers, creating new paths to rewarding careers for all individuals.
With experience in the classroom prior to transitioning to Educational Leadership, Jarrad Grandy is passionate about collaborating with employers, educators, and students to create relevant and impactful learning experiences. Currently the Executive
Director of Student Services at Oakland Schools, Jarrad has been instrumental in developing career readiness systems and initiatives throughout the county. He is
excited to work together with educators and employers to bridge the gap in preparing students for career success and addressing workforce needs.
“It’s an honor to welcome Karen, Jenny, and Jarrad to our Board of Directors,” said Kevin Stotts, President of Talent 2025 and Youth Solutions Board Chair. “Their collective experience and passion for empowering youth will be a driving force as we expand our reach and deepen our impact across Michigan. I’m excited to collaborate with them as we continue building brighter futures for young people throughout the state.”
In addition to Stotts, the Youth Solutions Board of Directors also includes:
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Barbara Anderson, retired lawyer with Dow Corning
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Ken Fettig, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Saginaw Valley State University
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Todd Gustafson, President and CEO of Kinexus Group, Benton Harbor
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Joya Harris, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Vicksburg Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
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Vail Harding, President of Vail Rubber Works, Inc., St. Joseph
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Nolan Henson, a Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Class of 2018 alumnus and Grants Manager for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint
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Vicky Kruslemsky, SPHR, Chief People Officer of Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
Youth Solutions aims to ensure every youth in Michigan has access to career-focused education and graduates with a plan for postsecondary success. Since 2008, Youth Solutions has impacted over 30,000 youth, ages 11-24, across Michigan. For more information about Youth Solutions, Inc. or to become a partner, visit www.ouryouthsolutions.org,
