About Us
About Us
Career Development Academy is a global company providing career education, skills training,
and professional development to increase career advancement opportunities, and economic
and upward mobility in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous & People of Color) communities.
Our Impact
“Your career is an extension of your life, make it count!” – CEO, Niakesha Woodley, MHRD, SHRM-CP
mission & Vision
To provide world-class professional development experiences in advancing the BIPOC
communities as a trusted career development partner.
Career Development Academy Magazine.
a 100% green publication
Career Development Academy, LLC publishes biannually (Spring & Fall)
- Career & Workforce Development
- Career Education & Job Training Programs
- Non-traditional Career Pathways
- STEM Outreach
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Youth Development & Early Career
- Soft Skills Development
Be a part of history and advertise your company in the inaugural issue.
Building Skills for a Brighter Future
Meet Niakesha Woodley, SHRM-CP, MHRD
President & CEO Career Development Academy, LLC & Executive Director & Founder Diversity in STEM Outreach Project.
Niakesha Woodley is the CEO & President of Career Development Academy, a global career
education and training company focused on the advancement of the BIPOC communities.
Niakesha has a diverse background in human resource management, career education, and
workforce development. Passionate about advocating for the career advancement of the BIPOC
communities to increase economic and upward mobility.
Niakesha is a graduate of Georgia State University and holds a master’s degree from Clemson
University. She earned a certificate in human resource management from Kennesaw State
University with two human resource certifications from the Society of Human Resource
Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Institute.
Niakesha is also the Founder & Executive Director of Diversity in STEM Outreach Project, a nonprofit that provides early exposure to STEM careers to youth in
underrepresented communities. She is a 2016 United State of Women Honoree on addressing
gender equality in STEM by President Barak Obama.
Niakesha is the creator of Your Scholarship Planner®, an educational tool designed to help
teens develop an organized mindset in the scholarship application process.
Niakesha is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management & Metro Atlanta
Exchange for Workforce Solutions. She also volunteers on several boards across metro Atlanta.
She began her career as an HR Intern while a junior in college at a large retail company in Atlanta, Georgia. In that role, she was responsible for associate training and development, new hire orientation, and diversity outreach initiatives. She has provided human resource leadership to many industries including technology and construction.
Niakesha is the Founder and Executive Director of Diversity in STEM Outreach Project, a nonprofit that provides early exposure to STEM careers to students in underrepresented communities. A 2016 United State of Women Nominee & Finalist for addressing gender equality in STEM.
In 2020, Niakesha created Your Scholarship Planner registered a tool to help students develop an organized mindset for scholarship planning. To order online visit www.YourScholarshipPlanner.com. Bulk orders available. Niakesha resides in Atlanta with her two daughters. She enjoys hiking self-care, and spending time with family and close friends.
Attention Schools, Educators, Youth Serving Organizations
Bring Scholarship Planning Made Easy Workshop to your school or youth-serving organization.
Soft Skills Training Workshop (Youth & Early Career)
Our business academy students are better equipped with the important professional skills they need to be successful in business and the workforce. Students enjoyed the interactions and practical tips provided.
A. Hines
University Administrator for Student Success
N. Johnson
High School Counselor
O. Owelu
College Student, Mechanical Engineering
Investing in Professional Development
Professional development boost confidence and increases overall career satisfaction and performance.
It also fosters a sense of community, connections, and collaboration.
We are grateful to be considered a trusted career development community partner.
Professional Skills Workshop Topics
Our Most popular & in-demand workshops
- Workplace Ethics
- Mock Interview Skills
- Business Dining Etiquette
- Conflict Resolution
- Communication Skills (Verbal & Nonverbal)
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Soft Skills for Career Success
- Social Media Etiquette
- Scholarship Planning Made Easy
- Career Development & Coaching
English - Language Workplace Private Tutoring
Language barriers are a common challenge for international companies. Communication is essential for productive teamwork and morale. It can also improve productivity and efficiency. Private English tutoring can help retain immigrant workers and promote a sense of belonging.
An inability to speak English prevents individuals from career advancement opportunities. Our English-language private tutoring is offered onsite or remotely and it supports career advancement. To learn how our company can help to ensure effective communication and breakdown of language barriers,
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a sponsor, you will receive:
- Featured Blog post with links to your website.
- Community Partner badge
- Mentions on our social media platforms.
- Brand community engagement presence.
- On-going partnership & collaboration opportunities
To become a Community Sponsor
Why Is Soft Skills Training Important?
Employers desire more soft skills from their workforce in order to achieve long-term business growth and success. Soft skills reflect your personal attributes that enable you to engage well with other people. A key part of this is the importance in developing your interpersonal skills which is how we interact with other people.
More businesses are realizing a need to place more value in relationship building. An increased number of workplace conflicts continue to rise resulting in low employee morale and productivity that can be costly for any business. Learning how to interact with people especially in the workplace is a skill individuals should invest on improving for their own personal brand.
Our training program guides students in interactive soft skills training exercises using real world scenarios and applications. We understand the unique challenges some of our students face when entering the workforce.
Building Skills for a Brighter Future
- Workplace Ethics
- Mock Interview Skills
- Job Skills
- Business Dining
- Conflict Resolution
- Email Etiquette
- Communication Skills (Interpersonal & Intercultural)
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Workplace Professionalism
- Social Media Etiquette
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Diversity Training
Help us reach our goal to increase our impact on youth in underrepresented communities by delivering essential job skills training to be successful in life and career. We work closely with schools, recreation centers, churches, youth groups and community partners to deliver world class training to metro-Atlanta’s youth and early career talent.
As a Sponsor, you will receive:
- Blog Post feature
- A feature inside Career Development Academy Magazine
- Mentions on social media
- An opportunity to brand your organization
