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About the Program

Workforce Readiness Academy (WRA) is a hands-on education and career exposure program
operated by Sound Business, Inc. at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School.

The program connects students with real professionals in the automotive, tech, and engineering industries. Through in-person industry visits, expert-led sessions, and immersive experiences,
students are introduced to the career pathways available to them beyond high school.

WRA serves as both a motivational force and a pipeline into higher education and career opportunities for students from underrepresented and underserved communities.

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SBI Auto Tech Student observing a student engineer at Rockland Community College: Automotive Technology Center

What We've Done

This past year, the WRA program brought leading executives, department heads, and
professionals from across the automotive sector to meet directly with our students. These guests
spoke honestly and intimately about their work, shared their journeys, and inspired our students
through real-world stories, strategies, and opportunities.

These visits validated the talent and curiosity of our students while giving them meaningful
insight into potential careers in service, marketing, engineering, operations, and more.

Guests & Industry Professionals
(2024 Cohort)

First Name
Last Name
Position
Company
Gregor
Hembrough
Executive Vice President
INEOS
Rachel
Curry
Head of Marketing
INEOS
Juan
Ortiz
Chief Revenue Officer
Joulez, Inc
Jonathan
Dennis
Media Manager
Polestar
James
Moreno
Service & Parts Director
Toyota
Christopher
Lantz
Marketing Launch Manager & Product Lifecycle Expert
Ferrari
Mark
Jaffe
Chief Ethics, Compliance & Privacy Officer
Rivian
Carlos
Reyes
Service Performance Manager
Ford
Amna
Qureshi
Corporate Communications & Events Manager
Polestar
Jerry
Rosiello
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Mercedes-Benz
Grant
Repsher
VP, Digital Products & Engagement
Hemmings Motors
Anthony
Mezzatesta
Service Manager
Ford
Alex
Amato
Technician
Ford
Christina
Walsh
Technical Placement Specialist
Ford
Bert
Shillingford
Program Director
Rockland Community College
Chris
Marshall
Service Manager
Tesla
Jose
Reyes
Service Technician
Tesla

Field Experience:
DANA Ford

Thanks to Carlos A. Reyes and the DANA Ford team in Staten Island, our students got exclusive insight into:

 

  • Dealership showroom operations

  • In-depth technician Q&A sessions

  • The DYNO race team and performance innovation center


​This trip gave students a rare behind-the-scenes experience and real-world automotive exposure.

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Carlos Reyes, speaking to Randolph Students at the inaugural seminar of the Workforce Readiness Academy at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School

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Looking ahead, WRA will grow its impact through:
 

 

  • More guest speakers and new industry partnerships

  • New field visits and internships

  • Earned college credit & stipends for qualifying students

  • Greater focus on hands-on technical skills and job preparation

WHAT’S NEXT

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©2025 by Sound Business Inc.

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