Karen Wong-Brown
Executive Director
Welcome to Unified Workforce! I want to say thank you for coming and using our services. I want you to know that you are unique and will not be looked at as a statistic. We want you to reach your full potential by utilizing us as your guide along the way. We will be there as you celebrate the smallest milestones towards your big picture. We are here to serve as your coach/mentor because we are a team.
Now I would like to share why I created Unified Workforce for our community. My purpose is to help people from all walks of life to reach their full professional potential with the right resources and great people.
As a first-generation Chinese American immigrant coming to America at the age of six, I learned that it was going to be hard to be successful in every setting; however, I was determined with my mother’s dream on my shoulder. My mother bought me to America for a better education. It was hard to learn English as my fourth language but I needed to assimilate to this new culture.
As time went on, there were other expectations; ultimately, I took every challenge with determination and tenacity. I also found out there were obstacles but I did not let them define me. I persevered to be successful in one shape or another. I used my resources such as my teachers, mentors and supervisors. Each of them guided me in the right direction. I also had support from friends and loved ones who saw my potential. With those two things in hand, I knew that I can fulfill any vision – personally and professionally. Now I want to give back to my community by being a conduit and doing what I am passionate about which is assisting people reaching their dreams.
I created Unified Workforce (UWF) from the job seeker’s viewpoint. I implemented a program from the beginning to the end of the job seeker’s cycle. UWF looked at resources to help each individual to be valued by their workforce. UWF also wants individuals to have a good work-life balance. Finally, UWF also wants to give you tools for you to give back to the community.
My ultimate goal for each person that walked into my organization is to believe that “You are valued. You are intelligent. You are beautiful. You can reach any goal if you have the right cheerleaders along the way. We will be proud of your baby steps. Let’s start this journey together.”
RESUME
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Founder – Unified Workforce – Fort Collins
November 2019 – present
- Served and assisted underrepresented communities find employment
- Acted as a career coach with employee’s professional and personal development
- Implemented apprenticeship/internship opportunities for youths and young adults
Talent Acquisition Specialist – Qualfon – Fort Collins
June 2018 – April 2019
- Assisted upper management in regard to improving recruitment strategies
- Hosted candidates during on-site interviews ensuring that the interview process flows smoothly
- Followed up and confirmed interview logistics with candidates at regular intervals throughout the interview process
Human Resource Assistant, Canyon Bakehouse – Loveland CO
August 2017 (Contract)
- Processed and updated all employees’ files in order for auditing purposes
- Provided administrative support for the generalist and manager
- Prepared necessary documents and tools for new employees
Human Resource Administrator, Agrium Corporation – Loveland CO
April 2015 – June 2017
- Followed established procedure to maintain confidential and accurate personnel records, files and reports for all employees of the wholesale and corporate side of the business
- Acted as a hiring initiator for employee’s on-boarding process from application submission to initiation
- Communicated, interacted, and worked with other business units from data entry to employee relations
Program Assistant Intern, USDA Center for Collaboration – Fort Collins, CO
March 2012 – August 2012 (Seasonal)
- Provided guidance for the center as a translator between Chinese and American researchers
- Collaborated with all researchers at a forum in discussing bovine diseases
- Represented as a liaison by marketing the internship to the university
Administrative Support, Colorado State University – Asian/Pacific American Cultural Center – Fort Collins, CO
August 2010- August 2012 (Volunteer)
- Represented and advocated the office in the community either in person or by phone
- Worked with other advocacy offices in implementing event programming and advertised events to the community
- Kept all archive data and updated information onto a computer system
Office Assistant – Barton Early Childhood Center – Fort Collins, CO
Auugust 2007 – July 2008
- Be available to assist enrollment specialists and the director with appointments for enrollment purposes
- Served on selection committees in enrolling families in the program as a representative of administrative support
- Supervised work-study students with projects and insured that all deadlines are met
Administrative Assistant I and II – Colorado State University – Fort Collins
January 2005 – September 2005 and January 2000 – July 2002
- Generated, processed, and verified pay rate, title, and status changes for all student employee types
Served as an executive secretary to the department heady by maintaining calendars, meetings, and travel arrangements - Be assistant to the accounting technician in regard to financial reporting to reconciling petty cash
EDUCATION
Master of Science
Organizational Leadership
Emphasis in Human Resource Management and Leadership
Graduated with Highest Honors
Regis University
Bachelor of Arts
Political Science
Emphasis in Public Relations
Certification in Asian Studies
Colorado State University
GRANTS AND AWARDS
United Way Excellence and Equity Grant
Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development Center
2021 – present
2022 – present
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND LEADERSHIP ROLES
Leadership Board Member and Career Coach
Stone Soup – Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant
Larimer Small Business Development Center
Board Member
United Way of Larimer County
Participant, Chair, Co-Chair and Secretary
Parents, Friends, and Family for Lesbians and Gay (PFLAG) of Northern Colorado
Advisor and Facilitator
Diverse Fort Collins
Board Member and Secretary
Northern Colorado Networking Group – Fort Collins, Colorado
Member
Agrium Women and Inclusive Network (WIN)
Board Member and Adult Facilitator
Intercultural Community Builders – Fort Collins, Colorado.
Board Member and Facilitator
ERACISM Film Series and Discussion – Fort Collins, Colorado
Community Advisory Board Member
The Center – Denver, Colorado.
Human Relations Commission Members and Co-Chair of the Education Committee
City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission
Board Member and Co-chair
ACLU of Fort Collins
