
The Center for Workforce Equity had the privilege of visiting and touring the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant, an iconic hub of automotive innovation and workforce development. This visit was an incredible opportunity to explore potential partnerships aimed at equitable creating career pathways for Chicago State University students, alumni, and beyond.
During the visit, the Center for Workforce Equity was joined by representatives from Richard J. Daley College, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), and Pyramid Workforce Alliance, fostering a collaborative dialogue on workforce equity and talent development. The team also had the pleasure of meeting with Chicago State University alumna and Ford Manufacturing Team Lead, Tynita Anderson, whose professional journey exemplifies the success and impact of Chicago State University graduates within the manufacturing industry. Tynita’s legacy stands true at Chicago State University as her daughter is currently enrolled in Chicago State University’s Nursing program, further demonstrating the generational commitment to education and excellence Chicago State University offers within its community.
The visit to the Chicago Ford Assembly Plant provided valuable insights into Ford’s operations and rich history within Chicago while highlighting opportunities that could lead to internships, apprenticeships, and full-time roles for students. These partnerships aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students have access to meaningful careers in advanced manufacturing and related fields.
Thank you to the Ford Manufacturing Team and Human Resources Department for hosting the Center for Workforce Equity and demonstrating hospitality and willingness to share insights about Ford’s workforce strategies!
We are honored to announce a generous donation from Chubb Insurance and CSU alumnus Eric Cockle, reinforcing the importance of investing in diverse talent.
The Center for Workforce Equity partnered with entrepreneur Pete Kadens to prepare students with C-suite level networking skills.

We kicked off with a focus on careers in insurance, healthcare, and government, offering students valuable exposure to high-demand industries.