| Notes |
Between 2006 and 2012, Hilary served as director of education, postsecondary success, and special initiatives at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she guided grant programs across the country and worldwide. Before joining Gates, she was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and president and CEO of Jobs for the Future, a research and policy development organization she co-founded. In 22 years with JFF, Hilary helped the organization become one of the most influential in the country on issues of education, youth transitions, workforce development, and future work requirements. She also served on President Bill Clinton’s transition team and as co-chair of his administration’s presidential advisory committee on technology.
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Watch: 35 Years Strong
JFF Cofounder Talks JFF's History
She was a Yale graduate student with no idea what to do next. He was a renowned public opinion researcher mulling over a new venture.
Hilary Pennington found her answer just before graduation in 1983 when Arthur White, who cofounded the legendary market research firm Yankelovich, Skelly, and White, gave a speech on campus. His idea to solve a fast-growing problem in the US economy—how to help workers losing their jobs due to automation—was the inspiration she craved.
Months later, Pennington, 29, tracked down White, 60, for a one-on-one meeting, and together they created what would become Jobs for the Future.
“He took a chance on me,” JFF’s cofounder Pennington told staff during a visit to the Boston office in June. “And I took a chance on him." |