Jennuine Advocacy and the Enduring Legacy of Sarah E. Carter

As the proud granddaughter of Sarah Evelyn Carter, the first African-American elected to the Anne Arundel County Council in 1974, I carry forward her legacy of advocacy and human rights in my work.

As a workforce advocate, I pledge to:

Support employees in building the skills, confidence, and habits they need to succeed and thrive.
Help employers create strong, inclusive teams where people are valued, accountable, and set up to perform at their best.
Strengthen communities by connecting people to meaningful work, fair opportunities, and pathways to long-term stability.
Lead with honesty, respect, and candor in every conversation, offering practical guidance and real solutions.

I pledge to lead with purpose, helping individuals and organizations grow, contribute, and succeed together.

The Paper Ceiling

Employing STARs (Individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes)

What Employers Should Know About Skills-Based vs. Degree-Based Hiring
Resume misrepresentation is real: 44% of candidates who admit to lying on resumes exaggerate or falsify their education (ResumeBuilder.com). Relying too heavily on degrees can increase the risk of hiring someone who looks good on paper but may not be the right fit in practice.

Why More Employers Are Choosing Skills-Based Hiring
Skills-based hiring focuses on what candidates can actually do, not just their credentials. For employers, it can mean:

Access to a broader pool of qualified candidates
Fewer hiring missteps with role-specific assessments
Stronger performance based on real skills
Better engagement and retention
Faster, more confident hiring decisions

It works best when assessments are fair, well-designed, and clearly tied to the role.

When Degrees Still Matter
Degrees are important for roles requiring licensing, regulation, or deep technical knowledge. But using them as the main filter can shrink your talent pool, increase costs, and doesn’t always predict on-the-job success.

A Smarter Way to Hire
Many employers find success balancing skills, experience, and potential with education. This approach reduces risk, improves candidate quality, and supports long-term stability.

How We Help

Review resumes with clear, unbiased criteria
Conduct skills-focused initial phone screens
Build skills-based hiring frameworks
Streamline early hiring steps for better outcomes

Ready to rethink hiring?
We partner with employers to create people-first practices that build stronger teams and better results.