CARSON CITY, Nevada — November 19, 2025 — The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)has expanded the reach of its Individual Career Mapping (ICM) workforce initiative across rural areas of the state following the successful training and certification of new program administrators. The expansion will increase access to career pathways, job-readiness tools, and labor-market navigation support for residents in rural communities.
Three staff members from Community Chest, a nonprofit supporting underserved residents in rural Nevada, completed the full ICM process and earned their National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC). Their certification positions the organization to guide local job seekers through structured career development, skills assessment, and employment pathways.
Newly Certified Administrators
- Shaunte Ibara, Director of Community Services
- Jessica Harris, HR & Finance Assistant; General Community Health Worker
- Jocelyn Lozano, Administrative Assistant; General Community Health Worker
Serving Storey and Mineral counties, these administrators work directly with residents seeking employment, training, housing, and social services—making them critical partners in expanding the program’s impact.
“Shaunte, Jessica, and Jocelyn completed the program themselves before guiding clients through it, which speaks to their professionalism and commitment,” said Tammy Westergard, GOED Workforce Librarian in Residence, who leads the statewide ICM program. “Their first-hand experience will make them highly effective mentors as the program launches in rural Nevada.”
Strengthening Workforce Readiness in Rural Nevada
The ICM program improves labor-market literacy, helping participants:
- Identify transferable skills
- Map career goals to education and training options
- Understand job-market demand and wage potential
- Access credentialing and advancement pathways
By integrating ICM into Community Chest’s services, rural residents gain direct access to structured workforce planning that complements existing support systems, including case management, job placement resources, and education services.
“We are extremely proud of our team and excited to bring ICM to Hawthorne, Lockwood, and Storey County,” said Shaunte Ibara, Director of Community Services. “Through our own certification, we can confidently guide clients toward opportunities that strengthen their future. We look forward to launching our first client cohorts soon.”
About the Individual Career Mapping Program
ICM is a statewide workforce development initiative designed by GOED to help Nevadans build career pathways that align with evolving economic needs. The program pairs career coaching with real-time labor data to prepare residents for high-demand roles in Nevada’s diversifying economy.
About the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Established by the Nevada Legislature in 2011, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) drives statewide economic diversification and growth by supporting industry expansion, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community advancement.
Media Contact:
Evan Haddad, Public Information Officer
ehaddad@goed.nv.gov | 775-684-9973
