Vera Graves

Training Works Manager, Workforce Development

vgraves@indplsul.org

317-693-7627

Vera Graves was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Martin University in 2011. As a result of her hard work and dedication, she secured employment at the University as an Admissions Specialist, Academic Advisor, and CAREERS Program Manager. After completing her Master of Science in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2015, she found herself suddenly unemployed from higher academia.

While actively seeking employment, Vera serendipitously remembered that she met with the Director of Workforce Development for the Indianapolis Urban League while she was employed at Martin University, and decided to contact her about employment and training opportunities. Vera quickly enrolled in and attended the IUL’s New Beginnings and Professional Advantage Programs in 2015. After successful completion of both programs, Vera secured employment with Covance, an IUL Preferred Employer, in 2015.

In 2016, Vera found herself looking for employment again. Desiring a career change, she decided to volunteer at the Indianapolis Urban League to further improve her job skills and to stay connected to individuals in the non-profit sector. After one year of volunteering, Vera interviewed and was hired as the IUL Training Works Coordinator for IUL’s Workforce Development Department in June 2017.

Vera truly enjoys her current position with IUL, and more importantly, being able to help those that are unemployed or underemployed enroll in training opportunities geared to help them become self-sufficient. She has personally experienced both sides of the coin, being both employed and unemployed, and shares her encouraging story with everyone she meets. Vera’s unyielding passion for helping and empowering others propels her through each day of this work.

Vera enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies, and mostly spending time with her children and grandchildren.