Posted on: April 23, 2024

This PR Maven Podcast® episode features Nancy’s conversation with Kaylin (Kay) Kerina, the Maine Career Exploration program manager in Portland, Maine. Kay shares her journey from a varied career background to youth workforce development, emphasizing the importance of helping young Mainers find meaningful employment opportunities. She discusses her work in social justice, youth advocacy and community outreach, aiming to implement systemic change and support communities through a trust-based approach. The Maine Career Exploration program, part of the Department of Economic and Community Development, aims to connect 6,000 young people to work experiences in various industries, fostering passion and providing mentors. Kay also touches on her personal joy in gardening and how Maine employers and young people can get involved with the career exploration program. 

00:00 Welcome to the PR Maven Podcast with Kaylin (Kay) Kerina 

00:34 Kay Kerina’s Journey: From Social Work to Career Exploration 

04:25 The Mission of Maine Career Exploration 

06:39 Personal Stories of Career Guidance 

09:12 Engaging Young People in Maine’s Workforce 

11:30 The Importance of Passion in Career Choices 

19:35 A Gardening Detour: Kay’s Personal Passions 

22:15 How Employers and Young People Can Get Involved 

25:00 Back to Business: Expanding Career Opportunities in Maine 

27:24 Tools for Productivity and Contact Information
 

Related Episodes 

Episode 134: Why Maine is not just Vacationland, with Katie Shorey, director of engagement at Live + Work in Maine 

Episode 91: Why living and working in Maine will be valued more after COVID-19, with Edward McKersie, founder and president of ProSearch, Inc. and founder of Live and Work in Maine 

Episode 86: How your network can help during hard times, with Martin Grohman, executive director of E2Tech and host of the GrowMaine Show 

About Kay

Kaylin (Kay) Kerina is the Maine Career Exploration Program Manager, with a background in social work, human services and alternative education. With over seven years of experience, Kay is dedicated to serving students with barriers to employment and advocating for youth in the community. Her work in Youth Workforce Development focuses on supporting youth to find meaningful work opportunities and implementing systemic change for the communities she supports.