Influential Woman · Workforce and Continuing Education

Jeannette Garcia Papadopoulos

Deputy Chief of Partnership Development, Dallas College

Dallas, TX

Her Story

About Jeannette

I have spent my entire career as an educator, serving in various roles including teacher, principal, and director of schools, always focused on helping youth and young adults connect to the workforce. Since 2016, I've been working specifically in workforce and continuing education. My current work involves joining regional chamber meetings and workforce corporate entity meetings to discuss what skill sets different industries are looking for, then communicating internally with higher education institutions like Dallas College to ensure our programs are aligned with what the workforce needs. I also connect with industry across different sectors to provide personalized trainings for companies. With all the changes in the economy, the need for upskilling, and the shifting workforce landscape, I'm passionate about helping young adults get the necessary skills to secure jobs when they graduate. I believe the opportunities are endless for our students and community members when industry and corporate entities work consistently with higher education to create career pathways, certifications, and certificates that allow people to enter the workforce making a livable wage or more. I've been making my impact in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for 26 years now.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jeannette

01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Early in my career, I was told to get as close to decision making as possible. That advice pushed me to seek roles where I could influence not only strategy, but to be able to execute on it. And that's what catapulted me from the teaching profession into administration.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I have two young daughters, and I'm always trying to help them navigate not only the university, but navigate the workforce, because both of them have been working since they were young, as I wanted to instill a strong work ethic into my daughters. If I could give young women advice into the profession, I would tell them to invest their time into relationships, relationships with intention. Seek mentors, seek mentors that will advocate for them in rooms where they are not present, and always make sure that those relationships are grounded in value and trust. And then I would also say to know your why. That's my big thing. Know your why, and let it guide your decisions. Your career can evolve, your roles will change, but when you're anchored in your purpose, you make choices that align with long-term impact, not just short little opportunities.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I believe that the amazing opportunities are endless for our students and for our community members if our industry and corporate entities are able to work consistently with higher education, with Dallas College, as we create these career pathways and certifications and certificates to allow our community members and our young adults to enter the workforce making a livable wage or more.

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