Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer continued her “Tell Your Story” series for the residents of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) on Friday, October 27 with an engaging panel of local women leaders. Gainer brought together seven leading women to meet with residents and share their personal and professional stories — both success and failure — to expose them to the workforce and mentorship opportunities. The leaders included WGCI Radio Host and TV Personality Kendra G, Business Owner (Pier 31) Nikki Hayes, Founder and Executive Director of The Answer Inc Debra Vines, founding Executive Director of La Casa Norte Sol Flores, President, Olive-Harvey, City Colleges Chicago Felicia Davis and surgeon at Midwest Hand Surgery Dr. Ramsey Ellis. There are nearly 225 residents at the JTDC, and residents stay anywhere between two days and several years. “Nothing builds a future like a job, but getting a job is a long process that requires luck, and relationship building and networking skills,” said Gainer. “Think about your first job. The experience and relationships young people build at their first jobs lead to lifelong success. Jobs establish roots in communities and strengthen entire neighborhoods.” Lunch for the residents and speakers was provided by Charmaine Rickette from Uncle Remus’ Chicken. Rickette was a mentor at the second “Tell Your Story” series and has continued to invest in the residents through recruitment and programming. Commissioner Gainer organized this event where the leaders meet with small groups of residents. “I started the “Tell Your Story” series at the JTDC because the young residents need to see many versions of success. You can’t be what you can’t see, and they need to see different walks of life,” said Gainer. “We’ve hosted panel discussions in the past, but when it comes to networking and communication skills-building, we knew the one-on-one engagement style was necessary.”