In Second Meeting of Partnership, ILS and NYC Training Council Chart a Course for the Future

This October, the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) met with the NYC Training Council at the School’s campus to make a plan for the partnership going forward.

The NYC Training Council is comprised of city government-based professionals who oversee training and staff development across the city. ILS began teaming up with the Council to support membership expansion and resource-sharing in 2024.

"CUNY SPS ILS is honored to be part of the NYC Training Council and support its goals to provide best practices and development opportunities for all city workers," said ILS Executive Director Amy Perez. 

During the meeting, members of the NYC Training Council and ILS (pictured above) reviewed goals and announced a new leadership team, among other agenda items.  

The half-day session also included a professional development and mental health session, "Community Care as a Foundation for Effective Learning and Engagement," facilitated by Vanessa Nisperos, associate program director for the Academy for Community Behavioral Health. Participants were invited to join in a meditation and several de-stressing exercises.

In a final agenda item, the NYC Training Council also unveiled the first logo in its history, with plans to use this going forward.

The partnership’s new leadership team is comprised of: Terrance Blackman Stroud – chair; Kerry-Ann Lalor (NYC Buildings) – co-chair; Clarke Griffith, (ILS program director) – deputy chair; Allison Ginsburg (NYC Buildings) – member-at-large; Caroline Kim de Salamanca (NYC OTI) – member-at-large; Gabrielle Bayme (NYC OMB) – member-at-large; and Kimsue Bryan (NYC DOHMH) – member-at-large.

Stroud, who is the deputy commissioner for Training & Workforce Development at the Department of Social Services (DSS), works with ILS on the DSS Office of Policies, Procedures and Training Department of Homeless Services Staff Learning and Development Program and the Anti-Bias Trauma-Informed Training (ABTI). Following the meeting, he reflected on the partnership and what the team hope to achieve over the next year.

“We are looking forward to working together to provide city agency training leadership with a shared knowledge base of best practices, educational programs, and resources,” Stroud said.

About the Office of Innovative Learning Solutions

The Office of Innovative Learning Solutions (ILS) was established in 2006 by the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) with the belief that a great urban university should pay attention to the needs of the city. ILS’ mission is to enhance organizational effectiveness and elevate individual careers through the design and implementation of transformative learning programs. In FY24, the unit managed 14 programs in partnership with city, state, and non-profit organizations with a $48 million budget and trained more than 39,000 people.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu