Edythe Richards, Workforce Development Division Counselor and NOVA representative at Arlington County’s Comprehensive One-Stop Employment Center, was recently awarded the Community Partner of the Year by the Arlington County Community Service Board.  Ms. Richards was chosen as the recipient due to her outstanding dedication and service to Arlington County consumers, particularly those with Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and other barriers which would often prevent them from pursuing higher education. 

Ms. Richards is a champion for the unemployed and underemployed and has thus provided a multitude of outreach services throughout Arlington County, including speaking engagements on such career-related topics as Resume Writing, Determining the Right Career Path, Effective Networking, as well as NOVA admissions and financial aid information sessions.  In addition, Ms. Richards is one of fewer than 80 Certified MBTI^® Master Practitioners worldwide and has facilitated several training and development sessions related to psychological Type for Arlington County employees.  

According to Howard Feldstein, Director, Arlington Employment Center.   

  “Edythe Richards is a tremendous asset to the Arlington Employment Center.  Through her efforts, numerous clients of the Center have been able to see their dream of entering college come true.  She is extremely respected by all staff as she often goes out of her way to assist with the career planning of clients and the presentation of numerous employability workshops.  Edythe is a total professional in every way.”

Edythe plans to continue working with Arlington County to help even more individuals pursue higher education.