MCA Monthly Workshop:
EMPLOY
February 11 , 2026
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Via Zoom
Sponsor Spotlight - MINNCOR
Certificates of attendance are available for this workshop
Sponsor Spotlight - MINNCOR
MINNCOR Industries, as part of the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC), delivers high-quality products and services while making a real difference in our communities.
Our mission is simple: Transforming lives for a safer Minnesota.
MINNCOR programs are self-sustaining and provide incarcerated people with job skills, training, and meaningful work experience at no cost to taxpayers. The work assignments provide participants with marketable skills, foster rehabilitation, and reduce repeat offenses, making Minnesota safer for everyone. MINNCOR operates Bridge, a pathway to employment. The Bridge program partners with DOC’s work release unit to offer three months of employment and skills training. It’s designed to help individuals transition smoothly from incarceration to the workforce—building confidence, experience, and a fresh start.
Presenter: Jack Taly, Vice President of Sales
Jack E. Taly, MPA, is an executive leader with more than 30 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence across the public and private sectors. As Vice President of Business Development at MINNCOR Industries, he oversees sales, marketing, and customer service for a $50M self-sustaining enterprise. Jack is known for restructuring underperforming portfolios, negotiating complex public and private contracts, and launching products that expand market reach. Previously, he founded Orion Management & Consulting and served as General Manager of Fay-Mar Tube & Metal Fab, where he delivered 92% revenue growth and led construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. His civilian career is complemented by 30 years of U.S. Navy service, retiring as a Command Senior Chief after managing large-scale logistics, budgets, and executive advisement roles worldwide. Jack holds a Master of Public Administration, is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, and enjoys running, downhill skiing, and playing bass guitar in a local rock band.
Workshop - EMPLOY
Created in 2006, the EMPLOY Program is a voluntary employment service program providing work readiness and job search preparation for incarcerated individuals. Program services are available in all 10 Minnesota Correctional Facilities. Interested individuals must have at least four 4 months on their sentence and no more than 24 months to release and one of the following within the last five years of their sentence: six months of positive MINNCOR Industry or Food Service facility work assignment within, or four months of positive participation or completion of a Career Technical Certification Program. Lifers may also apply as their mandatory minimum approaches.
EMPLOY values increasing employment outcomes and reducing recidivism. Our mission is to reduce recidivism by providing participants with the necessary tools to locate, gain, and retain employment. This is accomplished through offering work readiness and job search training, connecting skilled participants with appropriate job leads, offering follow up support, and encouraging positive change. At the same time, EMPLOY provides education to employers about creating fair chance hiring practices within their company and the benefits of hiring justice-impacted individuals.
EMPLOY prepares participants for an effective reentry into the world of work and ensures they are successful with job retention, thus helping employers fill the employment void left by low unemployment rates and high job vacancies.
Workshop Goal:
Our goal is to provide an overview of the EMPLOY Program and service enhancements for Workforce Development within the Department of Corrections.
Objectives:
- Provide a detailed history of EMPLOY Program
- Educate on EMPLOY eligibility
- Demonstration of Career Edge and increasing digital literacy
- Highlight program services pre and post release – Success Stories
- Employment data and outcomes
Presenters: Travona Newell, Jessica Cordray & JoAnn Brown
Travona Newell is an employee of the Department of Corrections and works under the EMPLOY Program as a Workforce Development Specialist II. Travona worked in the Non-Profit world facilitating groups, coordinating and marketing program services to clients. Additionally, she is experienced entering facilities, has participated in numerous Transitions Fairs and has over 10 years of Customer Service. Travona works as a Job Search Trainer and covers Lino Lakes, Stillwater, Shakopee, Faribault, Oak Park Heights, and Red Wing. She is passionate about the work she does, creating efficiency, working with IPs where they are at and seeing them flourish in life and as returning community members.
Jessica Cordray is an employee of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and serves as an Office Administrative Specialist with the EMPLOY Program. Jessica brings over a decade of professional experience in program leadership, administrative coordination, and customer service within government, nonprofit, and educational settings. She has extensive experience developing and implementing efficient processes, coordinating services, and supporting diverse populations through structured programs. Jessica collaborates across teams and partners in resource and outreach events, while providing comprehensive administrative and program support to employment and reentry initiatives. She is committed to fostering efficient operations, building strong working relationships, and supporting incarcerated individuals as they prepare for successful reentry and sustainable employment.
JoAnn Brown started her career in corrections in 2007 as a Workforce Development Specialist for the EMPLOY Program within MINNCOR Industries program services. She developed and implemented a job search training curriculum and facilitated groups to all eligible participants in Minnesota’s Correctional Facilities. In 2011, JoAnn was promoted to Supervisor of the EMPLOY Program. Under her leadership, the program increased its eligibility criteria to include education, food services, Prison Fellowship Academy, and Institution Community Work Crew programs to reach additional interested candidates. In 2020, JoAnn transitioned into the DOC Community Reentry Unit and currently oversees the DOC Workforce Development initiatives and works with Community Employment Service Providers offering reentry services throughout the state of MN.
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after you register, please contact us at:
Debbie: mca-mn@hotmail.com
Kristin: KLueken.MCA@gmail.com
Register for This Workshop Today!
Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. 2 days before event
