175. Building a Future-Proof Economy: Jeffery Wallace on Reimagining Work and Opportunity for Young Adults in America

In this episode of The Legal Lens Podcast, host Angela Reddock-Wright speaks with Jeffery Wallace, President & CEO of LeadersUp, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the economic and  employment gap for youth and young adults, and empowering them to thrive in the 21st century world of work.Jeffery shares his own journey from Richmond, CA to becoming a national leader and innovator in the areas of workforce and economic development, through an equity lens.  Jeffery challenges us to think differently about how we prepare, support, and uplift underrepresented youth and talent. He explains why economic access is a human right, how employers must build pipelines with purpose, and why hope alone won’t build equity—power will.As labor market instability, automation, and DEI rollbacks continue to threaten equity in employment, Jeffery offers a vision for systemic change—one grounded in purpose and opportunity.  He coins iit “future-proofing” the economy.Key Topics Covered:✅ Why workforce equity is a human rights issue✅ The difference between a safety net and an economic trampoline✅ How purpose, stability, and fulfillment are essential to work✅ Strategies for building pipeline-to-power employment systems✅ The future of inclusive hiring, employer accountability, and youth talent investment 🔗 Connect with Angela: InstagramFacebookLinkedInVisit Angela's Website