Ohala Ward is the Executive Director of the Near Southside Employment Coalition (NSEC), in the City of St. Louis, MO. She oversees the day-to-day operations of this 501c3 nonprofit employment and training organization and works as Employment and Training Coordinator for Kingdom House. NSEC has provided free employment and training services to Southside residents for 25 years. They have trained up to 600 people in the construction trade, office/customer service skills and placed over 2,000 individuals into employment. Ohala has a strong professional background in counseling, community development and human resources. She has over 10 years experience as a community advocate and volunteer. Ms. Ward received a Bachelor of Sciences degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in psychology and Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Louis Christian College, in bible/ministry. She received her Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, St. Louis MO.