Gabrielle Caverl-McNeal

Gabrielle Caverl-McNeal is a workforce development leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing economic mobility through trauma-informed, equity-centered employment strategies. She designed and grew programs that combined strength-based practices, executive skills coaching, and strong employer partnerships to open doors to opportunity.

As the Employment Program Officer at the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Gabrielle partners with Chicago-area nonprofit organizations to strengthen workforce systems and promote inclusive economic growth. She previously led New Moms nationally recognized workforce development programs, where she tripled the department’s budget, launched agency-wide executive skills coaching infrastructure, and helped position its social enterprise, Bright Endeavors, for growth and innovation.

Gabrielle is a trusted advisor to practitioners, funders, and policymakers alike, known for her ability to translate research into practice and align program design with real-world conditions. She has facilitated training for workforce professionals at the Chicago Jobs Council and at national conferences such as UnidosUS and Community Action Partnership.

Gabrielle is an Economic Opportunity Fellow with the Chicagoland Workforce Leadership Academy (Chicago Jobs Council, Aspen Institute, and Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance) and a YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Fellow with the American Councils for International Education. She holds an M.A. in Communication and Training from Governors State University and remains deeply committed to building systems that recognize the strength, dignity, and potential of every job seeker.

Gabrielle, born in Chicago, is a wife and mother and spends her free time rummaging through thrift stores and spoiling her granddaughter.