Step Forward is pleased to announce that Madeline Corchado, Step Forward’s Vice President of Human Resources, will be honored this week as 2023 Excellence in HR by Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Corchado was named an individual winner for Overall Excellence, specifically in the nonprofit/government category.
“When Step Forward's new CEO and president Jacklyn Chisholm set about transforming the anti-poverty nonprofit's culture, she tapped Madeline Corchado for the job,” the nomination said. “Corchado joined Step Forward, formerly the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland, in 2018 and immediately began to re-establish a positive workplace environment by fostering collaboration and empowering employees. Externally, she focused her efforts on identifying and recruiting those who share the agency's mission of serving others first.”
Corchado’s focus has been strengthening the agency’s talent assets and bringing in best practices for efficiency and effectiveness relative to the strategic direction of the organization and its leadership. As of 2022, Corchado has also been working to prioritize staff health and wellness.
“This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Madeline’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture that empowers and uplifts every member of our organization,” Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm, Step Forward’s President and CEO, said. “Madeline’s passion for creating a people-centric environment has been evident throughout her tenure at Step Forward. Her innovative HR strategies have not only helped enhance employee satisfaction but have also contributed significantly to our agency’s overall success. We are incredibly proud to have Madeline as part of our leadership team!”
Step Forward staff shared their congratulations as well, saying Corchado’s ability to inspire and motivate others has been instrumental in the success of many projects and initiatives.
“I am honored and humbled to be named an Excellence in HR honoree,” Corchado said. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible team of HR professionals I have had the privilege to work with, whose dedication and passion for creating a thriving workplace culture inspire me every day. For me, HR has always been about people and helping them reach their full potential. Being able to contribute to Step Forward’s growth and success by fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and heard has been a truly rewarding journey, and I look forward to what’s ahead.”
Step Forward is home to more than 300 employees across Cuyahoga County. The agency currently operates a dozen locations, including seven Head Start sites, four Neighborhood Opportunity Centers, the main office, and the Home Energy Assistance Program, which is located on Superior Avenue.
Outside of Step Forward, Corchado serves as Board President of the Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center and as Secretary of Community of Faith Collaborative. She volunteers and collaborates with a wide network of community and faith organizations. She is a 2023 MBA graduate of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.
The 2023 Crain’s Excellence in HR awards program will be August 10 at the Music Box Supper Club in Cleveland.
Step Forward Head Start is hiring!
The agency is offering a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full-time Head Start employees and $500 for part-time Head Start employees.
Positions include energy assistance specialists, teachers, family service workers, and more. Step Forward is looking for staff who are passionate about serving others. Take a step toward a new fulfilling career today! Learn more and apply to open positions here.