2023 Vern Vick Memorial Award Recipient
On June 1, the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) recognized Dr. Tolulope Monisola Ola as the recipient of the 2023 Vern Vick Memorial Award. Dr. Ola is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to the support and empowerment of Ramsey County’s youth and young people, through personal and career development.
“The WIB is grateful for the tremendous and impactful work of Dr. Ola”, says Ling Becker, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions director. “Her work supporting and connecting Ramsey County young people to employment and other resources demonstrate her deep commitment to improving their lives.”
Dr. Tolulope Monisola Ola is Founder and Executive Director of Restoration for All Inc. and Co-chair for the Mental Health and Wellness Action Team of Ramsey County Public Health. She is an entrepreneur, social researcher, public health expert, mental health practitioner and, perhaps most significantly, a tireless advocate for Black and African immigrant and refugee girls who often experience poorer-than-average economic, social and mental health outcomes than their male counterparts, following relocation to the United States. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities have widened. Recognizing this, Dr. Ola developed programming to nurture and empower youth and young adult participants to renew, discover and restore their culture of well-being. Through organizational collaborations like those between Restoration for All Inc. and Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, Dr. Ola has successfully equipped, trained and supported these young people as they look to enter the open job market or start their own businesses.
Chair of the WIB’s Youth Committee, Paul Nikstad stated, “This year’s pool of candidates displayed an array of service and commitment to young people in Ramsey County. Among the most impactful, Dr. Ola’s work with Restoration For All Inc. reflects tremendous dedication and impact to young people in our community. On behalf of the Youth Committee, I am proud to honor her for the unique local influence she has made to improve the lives of countless young people.”
This award is dedicated to the memory of Vern Vick, a widely respected member of his community, an inspirational leader and role model in the field of youth development. Throughout his life, Vern dedicated himself to working with and improving the lives of Ramsey County’s youth through his long-term involvement in education as well as his participant in organizations and activities designed to develop the full potential of our county’s youth.