About

Jacquelyn Place

I’m Jacquelyn Place, founder and executive director of Hands That Built America and The Beauty Guild.

My mission is simple: education should lead to a real career, not just a certificate.

I’ve spent 27 years in cosmetology as a stylist, educator, and business owner. I was also raised in a trades family and studied fine arts, so I’ve always understood the value of both skilled work and creativity.

Today, I’m building workforce pathways that help skilled people turn education into confidence, experience, and economic stability. Through paid residencies, mentorship, employability verification, and employer connections, Hands That Built America helps people move forward after education or life interruptions.

Following the success of our Rensselaer County pilot, we are expanding into Albany County with a dedicated workforce bridge hub at 488 Broadway in downtown Albany. The new location will support paid residency, mentorship, second-chance workforce pathways, employer connections, and continued development of the Hands That Built America model.

Ultimately, I want to build bridges between education and lasting careers, while creating more opportunities across the skilled trades.

Jacquelyn Place | Workforce Development Leader

www.htbaamerica.org

www.thebeautyguild.org