April Barnes

Vital Link
President

April Barnes is the president of Vital Link, where she leads one of Orange County’s premier nonprofits focused on youth workforce development and career readiness. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and community partnerships, she has significantly expanded the organization’s reach, doubling revenue in the last three years and increasing access to high-demand careers for students. Under Barnes’ leadership, Vital Link launched the Career Connect Program, created new internship pipelines and strengthened ties with local industries and colleges to bridge the gap between education and employment. She is a strong advocate for underrepresented youth, collaborating with business leaders and policymakers to enhance internship access and career training. She currently serves on the board of Leadership California and is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on youth employment. In the last year, Barnes strengthened Vital Link’s digital strategy to increase student engagement and industry visibility across Orange County.