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Leadership Lessons & Advice: The most valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that there is a difference between a leader and a boss.  I never want to be a boss, I flourish and my teams flourish when I remember who…

A true Chicagoan through and through, Thersa Price, began her career as a Customer Sales Support Representative at a technology and intelligent experience organization. Armed with her curiosity to understand, passion for process, and her Communications Degree from DePaul University…

Did you know that workforce development programs help millions of individuals transition into new careers, upskill, and connect with better opportunities? Despite the impact of these programs, many misconceptions still exist. Let’s set the record straight! Workforce development programs bridge…

Internships are more than just a resume booster—they are a valuable step toward a successful career. They offer hands-on experience, help students develop new skills, and provide professional connections. I am fortunate to start my marketing career at National Able…

From a young age, Cassandra Smith had high career aspirations. She dreamt of pursuing a journey as a pharmacist or even becoming the first doctor in her family. Once she pursued her undergraduate degree, she founded and led a student…

Heather Norrell was employed at Tyson Foods in Perry, Iowa in the general maintenance department where she worked on many of the machines throughout the organization. “All my previous jobs before this were in fast food or in gas stations,…

Drew Baxter found his passion for Information Technology at the very start of the pandemic in 2020. While working in administration at a local high school, he saw a need for expertise in IT when all operations switched to remote…

November marks the midway point of the fourth quarter of the year, and as such, means that another year of workforce headwinds and opportunities is almost at a close. It is still too early to do a look at the…

Joyce Ilumin graduated with an engineering degree in the Philippines. Shortly after graduation, she married and moved to the Chicagoland area where she welcomed two children. Joyce became a stay-at-home mom until her life circumstances abruptly changed. She decided to…

Most of Able’s funding comes from the federal government in programs such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or the Senior Community Service and Employment Program (SCSEP).   Because these programs were created by acts of Congress, they often…

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, I find myself reflecting on the unique, beautiful, and complex journey that has shaped who I am today. My story, like many, is one of resilience, pride, and the power of identity. I am biracial—my…

Nelson Gonzalez traveled from Margarita, Venezuela through Peru to get to Mexico in hopes of entering the United States. “It’s the journey all immigrants are making right now,” said Nelson. Upon entering the United States it took about 5 months…