Success Story

Unique Kimbrough worked in many jobs throughout her life including cleaning, concessions, and customer service. Although she had a strong set of soft skills and experience at the age of 26, she had yet to feel strongly about solidifying a…

Queenster Dwumah successfully entered the workforce as a barista and a bartender in the hospitality industry. She initially found the work challenging and rewarding, especially as she fine-tuned her soft skills while managing interactions with all kinds of customers. However,…

Nathan “Nate” Woods has always been someone who cares deeply about his community. His career has always been rooted in service and mentorship, spending nearly three decades working with youth at his local community center in Nebraska. In 2017, Nate…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Ivory Snow, Chief Administrative Officer at St. Leonard’s Ministries had her first interaction with a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Participant about five years ago. “I was an HR Director at the time and had just entered our wellness…