We want to recognize those in the WIOA program that have made great strides in their personal and professional development. See their stories.
2024 Success Stories
Brooke Newman
Meet Brooke Newman, a recent ReMerge graduate, who’s turning her life around with the help of the Workforce program and COWIB! She’s on her way to completing her CompTIA certifications, having already passed her A+ and now working on Network+. By April 2025, she’s set to achieve her Security certification! Brooke shares how this program has been a game-changer, providing financial and professional support to help her build a stable career. If you're looking for guidance and a fresh start, tune in to hear her advice for success!
Brian Smith
In this powerful video, Brian Smith shares how a chance encounter with Tami at the Seminole Workforce Office changed his life! Struggling with poverty and vehicle repossession, Brian joined a program that helped him earn his CDL, overcome self-doubt, and gain a stable job with Werner Enterprises. Today, he’s making over $1,500 a week and has his finances back on track! Thanks to the unwavering support from Tami and his instructors, Brian found the confidence to succeed. Watch his journey from hardship to hope, and discover how YOU could transform your life with the right support.
Joseph "Trace" Chapline
Meet Trace Chapline, a 22-year-old who transformed his life through the support of the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB). In this compelling video, Trace shares his journey from experiencing homelessness to becoming a Follow-Up Specialist with the 988 program. Discover how his involvement with the Oklahoma City Youth Action Board and an internship with COWIB provided him with invaluable resources and opportunities. Trace's story highlights the power of resilience, community support, and finding passion in one's career. Don't miss this compelling narrative of growth, determination, and hope.
Delmar Hill
In this inspiring video, Delmar Hill shares his remarkable journey from feeling stuck in a dead-end career to finding success and fulfillment with the help of the Oklahoma Workforce program. With a decade-long stint as a manager at McDonald's, Delmar felt the urge for a change that would better support his family. Through the Workforce program, he discovered opportunities beyond his imagination. Delmar's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the transformative impact of the Oklahoma Workforce program in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Join us in celebrating Delmar's success and the countless opportunities awaiting those who dare to pursue their dreams with determination and the support of initiatives like the Oklahoma Workforce.
Ahki Richardson-Mizrahi
Embark on Ahki's inspiring journey from diverse work experiences to obtaining his CDL through the Oklahoma Works program. Follow his seamless transition to 160 Driving Academy, leading to a successful one-time pass on both written and driving exams. Discover the myriad opportunities a CDL opens, making Ahki a sought-after professional. Stay tuned as he shares insights and encourages others to seize similar opportunities for greatness.
2023 Alumni Winners
Justin Harjo
Step into the inspiring journey of Justin Harjo, a dedicated individual who enrolled in the WIOA program on June 1, 2022, with a vision to enrich his life through work experiences and skill enhancement. Justin's drive let him to embark on a Work Experience (WEX), a pivotal step in his transformative path. His commitment resonated during an impactful interview process, resulting in his selection by the esteemed Jasmine Moran Museum. His journey as an Assistant Custodian commenced on August 2, 2022, flourishing until it's completion on October 21, 2022. Remarkably, this marked the beginning of his full-time employment journey with the museum, assuming the role as an Assistant Custodian.
Justin's journey is one of triumph over challenges. Before finding his place within the WIOA program, he faced uncertainties about his employment prospects due to his disabilities. Justin candidly shared his reliance on food stamps, as they provided insufficient relief to meet his financial obligations. The passing of his mother accentuated his struggles as her financial support gradually waned, casting a cloud of uncertainty over his future.
A guiding light emerged in the form of a distant relative, who stepped forward to become Justin's guardian. His aunt Brenda has played a pivotal role in his story. Under Brenda's compassionate support, Justin was introduced to the WIOA program, igniting a spark of hope for a brighter future.
Upon completing the WIOA program with resounding success and securing meaningful employment, Justin experienced a profound transformation. His workplace at the Jasmine Moran Museum evolved into more than a job; it became an extended family, a supportive network of friends. This shift was accompanied by an increased sense of self-assurance and a newfound openness to embracing new experiences. Justin's journey showcased his resilience as he ventured into it uncharted territory, a testament to his unwavering belief that his disabilities need not define his potential.
Erica Breger
Erica Breger embarked on her transformative journey with the WIOA program on April 14, 2022. Her goal was to achieve her CDL, and with determination and hard work, she succeeded. Enrolling at the Oklahoma Truck Driving Academy on August 1, 2022, she earned her certificate of completion by August 22, 2022, and obtained her CDL license on November 2, 2022. Her journey didn't end there - she started her full-time position as a driver at B&B Farms on November 3, 2022.
Before joining the WIOA Adult program, Erica faced numerous challenges. She was unemployed and struggling to provide for her young daughter. The situation was so dire that she lost her home and her vehicle. Fortunately, she found support in her sister, who welcomed them into her home during their time of need. At that time, Erica kept her difficulties hidden from her Career Navigator, feeling reluctant to share her struggles with others.
However, after successfully completing the WIOA program and securing employment, Erica's life underwent a remarkable transformation. She now has a job she loves and has regained her independence. Erica proudly says that she not only takes care of her daughter's needs, but also provides her with things she desires. Additionally, she has the pleasure of enrolling her daughter in various activities, bringing immense joy to their lives.
Erica extends her heartfelt gratitude to her Career Navigator for their unwavering support throughout her journey. There were moments when she felt like giving up, but her Career Navigator's encouragement and unwavering belief in her capabilities provided the hope and strength she needed to overcome adversity.
TeamLogic IT - Davis Merrey
With a resolute commitment to making a difference, Davis Merrey with TeamLogic IT has transformed his business into a beacon of hope and opportunity, fostering a community where inclusivity and empowerment flourish. Recognizing the potential within individuals who face barriers to entering the IT field, Davis embarked on a journey to create a lasting impact. His vision was simple yet profound: provide meaningful employment opportunities to those often overlooked.
At the heart of Davis's philosophy is the conviction that a business must be an active contributor to the community it serves. With this ethos in mind, TeamLogic IT became a driving force for change. Through partnerships with organizations like ReMerge and COWIB, Davis extended his hand to young women striving to overcome their pasts. These partnerships opened doors, enabling them to develop IT skills that would reshape their futures. Within the walls of TeamLogic IT, these women weren't just employees; they were mentees, guided by experienced professionals who believed in their potential. The company provided a nurturing environment where learning was not only encouraged but celebrated. Aspiring IT professionals found themselves under the guidance of experienced mentors, absorbing knowledge and expertise. Davis ensured every employee had access to training opportunities, such as COMPTIA and customer service skills. This holistic approach empowered employees to excel not only in their roles but also as well-rounded professionals, ready to tackle any challenge.
Davis's commitment to the community extended beyond employment and training. The company embraced a broader responsibility to give back, offering IT services, volunteering efforts, and direct financial contributions to organizations supporting individuals facing societal and skills challenges. TeamLogic IT wasn't just transforming lives within its premises; it was weaving a fabric of change.
TeamLogic IT stands as a testament to the power of compassion, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. Davis's vision has evolved into a thriving ecosystem where skills, dreams, and community converge. Every success story penned within the walls of TeamLogic IT echoes far beyond, inspiring others to embrace inclusivity, give second chances, and build bridges to brighter tomorrows. TeamLogic IT’s business model serves as a reminder that businesses can be more than profit engines; they can be forces for good, enablers of change, and champions of human potential. Davis, through TeamLogic IT, is a living testament to the extraordinary impact one person can have when they set out to uplift others and redefine what success truly means.
2023 Success Stories
Fair Chance Hiring Event - May 2023 Success
What a tremendous success!
The Fair Chance Hiring Event at the Workforce Community Hope Center was a resounding triumph! Held on May 31st, this event showcased incredible opportunities for both the residents of Community Correctional Facilities across Oklahoma and members of the local community.
In the morning session, we welcomed around 70 inmates who expressed their gratitude for the event, as it provided them with one less worry upon release. This portion of the event proved immensely beneficial, with numerous employers finding potential employees to join their teams in the near future.
In addition, we were thrilled to have 53 community members in attendance, actively seeking employment opportunities and engaging with our diverse range of employers.
This event was made possible through the remarkable collaboration between the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Workforce Community Hope Center, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, Inc., and the other five Workforce Development Boards across the state. Together, we are making a profound impact on lives and communities.
Kyra Rivera - April 2023 Success Story
Discover how COWIB changed Kyra's life! Fully funded by COWIB, she completed her two-year degree after losing her job during the pandemic. Kyra learned valuable skills in social media and worked full-time for COWIB. Mentors, Yolanda, Ashley, and Terri, supported her throughout her experience.
"If I had never, like, if I had never signed up for this, I would never be in the position that I am now. And I feel like it's helped, like, my mental, just, like, knowing, like, 'okay, you have a path now. You are capable of doing these things. You are capable of this.' "
Norma Adame - March 2023 Success Story
Norma had been in some jobs in her past that didn't support herself and her family. Through the program, then she was able to obtain Information Technology (I.T.) skills and gain a job that she describes as her dream job. We are so proud of all of Norma's hard work and her persistence in learning and applying her skills daily!
"Give it a chance. Do the internship and see what training you can get available... I encourage people to give it a chance to truly let this be an experience, because this has changed my life."
Kimberly Aswadomar - February 2023 Success Story
Kimberly took a big risk to try to improve her family's quality of life. She was able to get assistance with gaining her LPN and went from living paycheck to paycheck to now thinking about where she might want to go on vacation. She is even looking to continue her education even more and get her RN. She took a big risk and got a big return! When asked about the program, she stated
"Come down here and give it a try. I mean, don't doubt it before you come and try it out first."
Sidra Sebastian - January 2023 Success Story
Sidra had previously been in the disaster relief field, helping when hurricanes hit. That was until COVID, when she moved to Oklahoma to be around her family. She wanted to find a new path that was outside of disaster relief and with the assistance of Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Workforce, and MedCerts, then she was able to gain a credential and go to work in Program Management. When asked about the program, she stated
"I would say it's great. If you have the opportunity to go to school, take it, you know, and don't look a gift horse in the mouth. And come in and, and talk to people. Find out what direction you might want to go in or maybe let them know what direction you want to go in and they'll find something for you."
Check out our previous success stories on our YouTube Channel.
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