Cheri
Workforce Challenge:
Cheri worked as a Project Coordinator with AT&T for 14 years. Cheri survived a 3 year layoff in the industry in addition to other physical challenges. In May 2014, Cheri arrived at the EDD Norwalk Office and spoke with Cheterra Nelson, a Customer Service Representative, who provided her with more information on the program. In late June 2014, Cheri enrolled at SELACO-WIB. It was a tough time for Cheri during enrollment as she had suffered a broken foot, a mother in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and had just completed two major surgeries. There were others around her who said that she should give up and consider herself disabled. Cheri was determined not to allow the negative talk penetrate her thoughts and get her off course. She made up in her mind that her dream job was out there, and kept the vision that she would be a college professor.
Workforce Solution:
As a participant in the SELACO WIB America’s Job Center, Cheri was assigned a Career Development Specialist, attended job search workshops and “Steps to Economic and Personal Success.” She changed her thought process and self-talk from negative to positive, started hanging around rich minded individuals, and found the determination to push forward, despite her physical challenges. Cheri attended Job Club on Fridays and kept working on her job search.
Outcome & Benefits:
In August 2014, Cheri answered an ad on Indeed.com for an Adjunct Faculty position with Westwood College in the City of Los Angeles. She landed one interview and then a face-to-face interview. Shortly after, Cheri received the job offer. Cheri is thrilled that she has the job of her dreams, her mom is out of ICU and her physical health is improving. Cheri is evidence that with a positive mind set and outlook on life, despite what it looks like, you can and will persevere.
Congratulation, Cheri!
