Individual Achievement Award Winners

Hector first stopped in the Job Center of Lake County in October 2021, after a friend told him the Job Center might be able to help him find a job. At the time, Hector says that he was “bouncing around from warehouse to warehouse” after spending seven years in jail.

Isabelle is a young adult who entered the McHenry County Workforce Network Youth Program in December of 2022. Prior to entering the program, Isabelle had been working as an Activities Assistant at a nursing home. She enjoyed the helping nature of the work and interacting with the residents and wanted to find a career where she could utilize these strengths.

Kierson worked at Stellantis/FCA USA for almost 10 years when the plant shut down. He attended a Rapid Response workshop and came to The Workforce Connection for assistance. He enrolled in the Trade program and was both excited and a bit apprehensive about attending school again.

Erika came to BEST in December of 2019. She was interested in the Certified Medical Assistant Program. Erika had worked for a non-profit previously that helped individuals who were diagnosed with epilepsy. Erika, having epilepsy herself, was looking for a way to stay in the medical realm because her true passion was working with these individuals.

Alex’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing setbacks like limited job prospects, he sought out opportunities for growth. Starting as a Merchandising Associate at Costco, he supplemented his income with part-time work at Lowe’s to support his household, demonstrating his commitment to his family’s financial stability.

Veronica came to workNet DuPage seeking employment services after her position as a Project Manager was eliminated. Veronica was worried. She immediately began working with a Career Coach on her employment goals.

Robert reports on his employment journey at the Will County Workforce Center — in his own words. “I had the privilege of working with Andrew Pajak, a career planner at the Will County Workforce Center, and his assistance was instrumental in helping me navigate the path to employment and educational resources. Andrew’s expertise and dedication truly stood out throughout the process,” Robert says.

In fall 2022, Marialila entered a secondary education program called “Black Hawk College TEAMS.” She completed her GED test requirements by spring 2023, despite having issues with transportation and her home life.

Kaylee began her career as a CNA and then found it wasn’t challenging enough for her. She wanted to do more and help more. Kaylee then worked as a medical assistant, still wanting more, but she also loved the job. She obtained her LPN in July of 2023, and then started her RN in August 2023. It took Kaylee some time to gain the courage to go back to school. She wondered how she was going to pay for school and raise her children. Kaylee’s biggest barriers were money and time.

In 2013, Ashley completed her Associate of Arts degree at Lincoln College. She wanted a career in the medical field and worked on her own to earn her Certified Medical Assistant credentials at Midwest Technical Institute in 2015. Ashley continued to work as a Medical Assistant for the next 5 years. Being a single mom of 3 children, Ashley realized she wasn’t earning a living wage working as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Stephanie first came into the Iroquois County, East Central Illinois Worknet office in May of 2021. Stephanie had been working for T&D Metal Products and was given the chance to be promoted within the company to be an Estimator. The position required computer graphic knowledge and certification to design metal fabricated parts for the company.

Brittan was a 21-year-old single mother of an infant when she came to Vermilion County Works in 2020. At the time of her enrollment, she was working part-time as a food server, earning $5.75 per hour. She knew that she wanted a change and the opportunity to provide a better life for her son.

“Workforce Investment Solutions was an opportunity that has changed my life for the good. It opened doors for a second chance at life. I have faced so many obstacles, trials and tribulations, things that you do not think you will overcome,” Marquevin says.

Danielle, age 22, was unable to find a good paying job through career services alone. She was underemployed — averaging 20-22 hours per week as a cashier earning $17.00 per hour. In the 24 months prior to her training, her part-time employment with Orpheum Theatre also ended more than once due to COVID.

Kallie was a 25-year-old single mother with a young son. She was making less than $15.00 per hour and had been accepted into the License Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Lake Land College and the school recommended that she contact the Shelbyville Job Center.

Danielle first came to the WIOA office in April 2021, after she had been laid off from her job in March. She learned of the WIOA program when she sought assistance with filing an unemployment claim. At that time, Danielle was a single mom who had no idea how she was going to support her children being recently unemployed.

Dennis is one of our “in-school” Youth Program participants. He is a part-time student attending Southwestern Illinois College who is majoring in Political Science. Before joining, Dennis had never heard about our WIOA program before until one day by chance at Lowe’s, our supervisor’s husband was around and happened to bring it up. Dennis’s mouth dropped at all the services and opportunities our program provides our youth and was highly interested from the beginning.

Laci came to Man-Tra-Con for assistance in July 2022. She had been laid-off from her job at the Hyatt Reservation Center in Marion, Illinois, since 2020. Laci wanted to return to school to become a nurse. She was seeking training assistance to enroll in the Associate Degree in Nursing program at John A. Logan College.

Tracy came into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity office at Wabash Area Development, Inc. in June 2022. He was seeking assistance for the Radiography Program offered at Olney Central College.