Success Stories
“Providing tangible, real, hands-on training that leads to real jobs.”
– Tamara Vides, Project Lead for OTW Program and Watsonville Assistant City Manager
Introducing the Workforce Achievement Award: Celebrating Resilience and Community Impact
Welcome to the Workforce Achievement Award, an initiative proudly brought to you by the County of Santa Cruz Workforce Development Board. Our aim is simple yet profound: to recognize and celebrate the triumphs of individuals who have overcome adversity with unwavering determination and resilience. Through this award, we not only honor the remarkable journeys of our participants from the Youth, Adult, and Dislocated Worker WIOA programs but also highlight the profound impact their success stories have on our community.
Our Mission
We are committed to spotlighting these stories of resilience and empowerment throughout the year. These narratives inspire others to persevere in the face of challenges and serve as a testament to the strength of our community. Moreover, we extend our recognition to deserving individuals and community-minded employers who uplift Santa Cruz County through their support and engagement.
Why It Matters
The Workforce Achievement Award isn’t just about celebrating individual triumphs; it’s about fostering a culture of resilience and empowerment within our community. By acknowledging our participants’ resilience and our community partners’ support, we showcase the transformative power of perseverance. Moreover, we recognize employers’ invaluable role in creating opportunities for growth and success within Santa Cruz County.
The Workforce Achievement Award is more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to Santa Cruz County’s strength, resilience, and unity. Join us in celebrating the individuals and employers who make our community a better place for all.
Meet our Latest Award Recipients
Adult Program Award Recipient: Melissa Hernandez
“Through her dedication, Melissa not only achieved her career goals but also inspired her younger sister to pursue her education.”
Learn More About Melissa
Valerie’s Inspiring Journey
Melissa Hernandez, a single mother of three, faced tremendous challenges before finding hope and opportunity through the WIOA Dental Assistant Program. Determined to build a stable future, she embraced hands-on dental assisting training, gaining professional skills and renewed confidence. Through her dedication, Melissa not only achieved her career goals but also inspired her younger sister to pursue her education.
WIOA’s Impact
Sueños Award Recipient: Valerie Herrera
“With unwavering determination, she pursued career exploration and job readiness training, discovering her passion for the medical field.”
Learn More About Valerie
Valerie’s Inspiring Journey
Valerie, a single mother facing unemployment and housing instability, found hope through the WIOA Sueños program. With unwavering determination, she pursued career exploration and job readiness training, discovering her passion for the medical field. Despite challenges, Valerie secured a full-time caregiving position and began medical assisting training. Her resilience and commitment to success inspire us all.
WIOA’s Impact
Valerie’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of WIOA’s support. She found the resources needed to thrive, from career guidance to educational opportunities.
As we celebrate Valerie’s achievements, we’re reminded of the boundless potential within each of us.
Adult Program Award Recipient: Debbie Alvarez
“Debbie’s resilience never faltered as she balanced training and single parenthood in difficult circumstances.”
Learn More About Debbie
Debbie’s Journey
Despite housing instability and single-parenthood challenges, Debbie’s determination led her to pursue dentistry training. With WIOA’s support, she completed her Dental Assistant program and secured employment, marking a significant milestone toward self-sufficiency.
Overcoming Challenges
Debbie’s resilience never faltered as she balanced training and single parenthood in difficult circumstances. Her unwavering determination drove her towards stability and independence.
WIOA’s Impact
Debbie credits WIOA’s support for her success. Access to funding, resources, and guidance facilitated her training and employment, leading to stable housing and new opportunities.
Debbie’s achievement showcases the potential unlocked with support and opportunities. Let’s celebrate her success and be inspired by her resilience.
Employer Program Award Recipient: City of Watsonville
“Empowerment through practical experience, OTW strengthens individuals and our community.”
Learn More About the City of Watsonville
Watsonville Opportunity to Work Program: Empowering Pathways
Join us in celebrating the transformative Watsonville OTW program. OTW offers six-month on-the-job training and equips participants with essential skills for today’s job market. From customer service to utility operations, diverse placements cater to various interests.
Empowering Opportunities
- Gain hands-on experience in roles like Airport Operations Specialist and Office Assistant.
- Pursue certifications like Forklift and Traffic Control Certification.
- Explore entry-level tasks under experienced mentors, fostering career growth and independence.
Investing in Our Community’s Future
Empowerment through practical experience, OTW strengthens individuals and our community. Let’s embrace the potential of programs like OTW for a brighter future together.