We were honored to have Zaria speak at our Board meeting about her journey with The Workforce Connection, Awaken Foundation and Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, all who provided opportunities for her to learn, grow and succeed. We are very proud of Zaria for her hard work and dedication.
Zaria graciously provided her speech for us so that we could share that with you.
“My name is Zaria, and I am a proud 2025 graduate of the Awaken Foundation Program.
I began my journey during a difficult time in my life. I felt lost, unsure of my direction and disconnected from opportunities until I learned about Awaken Program through someone in my community. I saw an opportunity to make a positive change in my life. My goal was to get back on the right path and build a meaningful career.
Through the program, I developed valuable workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and employability. I also learned the importance of showing up every day prepared, committed, and ready to grow. Most importantly, the program gave me exposure to career opportunities I had never considered before.
One of those opportunities led me to Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, where I began as a WEX (work experience/internship) and now serve as an Administrative and Program Coordinator. In this role, I have gained invaluable experience and learned so much from the incredible leaders, mentors, and coworkers who have supported my growth. I am grateful to be part of such a dedicated team.
Today, I stand before you as an example of what can happen when workforce development programs provide individuals with training, support, and real opportunities. These programs do more than prepare people for employment—they help transform lives.
I would like to thank the Workforce Board, the Awaken Foundation, the instructors, staff, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, and all of the community partners who invest in programs like this. Your commitment creates opportunities for people to build brighter futures and achieve goals they may have once thought were out of reach.
My life is moving in a very different direction today than it was when I first walked through the doors of this program. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited about where I am headed. For that, I am deeply thankful.
Thank you for believing in the potential of others and for recognizing that people do deserve second chances, opportunities to grow, succeed, and build a better future.”