Face of Success Past Recipients

Jolaire [back to top]
When Jolaire got married, it was going to be forever. “We were going to be happy and life was going to be great,” she says. But she and her husband began having problems, and one day he came home and told her he was leaving. Suddenly, Jolaire was faced with re-entering the workforce. She had held jobs before she was married, but had always lived paycheck to paycheck. Now she had three children to support as well, the youngest only 18 months old. “I had no idea how I was going to cope. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn,” Jolaire remembers. She started by calling AWEE, and after her first day of classes phoned her sister to tell her about her day. Jolaire’s sister noticed a difference immediately! “One day at AWEE and you’re a different person from the one you were last week,” her sister said, and Jolaire responded, “Because I laughed for the first time in months!” For Jolaire, AWEE represented a place to go when she was lost. “AWEE restored my self-esteem. It gave me confidence and courage to keep trying. It gave me resources. I’ll be forever grateful to AWEE for the difference it made in my life.”

Terry [back to top]
Terry was one of the very first women to take advantage of AWEE’s programs more than twenty years ago, and her certificate of completion from AWEE still hangs proudly above her desk in her office. “AWEE has helped me cope with a lot of the challenges I’ve faced in my life,” says Terry. “And by helping me, AWEE is also helping my family. Now I can encourage my kids to get an education and help them become something.” Terry had been working since she was 13, doing what she had to do to survive. After her pregnancy, Terry’s self-esteem hit bottom and she contacted AWEE. “I thought I had failed,” she recalls. “I didn’t see myself as a good role model for my children because I was angry all the time. I needed help getting my life back on track.” Today, Terry has established a successful career with the Town of Guadalupe and feels strong. “I think I’ll be a strong person forever thanks to AWEE. Not only do I feel good about myself, my son feels better about me too. Hopefully AWEE will be around for another twenty years.”

Anessa [back to top]
Anessa came to AWEE in 1994 after having bounced between living with friends and being homeless. She had worked since the age of 14 to put food on her table, but she was working just to exist. “I had all kinds of jobs,” recalls Anessa, “but not jobs that helped me better myself. I did housekeeping, drywall, car repair, but those jobs just kept me alive.” Since coming to AWEE, Anessa has developed a new tenacity. “My kids see it, my friends see it. AWEE showed me that you don’t give up, you keep going. You get back up and you keep going.” Today, Anessa not only has a successful career, she has four children on the honor role. “I’m proud not only of them, but of myself. I think they’re following Mom’s example.” In addition, Anessa has become the legal guardian of her best friend’s child. “She went through AWEE too and pursued an education in computers until she died in 1998. I became the guardian of her daughter so that she too will have a good chance to be successful.” Anessa believes firmly that AWEE changes lives, not just for program participants, but also for their families. “All AWEE participants are going to be successful--and so are their kids.”

Caroline [back to top]
Caroline moved to Arizona and was struggling to establish a new career here. She went on job interview after job interview, but never made it to receiving an employment offer. She was becoming discouraged and didn’t know what else she could do to make her career search more productive. In addition, Caroline faced mounting frustration as her financial resources became exhausted and her telephone and electric services were disconnected. Fortunately, Caroline contacted AWEE. AWEE provided her with job readiness training that included effective networking and interviewing techniques. The result was an increase in self-esteem that was just what Caroline needed to achieve the success she knew she was capable of. Today, Caroline is the executive director for Self Employment Loan Fund (SELF), a local non-profit organization, and she remains economically independent and assured. “AWEE gave me the assistance I needed just when I needed it. It gave me that little “extra”, and it worked for me.”

Josie [back to top]
“AWEE was behind me all the way,” says Josie. Josie was facing many of the challenges shared by other single parents. While arranging care and transportation for her children during her search for a new career, Josie was temporarily obliged to receive welfare. With her self-confidence shaken Josie reached out to AWEE. AWEE helped Josie realize her potential both personally and professionally. With AWEE’s help, Josie improved her resumé, honed her interviewing skills, and increased her self-confidence tenfold. Today, Josie is proudly off of welfare and working for Scottsdale Healthcare, where she was recently promoted and received a performance-based salary increase of 28%! When we asked her how she was doing, Josie said, “WONDERFUL!” And when we asked if she still had AWEE’s phone number, her heartfelt reply was, “That is one number I will never lose.”

Michelle [back to top]
Michelle had been working as a bartender and was realizing that she had little chance for career advancement, but was struggling to change her lifestyle and career. She didn’t know what resources were available to her or where to begin looking. A friend recommended AWEE’s programs to her for self-esteem and confidence building, job transitioning skills and professional training, so Michelle took a chance and gave AWEE a call. AWEE’s three-week program opened new doors for Michelle. With AWEE’s help, Michelle prepared her first resumé and was exposed for the first time to computers as well as possibilities for education. While on an AWEE-sponsored tour of Maricopa Skill Center, Michelle was inspired to pursue training there to become a “Computerized Office” Assistant. Only two days after graduating from MSC, Michelle launched a new career with the State of Arizona. She is now office manager for the DES Human Resource Administrators Office and remains confident, assured and economically self-reliant. “It all started with AWEE as the first building block that opened my eyes to my potential. AWEE inspired my current successes and happiness.”

Alison, Phoenix [back to top]
Having worked in the medical field for 13 years, Alison found that she was at the end of the line in terms of potential for professional advancement. Not content to settle for a job that didn’t take advantage of her full potential, Alison courageously left her job and came to AWEE for help in forging a more meaningful professional future. Today Alison is working hard to put herself through school and support her son. She was able to find a position that offers flexibility to pursue a degree in education, that once completed, will help Alison realize her dream of being a high school teacher. Alison is involved in a number of community organizations including the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association. In addition, Alison has become active as a member of AWEE’s Career Coaching Program Design Team.

LaToyyia, Sunnyslope [back to top]
The reality of her husband needing a heart transplant suddenly placed LaToyyia in an uncertain position with an even more unknowing future. To ensure her family’s security, she would have to become their sole provider. However, she faced many challenges. She had little work experience and no computer skills. Finally facing eviction from her apartment, LaToyyia turned to AWEE. AWEE assisted LaToyyia with professional clothing, transportation and childcare while she attended workshops. Once she had completed the AWEE training programs, she began an intense job search. Today, LaToyyia is on the fast track to a rewarding career with Valley of the Sun School where she can make full use of her excellent people skills. Not only is she receiving ongoing computer training, LaToyyia is earning a good salary with benefits for herself and her family. Though her husband’s health is still cause for concern, she is confident she can provide for her family now and into the future.

Sharon, Prescott [back to top]
Sharon escaped a domestic violence situation and found herself in need of a way to support her five children while rebuilding her life. Sharon already had a strong professional resume when she came to AWEE, yet she lacked confidence in her own abilities to succeed. Her true desire was to return to college. With AWEE’s help, Sharon enrolled in classes and now maintains an “A” average. As a result of the encouragement she received, she is taking a renewed interest in her children’s success - she is breaking the cycle to which she had become a victim. In addition to working on furthering her education, she secured a position with a respected contracting firm with a good salary and full benefits. She’s also won multiple scholarships! Today Sharon looks back on her reluctance to come to AWEE and laughs. “I’ve been given a new life. The multitude of opportunities I’ve had have allowed me to begin to feel alive again and AWEE is a large part of that.”

Neva, 2003 [back to top]
Neva dreamed of a career that would fulfill her as well as provide the financial support her family needed. Married to a military man, Neva’s frequent moves presented many barriers in her quest for successful employment. After moving to Luke Air Force Base in 1985, Neva was introduced to AWEE. She attended life skills and job readiness courses and immediately became employed. Neva was fortunate to work in a variety of positions along the way – and AWEE was there as a support mechanism throughout her journey. In 2001 Neva joined the Phoenix Workforce Connection as a career advisor and found that her journey with AWEE had come full circle. She is now working in partnership with AWEE to help women become and stay successfully employed. Over the years Neva also made giving back a priority, often serving as a volunteer and foster parent to 40 children. Neva believes that AWEE helped her become more aware of the realities within the world of work and gave her the skills and confidence she needed to achieve her own career success.

Olivia, 2003 [back to top]
With four children to care for, Olivia could not stay with the husband who kept sending her to the hospital with injuries from domestic violence. Homeless for the first time in her life, her priest referred her to the Mesa Police Department’s Center Against Violence. Olivia was quickly introduced to AWEE for employment and education assistance. Out of necessity, she began her own cleaning service. Shortly after that, AWEE paid for her tuition to enter Mesa Community College where she took English as a Second Language classes. Olivia is now a small business owner with two employees also recovering from domestic violence, a full-time college student and a single parent looking ahead to the future. From enduring the lows of domestic violence and homelessness, to the highs of owning and operating a business, Olivia credits her long journey to success to AWEE’s support in helping her achieve education and employment goals.

Joy, 2003 [back to top]
Life was good for Joy in the ’80s. She had a college degree, was newly married and a music teacher. Four years later, life was drastically different. Her marriage fell apart and she was on her own with a toddler and no job. By the time
her son turned four, Joy was homeless and her life was in crisis. While working as a cashier at a convenience store, she realized that life wouldn’t get any better until she got a boost from somewhere. A friend told her about AWEE and the courses turned her life around. She was humbled and grateful for the friendships she made with other women in similar situations. Joy is now the Development Director for the Old Town Mission in Cottonwood, Arizona. Her position is high-pressure, fast-paced and exciting! Joy frequently thinks about how much her life has changed since registering for support from AWEE 14 years ago. The doors that were opened to self-discovery and empowerment continue to support her to this day.

Marilyn, 2004 [back to top]
When Marilyn came to AWEE earlier this year she had basically hit rock bottom trying to recover from a layoff in 2002. She nearly exhausted her savings and had applied for public assistance and food stamps to support her family. Through a recommendation from a friend, Marilyn sought out AWEE. She developed an action plan to pursue her education and employment goals. She attended workshops to help with her job search skills, and restore her motivation and confidence. Five college credits and two new interview outfits from AWEE's Career Clothing Service later, Marilyn began to feel like a new person. Besides helping engage her in job clubs, AWEE also supported Marilyn in her need to correct challenging vision problems. She got a new pair of glasses just in time to enroll in a real estate licensing program. She was well on her way to a new career. Marilyn received her real estate license and secured a job with a local real estate company in May. She's been able to increase her earnings from less than $10,000 a year to nearly $40,000 annually. And she sold her first listing in 24 hours!

Rosemarie, 2004 [back to top]
Rosemarie can hardly sit still. Maybe it's the Italian in her, or maybe it's just the excitement over her new life. And she attributes her success to AWEE's presence in Prescott. Stuck in an abusive marriage to a man she had known since she was 9, her counselor told her to move away...and she did. She moved from Florida to Arizona with no family, no friends. AWEE helped her confront her depression, the tragedy of her brother's suicide, and the stronghold her addicted ex-husband had on her life. After working her days away at a grocery store and laundry mat, Ro learned about AWEE. She first came because she just needed someone to talk to. She stayed and found support and a renewed self-esteem in the courses and classes. In the middle of all this, Rosemarie even volunteered at AWEE, feeling compelled to "give back" to the very thing that gave her so much. She was encouraged to apply for a part time job with Yavapai County, where she was hired on as a file clerk. She has since achieved two promotions to full-time status as a court clerk with full benefits and a more competitive wage. Ro is re-evaluating what her purpose in life is, and began a college course in psychology, an area of study she has dreamed of since she was 18-years-old. While reflecting on her struggles brings tears to her eyes, Rosemarie's passion for a new life is apparent with her giddiness when the future is in focus.

Lisa, 2004 [back to top]
Every day a new face crosses the front door threshold of one of AWEE's many locations throughout Maricopa County and beyond. But today when Lisa steps inside, it's only to reflect on the challenges she faces, and overcame, some 13 years ago. Struggling in a verbally and emotionally abusive marriage, she was stripped of her self-esteem and confidence. A major change was needed, but being a young mother of three children, she wasn't sure where to turn. A friend told her about AWEE and her path was set. Throughout the struggle, AWEE helped her overcome significant hurdles with encouragement and support. She found resources she never imagined were available. With no formal education beyond high school, she was soon on her way to attend classes at Glendale Community College. Life suddenly became exciting for her. Shortly after completing the program, she was hired by AWEE as an Intake Interviewer and was quickly promoted to Program Assistant. During employment with AWEE, she watched other women grow, set new goals for themselves and even exceed their expectations! Lisa has done the same. Today she travels the state assessing a number of properties for Community Services of Arizona, which helps analyze affordable housing developments along with governmental entities. She oversees nearly 3,000 affordable housing units across the state. When Lisa reflects back on what a difference AWEE made in her life, she realizes it was the first stepping stone on her path to success.

Diane, 2005 [back to top]
Diane was unemployed, on cash assistance and looking for guidance
and direction in a career field, when she arrived at AWEE in 2004. She is a single mother with three children and a victim of domestic violence. Despite many barriers, Diane had the motivation and will to find a career and begin the journey to self-sufficiency. Diane believes that AWEE “really cares about its participants.” She took advantage of every class or session that was offered. She became employed at Maximus, an AWEE partner agency, in September 2004 and has been an Employment Specialist since June of this year. She’s proud to have found a place for her family to live and own a new vehicle.

Sharon, 2005 [back to top]
Sharon came to AWEE after being downsized from a local manufacturing company. Her career had hit a dead end. AWEE provided the nurturing environment to explore careers, change direction and obtain a job in the field of early childhood development as a parent aide at Catholic Social Service. Sharon’s positive attitude and openness moved her into a new career field that she loves. She continues to build her skills while attending Yavapai College. She has also received a major promotion to Parent Aide Coordinator, supervising multiple staff. The families of Yavapai County are indeed fortunate to have Sharon making a difference in their lives.

Peggy, 2006
Working to kick a horrific methamphetamine addiction, 33-year-old Peggy was jobless, undereducated and the mother of a frightened 7-year-old. That was in 1994 when she accompanied a friend to AWEE. There, a skills test indicated Peggy would be good at counseling and “the light went on.” After being connected to training dollars, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in organizational management, life is very different for this mom these days. Peggy is a licensed independent Substance Abuse Counselor and Quality Management Director for a non-profit outpatient facility that helps those with general mental health and substance abuse issues. “In the last 11 years, I have accomplished more than I had the previous 32 years of my life,” said Peggy. “Thank you, AWEE, for being there to help this mom find a dream and then achieve it.”

Jason, 2006
Unemployed and sleeping on his mother’s couch, Jason wanted to break free from the low-paying jobs that had plagued his life. He came to AWEE in 2005 seeking career advancement, taking the bus from North Scottsdale each day to take every class that AWEE offered. Through career advising and exploration, Jason focused on becoming a radiological technician. He successfully completed an extensive nine-month training program, earning a 3.2 GPA and had no problem securing a position as a radiological technician for $11 an hour. Confident and focused, Jason has successfully positioned himself in a high demand occupation with advancement opportunities. He’s feeling so good about his future that he recently purchased his first new car. Jason now plans on attending Gateway Community College to pursue his Radiology degree.

Margarita, 2006
Margarita came to AWEE after being released from prison in May 2006. Arrested along with her husband for possessing marijuana with the intent to sell, she spent two years away from her children. Extremely focused and determined to do what’s best for her and her family, Margarita has enthusiastically attended many workshops and classes, been adamant about wanting to attend school to become a plumber and has both taken the Maricopa Skills Center assessment test and applied for financial aid. “Margarita is determined to do everything in her power to better her life so that she doesn’t become another statistic and return to prison, “ said her Career Development Specialist. With her growing family and the need to support them, AWEE is a perfect partner to Margarita to refocus her efforts.

Patricia, 2006
Newly separated from her husband, Patricia was in dire financial straits. She didn’t realize just how bad off she was until her 12-year-old son offered to drop out of school so that he could help her pay the bills. In 2005, Patricia was referred to AWEE by Job Services. Patricia jumped into AWEE’s career advising and exploration courses and discovered her interest in welding. Once AWEE showed her how to help pay for school, write a resume and interview, Patricia entered a welding training program through the Maricopa Skills Center. She did so well that she was hired by Schuff Steel for $15.02 an hour before she even graduated. A hard worker, Patricia has remained in school knowing that her wages will rise dramatically once she graduates. As for Patricia’s son, well, he’s 13 now and still in school. And, he thinks it’s “totally cool” that mom’s paycheck covers the bills and his hobbies, too.

The 2003 luncheon was held November 14 at the Arizona Biltmore with attendance topping 750. Each luncheon includes the presentation of the Jeanne Lind Herberger Award, the AWEE Angel Award, and recognition of three program participants as the Faces of Success for their triumph in gaining economic independence through employment. The entertaining luncheon includes creative and humorous raffle competitions, heartwarming presentations and motivating messages from a number of women from all walks of life.

Photos from 2003 Faces of Success Luncheon
click on image to enlarge view

The 2004 luncheon, presented by Wells Fargo, was held on October 21 at the Arizona Biltmore and celebrated the achievements for past program participants Marilyn, Rosemarie and Lisa, as well as honoring Deborah Carstens with the Jeanne Lind Herberger Award and Sue Glawe with the AWEE Angel Award.