Through grit, determination and tenacity in taking full advantage of professional development opportunities at Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana (Indianapolis), Katie Reigelsperger overcame tremendous obstacles in her path to become an entrepreneur focused on helping others succeed. This June, Katie was recognized for her growth and achievements with the Goodwill Industries International Kenneth Shaw Graduate of the Year award. The award recognizes an outstanding person with a disability or disadvantaging condition who completed a Goodwill career services program and is competitively employed by a non-Goodwill employer.
Category: My Story
My Story: Carla Thomas
It’s never too late to head back to school. Carla earned her high school diploma and a pharmacy technician certification when she enrolled in the Goodwill Memphis Excel Center. With industry-recognized training programs and dual college credit, adults looking to level up their skills can get their diploma and set their career path back on track just like Carla. Read her story and learn more about our Excel Center at the link below.
My Story: Dakota McLaughlin
Dakota McLaughlin experienced significant challenges growing up. His mother passed away when he was young, and he was also bullied at school, especially when he came out as gay, which often left him feeling alone. After experiencing domestic violence from a family member, Dakota felt safer leaving home, even though he had nowhere else to go. “I dropped out of school and ended up homeless,” Dakota said. “I fell in with the wrong crowd and started using methamphetamines. My life quickly spiraled out of control.”
My Story: Valerie and Kathy
In May, during Older Americans Month, Goodwill® celebrates the contributions that older workers make both inside and outside the workforce. At a time when employers need to build resilience, older workers can play a critical role. They bring experience, reliability and perspective to every workplace setting. Your purchases and donations make stories like Kathy’s possible. “I want others to have the same opportunity I did,” says Valerie as she sits in the congressional offices of Indiana Representative Andre Carson in Washington, D.C.
My Story: Kathy Kotch
In May, during Older Americans Month, Goodwill® celebrates the contributions that older workers make both inside and outside the workforce. At a time when employers need to build resilience, older workers can play a critical role. They bring experience, reliability and perspective to every workplace setting. Your purchases and donations make stories like Kathy’s possible.
My Story: Arnaldo Arista Mendoza
This National Skilled Trade Day, we acknowledge Arnaldo’s journey and millions of others currently working in and pursuing a career in the skilled trades. When Arnaldo started the Electrical Helper program at Goodwill Career and Technical Academy (GCTA), he knew little about the field. Not knowing what it would take to become a certified skilled trade worker, he knew there were many great job opportunities in this field, and he wanted to become an electrician. Despite not knowing where his efforts would lead him, Arnaldo worked hard and never gave up on his goal.
My Story: Mia Hooks
Towards the end of Mia’s training program she had the incredible opportunity to meet with a team from Google through the #GoogleServe Program, where she received job readiness training and one-on-one advice from leaders in the tech industry. Feeling inspired, Mia felt ready to return to work and accepted a full-time role as a PC technician. She knows this is just the beginning and continues to advance her skills with additional online courses.
My Story: Shaheera Alnatshia
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Goodwill has changed the lives of many remarkable women who have gone though our various programs. One such woman is Shaheera Alnatshia.
My Story: Meosha Barnum
Meosha Barnum found herself in difficult times after a dispute led to her becoming involved with the justice system. This unexpected turn in her life interrupted her educational and career plans. After starting a job that only paid the minimum wage of $7.50 per hour, Meosha knew she needed to make a life change to better support herself. Thankfully, she learned of the Young Adult LifeLaunch program, hosted by her local Goodwill® organization's training partner, Diesel Truck Driving Academy.
My Story: Maureen Juma
Maureen Juma thought it was nearly impossible for her to further her education while caring for her children at home. An immigrant, with little access to educational resources, she faced challenges finding employment due to her lack of skills and training.
My Story: Jacob Barrett
Jacob Barrett epitomizes the adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” For Jacob, who has a visual impairment, is deaf and has a disability, the added layers of challenges never prevented him from reaching for and achieving his goals.
My Story: Roberta Horner
In March 2022, Roberta Horner found herself seeking a new beginning. She had worked in factories for many years, but she recently started experiencing health issues that kept her from continuing in this line of work. Roberta was living in Harmony House, a shelter for women seeking housing and hope, where she heard about a Goodwill program that helps older adults get back into the workforce and build new skills.
