Yanlexis Arizaga started the Hopeworks program because she was highly motivated to find work. Being her mother’s right hand woman, she felt the pressure as the oldest daughter in a Hispanic household to support her family both inside and outside of the house. Yanlexis also grew up in a home where she worried about the physical and emotional safety of herself as well as the safety of her mother and siblings. Yanlexis has displayed great resilience and continues to turn her adversity into motivation for success.
For Yanlexis, being at Hopeworks has not only been about earning money to support her family, but also about taking steps toward independence so that she has control over her life and what happens to her. Yanlexis learned about Hopeworks through the Superintendent of Camden Schools, Paymon Rouhanifard. In addition to finishing the training, she is also a student in the Entrepreneurship class as one of her many dreams is to have her own business. Upon finishing the training, Yanlexis was just hired as an intern at Urban Promise as a Technology Instructor. She hopes to have the opportunity to teach art at Urban Promise as well. Her dream and purpose in life is to lead and create. Yanlexis strives to have the financial security and creative independence that will help her tell her story and motivate others through her artwork.
Portrait by Yanlexis, done with acrylic and spray paint.
Inspired by Billie Holiday’s Lady Day album cover.
Hopeworks, the Camden-based nonprofit that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term, living-wage careers, held its annual Spring Pitch Competition on April 13 at the organization’s headquarters. The competition was offered to Hopeworks trainees, interns and alumni to pitch their business ideas and services to a panel of esteemed judges, for the opportunity […]
Advisory and accounting firm CLM Advisors made a charitable donation to the Washington Township Police k-9 Unit, which will offset the costs of purchasing, training and caring for additional dogs. Read our segment in the southjerseybiz.net article here or visit the site for the full digital article here.
Reflecting on the immense success of our 2024 HOPE Summit fills us with gratitude and inspiration! From the educational workshops, to the insightful panel discussions, free headshots for all who attended, and ending the event with a Pathways fair connecting young adults with educational and career resources. The fair included vendors such as Rutgers, Teach […]
