We are ecstatic to announce that Hopeworks Web Team Member, Brakeem also known as Keem is moving on to a full-time position as a GIS Contractor with our long time partner American Water! Keem has battled through adversity and doubt on his path to get here, but has always stayed the course. He credits the Hopeworks staff and community for never giving up on him even when he felt the pressure to do so.
“I’m very thankful for the Hopeworks staff, they’ve helped me prepare for this new job by not giving up on me and continuing to work with me throughout my time as a trainee and Web Intern.”
Last year, Keem lost a very close friend who he grew up with in foster care. He dealt with this tragedy along with social, financial and professional pressure, but somehow continued to persevere. Stories like this just show the will and tenacity of our young professionals here at Hopeworks. With countless odds stacked against you, at times it can be difficult to see the bright side. But they continue showing up every day, continue trusting the process, and continue working hard and it shows.
“I had a friend who passed last year who would always say “If it’s meant to be then it’s up to me”, so I always remember that wherever I go in a job setting or anything related to life.”
In this series, Michelle Cheang, director of Catalyze, sat down with alumni and current participants of Catalyze-supported career-connected learning programs. Through in-depth conversations, Michelle and the learners discuss their experiences, growth and career goals. In the following videos, we'll hear directly from EJ Garcia, a learner at Hopeworks, about how he has developed his career […]
This episode of The Water Online Show focuses on the water industry's workforce shortage. Hopeworks, a training organization, is addressing this challenge by partnering with utilities like American Water. Hopeworks identifies employer needs, trains young professionals, and places them in well-suited roles. This innovative approach is helping to bridge the skills gap and ensure a […]
Grace Manning leads a program helping land young professionals work at companies like Subaru. Grace Manning is director of employer and alumni relations at Hopeworks, a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia and South New Jersey, offering workforce development programs to young adults. Through training programs, paid internships, and placement services with local employers, Hopeworks helps young, diverse […]
