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.”

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the picture of David above says it all! David is energetic, friendly, helpful and creative. He’s an aspiring 3D Animator with an ultimate dream to one day become a Videogame Designer. 

Our mission is not only to place young professionals in living wage jobs but to see them personally blossom to their fullest potential. To help them build on technical and soft skills that they may not have known they had, and transfer them to the workplace.

Congratulations David, you are well on your way to achieving your goals, and this new position is the first chapter of many for him. We know you will take the direction and guidance you gained here and continue to animate your own story. 

“My time at Hopeworks was life changing! The trainees, staff, and coaches were supportive in helping me to reach my goals, and I am looking forward to using the skills I obtained to assist at my future job."

We are proud to announce that Web Team Member Avery has been offered a full-time position as a Graphic Design Specialist with the Pennsylvania Convention Center! He is the second young professional within the last few months to receive a full-time position via this new partnership. 

Within the last year, Avery has graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design AND successfully completed the Hopeworks training, plus a web internship to the satisfaction of his team and supervisors. In his spare time, Avery maintains a freelance graphic design business, enjoys playing video games, drawing and going to museums.

"My experience at Hopeworks was a great one. In times when I felt doubtful about my future, the people here provided me with support and guidance. At no point did I feel like I was on my own, and I am happy to have met all these wonderful people!”

We are ecstatic to announce that Hopeworks Training Team Intern, Kaori Jackson is moving on to a full time position with local marketing agency, Ascension Marketing! Ascension was founded in 2020 after identifying a need for personalized solutions for their clients' brands. They offer services such as market development, product placement, and brand exposure.

During her time here, Kaori has been pivotal in leading presentations about dealing with trauma and utilizing a trauma-informed system within your workplace or school. Kaori has always been hardworking, poised, and diligent towards her goals. She is still pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Literature at Penn State University and uses her spare time to pursue her passions in art and illustration!

Congratulations Kaori, we are so excited to see you thrive in the next chapter of your journey and will always be here to support you!

Hawa joined Hopeworks in Jan 2021 after graduating high school and filtering through a number of seasonal and temporary jobs. She wanted more. She knew she could do more. So, she went after it. When she first completed her Hopeworks training, Hawa wasn’t immediately offered a job. It would be a few months before a position fell into place for her, but that didn’t stop her. 

She continued pursuing her undergraduate degree in Computer Science, she also worked on freelance projects as an independent game developer, and improved her technical and soft skills as well. A few months later, she was offered a full time position with Benefits Data Trust! 

"More than anything my journey through Hopeworks empowered me mentally. I made important connections with others and matured through my interactions there. Admin skills can always be taught but the soft skills necessary to thrive in a professional environment were developed immensely. I still have a long way to go on my journey, but the time I spent at Hopeworks sent me in the absolute best direction."

Delilah is undoubtedly one of the many phenomenal and talented young professionals we have had the pleasure of working with along her journey. A member of the Hopeworks Training Team, Delilah excels at public speaking, and bringing a positive atmosphere to whatever she is involved in. Delilah is a Lenape High School Graduate and earlier this year completed a Google Certification in Project Management! Not to mention, she’s a TikTok Superstar!

Amongst many other staff members, her Career Coach Fred has been an integral part of her success, and is excited to see her continue to overcome obstacles going forward.

"When Delilah was first transferred onto my caseload, we only had 2 months to support her in her development and acquire full time employment,'' says Fred. “What makes me most proud of Delilah is how she was able to fight through her external struggles and snatch up an amazing full time opportunity with the support of Career Readiness and Community Partnerships. This is undoubtedly only the beginning for all that Delilah will overcome!"

Congratulations Delilah, we know that you will continue to light up the room anywhere you go!

Andie Boberick joined Hopeworks to gain technical skills and make connections. She was working in the restaurant industry, and though learning a lot during that time she needed a change of pace. 

“My goal for my time at Hopeworks was to gain skills in coding as well as make connections to hopefully better my future with a stable career.”

She has always been passionate about graphic design, illustration, and art and even does freelance work on the side. She attended Rowan College and completed her Associates in Graphic Design before jumping into the working world and then finding Hopeworks.

Smart/AI Systems does software strategy and development and are bringing on Andie as a Software UX/UI designer. We are proud to have been a stepping stone to a bright future!

Hopeworks alumni Chris Church recently reached 1 year as a full time consulting professional at Slalom - a global consulting firm. In his current position, Chris partners with clients to develop human centered solutions for their business. 

Chris has faced innumerable challenges in his journey to where he is today. From feeling lost in life to being stuck in unfulfilling positions, he has worked hard to beat the odds. Now, he’s a Rutgers University Graduate, moving up the ladder at a global consulting firm, and still finds time to support his favorite sports teams!

“Hopeworks has prepared me for this journey by being an organization that emphasizes the exploration of technology while promoting self expression. The technical skills that I learned at Hopeworks, as well as a people first mentality have allowed me to succeed in my current role at Slalom.”

Happy 1 Year Work Anniversary Chris, we are proud to have been a part of your journey!

Hopeworks recently began a WIP partnership with Akamai Technologies as one of our many dedicated hiring partners. Through the work of team members such as Riscee Langhorne, these partnerships will continue to allow young professionals like Olivia to thrive in career paths they may have never considered.

Olivia joined Hopeworks after working in a select number of food service establishments for about 6 years. She has always loved learning about politics, history, art, and psychology. During her time here, Olivia gained technical and soft skills that she will utilize in her career going forward.

“As a trainee at Hopeworks, I’ve been able to hone hard technical skills (such as HTML/CSS, Javascript, and GIS) and soft professional skills, such as presenting and networking, in the hopes of finding exciting new professional opportunities!”

Olivia came to Hopeworks with the hopes of transitioning into a new career, but never considered herself to be tech savvy. She will be working as a Customer Support Representative in her new role and is working on getting IT certified through Google and Coursera!