Individual uses WIOA for support navigating challenges.
After losing her job of 20 years, Charlotte decided to pursue her dream “second career” in the healthcare field. She knew transitioning industries would be challenging, so she connected with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program for support.
Unfortunately, Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer and had to pause her respiratory therapy classes for a year. But as soon as she was able, she jumped right back into her education.
Charlotte persevered, maintained excellent grades and made the Dean’s List. Whenever an obstacle got in her way, she remained laser-focused on her goals and motivated herself by saying “I’ve got this!”
Charlotte completed her clinicals and obtained her respiratory therapy associate’s degree in spring 2022. She secured a position at Marshfield Medical on the condition she take the Respiratory Therapy exam – which she passed with flying colors.
“Without WIOA, I was lost in trying to figure out how to get back to school, how to pay for it, what steps I needed to take. And they had it mapped out and they worked with me and they got me to where I wanna be.”
Charlotte received the 2022 Aspire Award for her perseverance and achievements in WIOA programming.