WIOA Participant and 2024 Aspire Awardee Exemplifies Career Pathways
Doylinn Velasquez’s journey began with a dream of building a better future for herself and her family. As a single mother, she faced significant challenges but still decided to invest in her career and further her education. As a current UW Health Medical Assistant and aspiring Registered Nurse (RN), Doylinn started with earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license through Centro Hispano, where she got connected to the WorkSmart Network.
With guidance and assistance from WorkSmart, Doylinn was able to receive funding for her program tuition, materials and equipment for classes, and more, which made her feel more ready than ever to take the next step in her career. Her hard work and determination culminated in her acceptance into the Nursing Apprenticeship program through UW Health. As one of just 16 individuals chosen for this program—supported by the Apprenticeship Building America (ABA2) grant—Doylinn is receiving hands-on training and educational opportunities that will advance her career.
Reflecting on her journey, Doylinn said, “WorkSmart has helped me so much. If I knew about it earlier, I would have pursued my goals years ago, but I'm glad I'm doing it now. I want to give back to my family and to be an inspiration to others that you can achieve your goals and there is help out there.”
Her story highlights the profound impact that supportive programs and determination can have on building a brighter future. Doylinn’s resilience and drive inspire others to pursue their goals, proving that it’s never too late to chase after what you really want in life.
We’re proud to celebrate Doylinn’s accomplishments as a 2024 Aspire Award recipient, and we look forward to seeing her continue to grow in her career and serve her community.
To watch Doylinn's full story, click here.