Daily County Jefferson Union | Dec 8, 2024
FORT ATKINSON — During the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin annual luncheon held on Wednesday, December 4, Delilah Hernandez, Registered Nurse, was honored for her hard work and resilience as a participant of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Program, earning her the prestigious Aspire Award.
The Aspire Award honors individuals for their outstanding success and achievements in South Central Wisconsin’s workforce development programs offered in collaboration with the WDBSCW, WorkSmart Network and partners. Nominees must have the motivation and persistence needed to overcome obstacles to reach their career goals.
Career Planners Rachel Stewart and Ellen Bittner nominated Hernandez, who began the program as a CNA. In May of 2024, Hernandez graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing realizing her goal of becoming a licensed registered nurse in Wisconsin.
Hernandez, a single mother of three, came to the WorkSmart Network team while already a student at Moraine Park Technical College. Through assistance from the COW (Collaboration of Wisconsin) Rural Healthcare grant and the WIOA Adult Program, she was able to receive the support needed to complete the Nursing program while working part time and trying to provide for her children while going to school.
These Workforce Development programs provided necessary financial assistance for Delilah to achieve her career goals.“Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the WorkSmart Network and those who have helped me along the way,” Hernandez said. “I could not have done this without their support. They have helped change mine and my children’s lives in the best way possible, by helping me get the chance to achieve financial freedom.”
“Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the WorkSmart Network and those who have helped me along the way,” Hernandez said.
WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and supportive services to succeed in the labor market.
Opportunities, Inc.’s WorkSmart Network team is contracted by the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin to provide services to eligible job seekers and students through funding through the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs. These programs are funded by the Department of Labor.
For more information about available WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker services in Jefferson or Dodge County email rstewart@worksmartnetwork.org or call 920-675-4625.