Women’s History Month Campaign
CWDB celebrates Women’s History Month and this year’s theme: Moving Forward Together, Women Educating and Inspiring Generations. We honor the talent, strength, and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership in all workforce sectors.
Slide #1 Julie Rubin
From Robert, RERP
Graduated Medical Assistant Program from Mother Lode Job Training -Tuolumne County in 12/14/25
Julie aimed to enhance her career prospects and earning potential by returning to the medical field. With a phlebotomy license already in her background, she hoped to renew this credential while also pursuing a Medical Assistant certification. Her goal was to serve her community in a more meaningful capacity, combining these complementary skills to make a difference in people’s lives.
Prior to the training program, Julie was working at a restaurant where she struggled with insufficient hours to support herself financially. While she enjoyed the service aspect of her job, the unpredictable schedule and inadequate income created ongoing instability in her life. The situation ultimately deteriorated when her lack of hours resulted in being laid off.
Despite these challenges, Julie maintained her desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. She began exploring opportunities that would allow her to enhance her skills while pursuing more fulfilling work. As she was considering her options, she came across a flyer advertising the Medical Assistant training program with Columbia College. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—it was exactly the right opportunity at precisely the right moment in her life.
Julie’s successful participation in the Medical Assistant training program was made possible through several key support elements. Mother Lode Job Training provided her with support services for a wristwatch, which is essential for taking vital signs and timing procedures in medical settings. Additionally, the college covered the costs of her scrubs and textbooks, eliminating significant financial barriers to her training.
Beyond the material support, Julie was able to turn to her Mother Lode Job Training case manager whenever she had questions or needed career guidance. This personalized support system helped her navigate challenges and make informed decisions about her professional development. Her classmates also played an important role by creating a collaborative study environment where they supported one another throughout the coursework. All these components were provided at no cost to Julie, making the training truly accessible despite her financial constraints.
The Medical Assistant training program has given Julie a renewed sense of purpose. While she is not yet financially stable, she anticipates gaining employment soon that will allow her to work while completing her externship requirements. This promising path forward has instilled in her a newfound optimism about her future. Currently, she is actively job seeking with the assistance of her case manager.
The training has significantly enhanced Julie’s professional trajectory. It has motivated her to renew her phlebotomy license, which will complement her new Medical Assistant skills and make her more versatile in healthcare settings. Beyond the core curriculum, she acquired valuable technical skills that have substantially improved her overall employability. The program also provided indirect benefits through the supportive network of classmates who helped each other succeed. Julie is actively seeking employment as a Medical Assistant with continued support from Mother Lode Job Training.
Slide #2 RERP Mahaila Laulu
From Robert, RERP FUNDING, Kern County
Dental Hygiene program
When deciding which career path I wanted to pursue, I explored many different options but ultimately settled on Dental Hygiene after my high school athletic trainer suggested it to me. After conducting research and speaking with counselors, I realized just how competitive and rigorous getting into this program would be. Only 20 students are selected each year, so it is essential to be academically successful in your prerequisites, along with meeting other requirements. Additionally, you must apply in January, seven months before the starting term, which was an issue for me because you need to have your associate’s degree before applying, a process that takes two years. As a result, I began my college journey while still in high school to give myself a head start before graduation. After completing high school, I enrolled at a community college, pursuing the prerequisites for my desired degree, working part-time, and playing college basketball. Unfortunately, due to unfavorable circumstances, I was unable to graduate a semester early as I had hoped, which delayed my application by a year. During that year, I decided to attend a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) program to gain experience in the dental field before the next application date.
After graduating from the RDA program, I worked as a Dental Assistant and received the call that I had been accepted into the Dental Hygiene program. My dreams had materialized, and I was set to begin this next journey of my life the very next day. To purchase the required books, I had to use my financial aid, which left me with less financial stability for other items I would need for the program. Although this added stress, I had the books I needed, and I was ready to start this next chapter of my life.
When the Employers’ Training Resource (ETR) department reached out to our class offering funding assistance for the program, I felt immense gratitude, relief, and happiness. They offered to cover nearly everything we needed to be successful in the program. Since my financial aid covered my tuition, the ETR department assisted me with full coverage of my books, which was an incredible relief since these books are expensive and must be purchased in full before each semester. They also informed us that they would cover the cost of our national board exams—something I had been stressing about since I started the program. These exams are costly and required to practice in our profession. I had often wondered how I would afford them, but now, with the support from the ETR department, I no longer have to worry about this expense. I can focus entirely on finishing my education and preparing for these crucial exams.
The current program I am enrolled in will expand my knowledge in the dental field, allowing me to secure better paying jobs and job stability, both of which are vital for my success. Once I pass the board exams, I will be able to practice in my field and find a renewed sense of purpose in my life. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity the ETR department has provided, and I feel far more confident in both my program and the state board exams because of the financial assistance I have received.
Mahaila Laulu: The biggest struggle for Mahaila was paying for instructional books in the dental hygiene program. Unlike the classes, the books themselves have to be paid in full before the semester begins. This was a struggle for Mahaila because of how expensive the instructional books costs, and paying for all of them at the same time. Mahaila is so very grateful to have received Supportive Services from ETR because it has been a huge weight off of her shoulders as she was able to start college with all of the books needed to succeed in her classes. In addition, Mahaila indicated that knowing that her state board exams will be paid for out of Supportive Services is incredibly amazing. Once passing the state boards are how Mahaila will be able to start work after she graduates from this program. Mahaila stated she has been stressed about how she would pay for those costs since entering the program. Mahaila is thankful for the RERP grant funds which will allow her to start practicing after putting in so much effort and time in the dental hygiene program. Mahaila stated, “I’ll always be grateful for what this grant has done for me.”
Slide 4 Gabby Manzo
From Matthew, RWP
Nursing, LVN to RN
SEIU Local 1000
On December 11, 2024, LVN to RN apprentice Gabriela Manzo, employed at CDCR’s California Institution for Women, was awarded her nursing pin at Riverside City College (RCC) in recognition of completing the Associate Degree in Nursing. Attending the ceremony were CCHCS partners and SEIU Local 1000 Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) members, LVNs Miche Roy and Traycie Sumler. Miche said of the graduation, “This is the example of what our union does for our members. Gabby worked long and hard and with the support and collaboration of the JAC and she is looking forward to a bright future.” Gabby’s achievement is a testament to the success of strong workforce development partnerships.
Slide #6 Linda Thai
From Robert, RERP
Animator
SouthBay WIB and BRIC
When I was a child, drawing was one of my favorite hobbies– I drew in my classwork, copied the art from the books I borrowed from the library, and scribbled all over my sketchbook. Although art was fun, I never saw it as a potential career path since I came from a traditional asian household. It wasn’t until my junior year of highschool where my love for art reawakened when I watched Batman: The Animated Series; it made me realize that I wanted to be a storyboard artist for animation. Fast forward to today, I am currently a story trainee at Warner Bros. Animation (home of Batman) and I’m one step closer to my goal thanks to BRIC!
I found out about the training through social media when I was trying to access as many resources as possible to boost my story portfolio. BRIC’s on-the-job paid training was intriguing since I was so used to unpaid animation internships and it seemed like an incredible opportunity. I applied back in 2023 and never heard anything back, so I applied again in 2024 not expecting much. To my surprise, I got a callback after 6 months and my left made a complete 180 once I accepted the apprenticeship at WB!
Just before BRIC, I was working as a plush designer in oc and was making an entry level salary. I made a big decision to move in with my partner at that time and was living paycheck to paycheck trying to afford living in oc. One month in, I got a call from BRIC about being a story trainee at WBPA! I had to make a tough decision between choosing my current stable job living in my dream apartment with my partner or taking a leap of faith to pursue my dream career in animation as a 6 month apprentice. I decided on the latter, and it was the best decision I could hope for! I love my team and the current project I’m working on and really feel the improvement I made the past 6 months (and counting since my contract extended!). I also feel a lot more financially stable with my new income and have less expenses since moving back home.
Without BRIC, I wouldn’t be able to have this amazing opportunity with Warner Bros. Production Animation! Going into 2024, I put working in animation on the back burner due to the instability of the industry and lack of work. I was 1.5 years post-grad and was ready to move onto the toy industry since I got a new job as a plush designer. Transitioning from storyboard to toy design was a big change skillset wise but both enjoyable nonetheless. When I thought pursuing my dream was over, I got the call from BRIC and it reignited my passion for animation! I felt much more fulfilled storyboarding and it’s so awesome to learn on the job/working on the production I’m on.
- Linda: Linda, currently completing her On-the-Job-Training at Warner Bros. Animation, is already making a significant impact at her workplace. Even though she’s still in training, she’s been able to work directly with the Director of Film Production, showcasing her skills and potential. Linda’s story highlights how valuable early workplace experience can be in shaping career success.
Slide #7 Irina Pisareva
Medical Assistant
Golden Sierra Job Training Agency
Roseville, Placer County, CALRegional, April-June 2024
A Journey of Resilience and Success
Two years ago, I moved to the United States with my husband and daughter. At that time, I barely spoke English, which made the transition to a new country even more challenging. Determined to learn the language and build a future here, I enrolled in Roseville Adult School, where I studied English for almost six months.
One day, the school’s director informed us about a Medical Assistant training program that was about to start. This opportunity immediately caught my attention, and I decided to enroll. However, the program required tuition fees, and since I wasn’t working at the time, I faced a financial hurdle.
Support That Made It Possible
The training was offered in the evening, after 5 PM, which allowed me to take my child to and from school while my husband was at work. This schedule was crucial for me to balance family responsibilities and education.
Additionally, we had wonderful teachers who supported us every step of the way, making the learning process smoother and more engaging. Their dedication helped me gain confidence, even though I was still learning English.
That’s when Golden Sierra representatives visited our class and explained that they had a grant program to assist low-income individuals with educational expenses. I applied, and thanks to their support, I received funding for tuition, uniforms, books, and other essential expenses. I am incredibly grateful for this help—it made my education possible!
A Life-Changing Experience
This journey has not only given me a career but also helped my family adapt more quickly to life in the U.S. I started meeting new people, making friends, and feeling less isolated. It made me realize how important it is to have a supportive community, especially when you are starting over in a new country.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to Roseville Adult School, its dedicated teachers, and the director for always supporting and guiding us. Their belief in us was crucial to our success. I am also especially thankful to Golden Sierra and my case manager, Darlene, for their financial assistance, which made it possible for me to pursue a career in healthcare.
Professional Growth and New Skills
I successfully passed my exams, completed the program, and was offered an internship at a medical facility. After completing my internship, I received a job offer to stay on as a Medical Assistant, marking the beginning of my new career.
One of the most valuable things I learned during the training was how to communicate with patients professionally and empathetically. These skills are essential not only in the medical field but in any profession. I use them daily in my work, ensuring that patients feel comfortable and heard.
Looking Ahead
Now, I have a stable income and feel much more confident about my future. But I am not stopping here—I continue to improve my English and plan to grow professionally.
I hope my story inspires other women who find themselves in a similar situation. Do not give up—stay focused on your goals! This country is full of opportunities, and if you are determined, you can achieve your dreams.