Empowering Women in the Workforce
CWDB is proud to spotlight projects that expand women’s opportunities to secure good-paying jobs. CWDB supports grantees in creating job quality, equity, and career advancement for disadvantaged workers, including women.
Participants receive training and wrap-around supportive services to improve access to quality employment opportunities that can lead to long-term careers.
By prioritizing the recruitment of women, CWDB grantees foster greater workforce diversity and address regional disparities. Check out the individual stories below to see how CWDB has helped female participants achieve their employment goals.
Gabby Manzo
Graduate, Riverside City College Registered Nurse Program
Before starting the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Apprenticeship Training Program, Gabby Manzo often worked overtime to provide for her four children. As soon as she became a full-time LVN at the California Institution for Women, she began preparing for the HRTP apprenticeship run by grantee SEIU Local 1000.
When Gabby started the apprenticeship program, she had to reduce her work hours, which was tough financially. However, with many of the school costs covered by the LVN to RN project, she was able to overcome this challenge and participate in the program.
“I’m happy I’ve shown my children that when you set your mind to doing something, you can do it no matter the odds,” she said.
The return to school created new challenges for Gabby, like navigating the online classroom, finding resources, and getting the required textbooks. To help with this, she made friends with her classmates, who shared resources and knowledge. “At the end of the day, we all had the same goal, so it made sense to share the experience and help one another.”
Gabby graduated last December 2024 and was awarded her nursing pin at Riverside Community College.