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.
Julie Rubin
Graduate, Columbia College’s Certified Medical Assistant Training Program
Prior to Columbia College’s Certified Medical Assistant Training Program, Julie Rubin was working at a restaurant where she struggled with insufficient hours to support herself. 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 her 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 Certified Medical Assistant Program. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—it was exactly the right opportunity at precisely the right moment in her life.
Julie wanted to enhance her career prospects and earning potential by returning to the medical field. She hoped to renew her phlebotomy license already in her background, 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.
Julie’s successful participation in the training offered by Regional Equity and Recovery Partnership grantee Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT) was made possible through several key support elements. MLJT’s support services budget provided her with a wristwatch, which is essential for taking vital signs and timing procedures in medical settings. Additionally, the college covered the costs of her uniform and textbooks, eliminating significant financial barriers to her training.
In addition to material support services, Julie was able to turn to her MLJT case manager whenever she had questions or needed career guidance. This personalized support system helped her overcome 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 supportive services were provided at no cost to Julie, making the training truly accessible.
Beyond the program’s core curriculum, Julie was also able to acquire additional technical skills that will substantially improve her employability. Now that she has graduated, she feels a renewed sense of purpose as she seeks employment as a Medical Assistant with support from her case manager.
Linda Thai
Graduate, BRIC Apprenticeship
Linda Thai was a toy designer earning entry-level wages when she learned about BRIC Foundation’s Animation, Visual Effects, and Gaming (AVG) Apprenticeship Program. The apprenticeship is a federally and state-recognized program that combines paid on-the-job training with mentorship and job-related academic instruction to support young people and veterans of all backgrounds in obtaining entry-level jobs across Animation, Visual Effects, and Gaming.
Linda loved drawing as a child. “I drew on my classwork, copied art from library books, and scribbled all over my sketchbook.” Although she found art fun, she never saw it as a potential career path. “It wasn’t until my junior year of high school that my love for art reawakened when I watched Batman: The Animated Series; it made me realize that I wanted to be a storyboard artist.”
“Without BRIC, I wouldn’t have had this amazing opportunity with Warner Bros. Production Animation,” said Linda. She added, “I am much more financially stable now and one step closer to my goal, thanks to BRIC!“
While working to boost her portfolio, she discovered the Regional Equity and Recovery Partnerships grant-funded apprenticeship on social media. “BRIC’s on-the-job paid training seemed like an incredible opportunity since I was used to unpaid animation internships,” said Linda.
The BRIC Apprenticeship solidified her passion for animation. She loved her team and the project she was working on. “I really felt the improvement I made in the six months,” she said. After the 6-month apprenticeship was over, she was hired at Warner Bros and is now working in her dream career.
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.
Mahaila Laulu
Graduate, Registered Dental Hygienist Program
After high school, Mahaila explored many different career paths and ultimately settled on dental hygiene. She was happy when she found Kern County Employers’ Training Resource’s Dental Hygienist program. Since enrollment was limited, she knew she needed to do well in the prerequisite classes to improve her chances of acceptance.
Mahaila enrolled at a community college, pursuing the prerequisites for her associate degree, working part-time, and playing college basketball. Unfortunately, she was unable to graduate a semester early, which delayed her application to the program. She took advantage of that time by attending a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) program to gain experience in the dental field.
“I didn’t have to worry about the expenses anymore, and I could focus entirely on finishing my education and preparing for these crucial exams. I’ll always be grateful for what the RERP grant has done for me.”
After graduating from the RDA program, Mahaila got a job as a Dental Assistant, and that’s when she received the call saying she had been accepted into the Regional Equity and Recovery Partnerships (RERP) funded Dental Hygienist program at Taft College. She had this to say about that moment: “My dreams had materialized, and I was set to begin this next journey in my life.”
Kern County Employers’ Training Resource’s supportive services covered nearly everything Mahaila needed to be successful in the program, including the cost of the national board exams. Mahaila felt immense gratitude, relief, and happiness for this gift. She said it took a huge weight off of her shoulders.
Irina Pisareva
Graduate, Clinical Medical Assistant Program
When Roseville Adult School told Irina’s class about the Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program, the opportunity immediately caught her attention. Her only problem was the hurdle of tuition fees. Fortunately, Golden Sierra Job Training Agency visited her class and explained how the Regional Equity and Recovery Partnerships grant covers educational expenses for low-income individuals.
“I applied, and thanks to their support, I received funding for tuition, uniforms, books, and other essential expenses,” said Irina. “I am incredibly grateful for this help—it made my education possible!”
The training was offered in the evening, which allowed Irina to take her child to and from school while her husband was at work.
“This schedule was crucial for balancing family responsibilities and my education.”
Irina gained essential skills from the training and the teaching staff. One of the most valuable lessons she learned was communicating with patients professionally and empathetically. “These skills are essential not only in the medical field but in any profession,” said Irina.
After completing the training and passing her exams, Irina secured an internship at a medical facility. The internship led to a job as a Medical Assistant, marking the beginning of her new career. Now, Irina has a stable income and feels much more confident about her future.
“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 the financial assistance, which made it possible for me to pursue a career in healthcare.”