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CSTB Success Stories
9.10.2026 After losing my job, I underwent surgery, and due to complications, I was no longer able to perform the duties required in my previous career. I found myself facing the difficult task of figuring out what my next chapter would look like. One day, while searching my regular job-seeking websites, I remembered CareerSource. As I looked through the website, I came across an amazing scholarship program. I read everything I could find about the program, gathered all of the required documents, and went to CareerSource the very next day. When I first met Cynthia Diaz from CareerSource, I was a little confused and worried about what my options might be. Cynthia was informative, friendly, and genuinely interested in helping me. She listened to me, took notes, explained the program, and gave me the tools and information I needed to take the next steps. I selected a career program, visited several schools, and returned within eight days with my decision and completed paperwork. I was then transferred to Paola Gonzalez, my counselor, who helped me complete the remaining documents and became my primary contact at CareerSource throughout my participation in the scholarship program. Before I knew it, I was sitting in a college classroom learning how to become a phlebotomist. Paola regularly called to check on my progress or sent me a text when she could. Everyone who helped me through the department and this program was not only willing to help, but also made me feel like I truly mattered. Thanks to CareerSource, Cynthia Diaz, and Paola Gonzalez, I now have my foot in the door of a new career in healthcare. What began as a difficult and uncertain time in my life became an opportunity to start a new career and move forward. I am truly grateful for the support, encouragement, and resources that CareerSource provided. They didn't just help me find a new career—they helped me believe that a new career was possible.
9.01.26 The experience and help was outstanding they really helped and know exactly what to do.
8.28.26 We had to call ID Me to try to get the phone number changed numerous times. I would have not been able to do this without the help of Santia Munoz.
8.28.26 I had an issue taking the photo of my ID on the ID me. The ladies at the Plant City office are awesome!
8.25.26 My opinion that location is understaffed there’s more people that need help. Then you have associates to assist the public. There was only one lady in the office on two occasions that I was there. Her name was Miss Rosie. She did the absolute best that she could but she was trying to help over six people at one time and it was totally impossible and she was very frustrated. You definitely need an office in the Brandon area but you also need staff. . You definitely need an office in the Brandon area but you also need staffing. My name is Brenda Joiner my phone number is 813-317-9287 if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me
8.13.26 From the beginning of my unemployment process, I had issues with ID.me. After trying to complete the process on my own for nearly three months, I became so frustrated that I eventually gave up. I came to the Plant City Center for help, where Ms. Santia and Carrie worked with me. I remember becoming so frustrated with ID.me that I was ready to leave. Ms. Santia told me, **“Come back first thing in the morning with patience and time, and we will work through it.”** The next morning, I came back, and she took the time to help me successfully get through the ID.me process and complete my unemployment application. After three months of trying on my own, finally getting through the process meant so much to me. As a single father going through a difficult time, receiving this assistance made a real difference for my family. Whenever I came into the center, Ms. Santia would also tell me about different employers that were hiring and encourage me to keep looking for opportunities. I am happy to say that I was hired by Lowe’s and have now been working there for several months. Even though I am working now, every now and then I still stop by the Plant City Center just to say hello. Ms. Santia has a welcoming spirit, genuinely cares about the people she serves, and truly wants to help them succeed. I have spoken with other people about her, and she has helped them as well. Plant City is very lucky to have her. I am thankful that when I was ready to give up, she encouraged me to come back and helped me move forward. Name of Staff Member or Helper: Santia Munoz
8.13.26 The employer here were very helpful and very patience. It was very difficult for me to complete my unemployment application because Id.me. Id.me wouldn't let me change my old phone but everything else was the same information. The last time I apply for unemployment was in 2013, I used a different email but couldn't remember it. But other than that all my information was the same. Id.me refused to allow me to change phone number or add a new email. I have finally finished everything with Id.me but it took me a total of two hours. I considered that insane.
8.11.26 Staff is knowledgeable and has positively foster team culture methods, rosaura landron has been extremely helpful. Name of Staff Member or Helper: Rosaura Landron
7.31.26 I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible impact your program has had on my son, who recently graduated from high school. As a parent, watching your child Xavier grow, overcome challenges, and reach important milestones is deeply rewarding and your program PWE played a vital role in that journey. through the support, structure, and encouragement provided by Monica Torres, he found the motivation and confidence he needed to thrive. The program helped him and taught him valuable life skills such as time management, resilience, and self-advocacy. Most importantly, your program gave him a sense of belonging and purpose. He felt seen, heard, and supported by his Career Coach Monica Torres who made all the difference Today, he carries with him the lessons and strength he gained through your program, and he is excited about the future ahead. Thank you for believing in him and for the positive influence you’ve had on his life. Your work truly matters, and our family will always be grateful. MS. Monica was very informative and attentive, sweet, and polite with my son. Warm regards, Lismarie
7.31.26 Dear Ms. Monica Torres, I want to write this letter as a deep and meaningful thank you to you, Ms. Monica Torres, my Career Coach, who went above and beyond to help me make the transition from a kid struggling in many ways to a successful 21-year-old adult with much potential and endless possibilities. When I found myself having to work to support myself and my mother after she was diagnosed with cancer just after I turned 18, I had no safety net. My dreams felt out of reach, buried beneath the crushing weight of reality. I knew that education was the key to building a better future, but nothing in life is free, and at the time the cost and time required to achieve my goals seemed impossible to overcome. So I kept moving forward. For nearly a year, I worked the night shift as a security guard at a hotel, searching for answers and hoping to see a light in what felt like a pitch-dark night. I saved every dollar I could because I refused to let my circumstances define my future. Eventually, I was able to move to a better place and find a better job. For the first time in a long while, I could breathe again. I could sleep peacefully and dream once more. It finally felt like daylight had returned to my life, and hope no longer seemed like something meant only for other people. Once again, I found myself searching for answers. Then one phone call changed everything. On the other end of the line was a voice filled with kindness, compassion, and genuine care. That voice belonged to you, Ms. Monica Torres. You became more than my Career Coach you became someone who believed in me when I needed it most. You never turned your back on me. Instead, you invested your time, energy, encouragement, and resources to help me succeed. Because you believed in me, I accomplished goals I once thought were impossible. You helped me complete my High School Diploma, earn my Cybersecurity certification, continue pursuing my career goals, and helped me prepare for employment. More importantly than any certificate or you restored something I had nearly lost hope. Your patience, guidance, and unwavering belief in my potential reminded me that someone saw value in me, even during the moments when I struggled to see it myself. You believed in me, and because of that, my future looks brighter than I ever imagined. The impact you have made extends far beyond education or employment. You have helped change the course of my life. Every success I achieve from this day forward will always carry a part of your encouragement, your compassion, and your belief in me. There are people who simply do their jobs, and then there are people who change lives. You are one of those rare people. Thank you for never giving up on me, for standing beside me, and for showing me that even in life’s darkest moments, there are people willing to become the light for someone else. I will never forget your kindness or the difference you have made in my life. Thank you for believing in my future when I couldn’t yet see it for myself. I hope one day I can make a difference in someone else’s life the way you have made a difference in mine. With heartfelt appreciation and endless gratitude, Thank you, Andrew
7.28.26 Mi nombre es María y fui al Centro de Plant City para recibir ayuda con mi desempleo. Mi inglés es básico y tengo conocimientos limitados de computación. Santia se tomó el tiempo para explicarme todo lo que necesitaba hacer, paso a paso. Fue muy paciente, amable y se aseguró de que entendiera todo el proceso. Su pasión por ayudar a los demás realmente se nota. Ella es una bendición enviada por Dios. También me inscribió en varios talleres, y realmente disfruto las clases de Krystle. Aunque mi inglés es limitado, puedo entenderla muy bien. Ella hace que la hora de clase pase muy rápido porque es muy dinámica, divertida y comparte mucha información útil. Solo quería que supieran que tienen personas maravillosas trabajando para su organización. Gracias por contar con empleados que realmente se preocupan por ayudar a los demás.
7.08.260I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your support during the difficult time I faced while unemployed. Thanks to Estela Paz, Marcia Cedano, Rosaura( Rosie) at Brandon location ,I was able to attend to the CDL school and successfully obtain my CDL license. I would also like to thank CareerSource for providing the necessary funding for my training. I truly appreciate the assistance provided by everyone involved in helping me reach this milestone.. Best regards, Successful student Janet viteri
6.23.26 I first connected with Monika Krol and the CareerSource Tampa Bay program in early 2025 while actively seeking new career opportunities. From the very beginning, Monika provided consistent and meaningful support through email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. She guided me in identifying the right training programs to strengthen my resume and align with my career goals. She also played a key role in helping me expand my professional network by encouraging participation in CareerSource networking events and connecting me with additional career coaches who supported my job search journey. Beyond professional guidance, Monika was a constant source of motivation and encouragement, regularly checking in and supporting me throughout the process. With this support, I successfully completed the PMP Exam Prep course as well as the Operational Excellence Certificate and Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt programs through the University of South Florida Corporate Training and Professional Education. During this journey, I progressed through multiple interviews, received several job offers, and ultimately secured a position that aligns with my skills and offers strong growth opportunities. However, this experience was about much more than securing a job. I also strengthened my leadership skills, advanced further in my field, and significantly expanded my professional network by building meaningful connections along the way. CareerSource Tampa Bay has proven to be more than a career support program—it is a powerful platform for growth, development, and opportunity for those who are committed to advancing their careers. I am truly grateful for the role it played in my journey and would encourage others to fully embrace all it has to offer.
6.10.26 I had a great experience during my workshop with Krystle. She was very engaging and Informative. Zoom meetings are usually boring, but she felt made the session interesting and enjoyable. Thank you for the excellent service you and Santia provide. Santia at Plant city encourages me to do them. she is always helping me and others when this unemployment is giving us hard time. we miss her when she is not there.
5.20.26 She is absolutely amazing and I’m so grateful for her. Because of her, after I finish exams I will be stepping into IT industry. Thank you so much and I appreciate everyone who has assisted me in transitioning into a more promising career.
5.16.26 I was in need of assistance with several things and essentially lost on where to begin. Amani took the time to work with me and assist me with all of my issues and I was able to get everything I needed to resolved. I appreciate her efforts and excellent customer service so wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank Amani!
5.15.26 She helped me and my mom, there were a lot of people needing help in the resource room during the lunch time. She was alone assisting and was very helpful and gave us step by step information was straightforward and made it easy and we got what we done needed; Normally at government office its hard to get this level of help but she made a difference in making it easier for us. We appreciate the experience and definitely recommend anyone who goes to this office getting assistance like this.
5.02.26 I first connected with Monika Krol and the CareerSource Tampa Bay program in early 2025 while actively seeking new career opportunities. From the very beginning, Monika provided consistent and meaningful support through email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. She guided me in identifying the right training programs to strengthen my resume and align with my career goals. She also played a key role in helping me expand my professional network by encouraging participation in CareerSource networking events and connecting me with additional career coaches who supported my job search journey. Beyond professional guidance, Monika was a constant source of motivation and encouragement, regularly checking in and supporting me throughout the process. With this support, I successfully completed my certifications through the University of South Florida Corporate Training and Professional Education. During this journey, I progressed through multiple interviews, received several job offers, and ultimately secured a position that aligns with my skills and offers strong growth opportunities. However, this experience was about much more than securing a job. I also strengthened my leadership skills, advanced further in my field, and significantly expanded my professional network by building meaningful connections along the way. CareerSource Tampa Bay has proven to be more than a career support program! it is a powerful platform for growth, development, and opportunity for those who are committed to advancing their careers. I am truly grateful for the role it played in my journey and would encourage others to fully embrace all it has to offer.
4.28.26 I walked into the Career Source Center seeking much needed help to secure a job. Ms. Landron was a breath of fresh air. She assisted me without hesitation and made my process sosmooth and delightful.
4.24.26 Was having issue with my login spoke with the agent an she went above an beyond helping me to clear ID ME But still having issue she made calls , printed form she was really GREAT ALL 10’s
4.23.26 Rosaura made the entire experience at CareerSource Tampa Bay one to remember! She was attentive, friendly, polite, patient, and informative. She is an absolute pleasure to have worked with on my application and benefits help.
4.14.26 To whom This May Concern, I would love to provide a success statement for our appreciation of the time and education the Unique Umbrella Effect Disaster Awareness Team has taken with our patients at Dedicated Senior Medical Center. The impact it has had on our patients has been great. Our patients enjoy social gatherings with other seniors. This reduces social isolation effects on chronic conditions. When patients are connected and happy they feel better and benefit from better health. The materials learned in these discussions are easy and fun to learn with the Bingo styled safety education games as well as the support provided around mental clarity, awareness, and overall preparedness. The team that comes is passionate about what they do and are excellent at connecting with others. I have observed patients asking when the next event is,so they do not miss it. They make friends at these gatherings and can build a social and support system around them. This is a priceless gift from the classes. We will continue partnering with Chef Brown monthly. He makes delicious food and adds to the positive environment of the event. Kathy Hair’s role with these classes is extraordinary. She can create teams that have great impact on seniors’ lives. If you have any additional questions, please reach out. Thank you, Emily Reiner Operations Center Director Dedicated Senior Medical Center 813-810-5342
4.02.26 My dad is an elderly man and does not speak English or use the computer. Unemployment was impossible to complete. I went to the Center in Plant city and Santia Munoz took time to help me with the steps to fill out the application. She also helped me every time i had to assist my dad claiming weeks. the time she took to explain the process was appreciated. The welcoming spirit every time we go to the center is so good. She is really an amazing person and employee. thank you for having her there. I know she helps others the man way. Thank you Santia
3.25.26: Staff is knowledgeable and has positively fostered team culture. Their methods have gone above and beyond in providing guidance and helping you achieve your goals. Rosaura has helped me with workshop orientations and referrals, and I recommend you ask for her. I have been a customer since 2025, and my experience has been positive overall.
3.19.26: I went to CareerSource Tampa Bay, and Pamela W., who volunteers with AARP, assisted me with my unemployment claim. She then guided me in creating the resume I needed to land a new superintendent job. Thank you for having her there to make the unemployment experience easier to get through. Thanks a lot, Pam! Wishing you much success in your future endeavors!
3.18.26: Since November of last year, I have had issues with my FloridaCommerce and ID.me account. I came to the center frustrated and ready to give up on unemployment. Mrs. Santia took the time to go step by step with me and unemployment to get my account fixed. She set me up for workshops and helped me reschedule my RESEA appointment. She is amazing, friendly, and very patient. Thank you so much for your assistance.
3.16.26: I would like to thank Ms. Krol for all of her guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this entire process. Ms. Krol’s assistance and dedication have truly made a difference, and I greatly appreciate the time and effort she invested in helping me reach this milestone. I am happy to share that I have officially obtained my CDL license. Additionally, I have completed three interviews with Ajax, and everything went very well. At this point, I am expecting to begin working with them sometime next week, pending the final steps of the hiring process. Once everything is finalized and I am officially hired, I will make sure to send another update with the confirmed details of my new employer. Thank you again for all her help and support. I truly appreciate everything she has done for me.
3.11.26: I am writing to share my sincere gratitude for the support I received through the Hillsborough County WIOA program. As a single mother of two young children, the journey through nursing school was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. While I had the drive and the passion to succeed, the financial barriers often felt insurmountable. The WIOA program was the essential bridge that allowed me to stay in my program when the weight of my responsibilities threatened to pull me away from my education. The assistance I received for daily necessities was a complete game changer. When I had to reduce my work hours to keep up with the rigorous clinical schedule at Galen College of Nursing, the extra funds for gas ensured that I never had to choose between putting food on the table and driving to my rotations. Furthermore, the program’s help with purchasing educational tools and covering the high costs of applying for my board exams removed a massive layer of stress. These were not just extra funds; they were the resources that kept my dream of a better life for my children alive. I am proud to share that, thanks in large part to the stability provided by this program, I graduated in December 2025 and am now officially a Registered Nurse. This achievement has fundamentally changed the trajectory of my family’s life. I am no longer just struggling to get by. I am a healthcare professional providing vital services to our community. I am currently continuing my education to earn my RN-BSN, and I carry the lessons of perseverance and community support with me every day in my practice.
2.20.26: First and foremost, thank you to CareerSource Tampa Bay! I landed a job and hope to turn it into a career. I am super excited that I came across the program. I filled out over hundreds of applications on Indeed alone and was not getting any interviews. I received an email from CareerSource Tampa Bay that linked me to EmployFlorida.com. I applied to five employers that morning and got to interview the same day. I can’t thank you enough for your services! Thank y’all.
2.18.26: When the Fanatics warehouse announced its closure, the CareerSource Tampa Bay Rapid Response team stepped in to turn a challenging transition into a major success. Over the last two weeks, the team provided career coaching and essential resources to 212 dislocated workers, culminating in an on-site hiring event on February 17 with 15 local employers. By providing full Spanish-language interpretation and hands-on support, they ensured every individual had the tools to navigate their next career move with confidence. As Nazareli Torres, a recruiter from Gardner Watson Decking, noted, “I’ve been to many career fairs with CareerSource Tampa Bay. This is the best one yet. The fact that you all organized this for these workers is amazing.”
01.27.2026: Upon communication from the email I sent through the website, the team got back to me within 48 hours and was very professional. Paul C. introduced himself in the email. He was very professional and ensured I felt confident that I would be able to receive assistance. I recently became unemployed and was looking to get a suit so I could be prepared for upcoming interviews. He was prompt and scheduled me within that week. Later that week, I met him at their headquarters. The front desk staff were also very professional and made me feel honored as a veteran who has served this country. Paul had already come out to meet me when I finished checking in and gave me a breakdown of what they do and his role in helping others achieve their goals. We headed to an area of the building where I could be fitted for a suit to better prepare myself during this new transition period. He greatly assisted in setting me up for success and helped me feel confident that the future is bright moving forward. He also shared resources for job fairs and other opportunities to help guide me in this new chapter of my career. Thank you to the team for the work you do, for setting people up for success, and for helping me feel even more confident that the journey ahead will be great.
01.23.2026: Pamela W. was perfect and she walked me through the process from beginning to end. I highly recommend her services.
01.17.2026: When I learned about the Get There Faster program administered by CareerSource Tampa Bay, I had been out of work for nine months despite my best efforts to find a job in the IT arena. The funding provided by the program enabled me to showcase my skills and experience by completing three valuable IT certifications – PMP, CISSP, and ITIL. Having these certifications on my resume opened the door to positions for which I may not have been previously considered and played an important role in securing the position I was eventually able to obtain – at a higher salary than my previous job. The CareerSource Tampa Bay team was very helpful along the way, expediting approvals, ensuring I understood and complied with program requirements, and encouraging me in my certification and job search efforts. I am very grateful to them for their assistance and support!
01.13.2026: I had an outstanding experience with CareerSource RESEA, thanks to Recruiter Mieshe L. Mieshe reached out to me after I missed my originally scheduled intake appointment due to misunderstandings and confusing email correspondence. Instead of penalizing me or brushing the situation aside, she took the time to personally call me and offer another opportunity to complete my intake. Mieshe patiently explained the entire process again in a clear and easy-to-understand way, while also taking the time to understand my personal situation and future career goals. She showed genuine compassion, professionalism, and empathy, which made a stressful situation feel manageable and supported. I truly felt like she “held my hand” through the process of correcting and fixing the issue. Her level of customer service was exceptional, and her willingness to help during a moment when I genuinely needed guidance made a lasting impression on me. This is what top-tier customer relations looks like. Thank you again, Mieshe, for your kindness, professionalism, and support during my time of need. 10 stars without hesitation.
01.12.2026: Ms. Lott was very helpful. She offered many helpful resources and was extremely easy to talk to. She made this process easy and informative.
01.09.2026: Excelente persona, me encantó mucho su ayuda, una chica muy dispuesta para con su trabajo y muy profesional. Sabe lo que hace y es muy empatica. Excelente trabajo.
01.05.2026: Before working with CareerSource Tampa Bay, I was looking for a way to gain real, practical experience and break into the tech field. I joined the ACE Front-End Web Development program with Computer Coach as my training provider through CareerSource Tampa Bay. One of the most helpful parts of the program was the Paid Work Experience. It gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in a real work environment, which made a big difference in both my confidence and my understanding of how front-end development works outside the classroom. Based on my performance in the program, I was recommended by Cynthia D. for employment at Computer Coach, which turned into a great opportunity for me. Now that I work at Computer Coach, I get to see ACE success stories firsthand as students go through the same process I did. Watching them grow and move into employment has been incredibly rewarding and really brings everything full circle for me.
12.31.25: My experience with CareerSource has been very good. I have not had any issues with Yvette, and every week I sent her my pay stubs. Thank you very much for allowing me to get my CDL back and get on this program.
12.30.25: The RESEA process played a meaningful role in helping me stay engaged, hopeful, and proactive during a very challenging period of unemployment. I have more than 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, and after moving back to Florida nearly three years ago, finding stable and secure employment has been difficult. Unfortunately, this was not my first experience with job loss. Most recently, I believed my position was secure, but the company lost its contract, and I was laid off. Through RESEA, I made it a priority to stay fully engaged so I would not miss any opportunity. I attended all required meetings and additional sessions whenever possible, including meetings with recruiters and job fairs. I regularly used the computer lab to search and apply for jobs, and I committed to applying consistently. Staff reviewed my resume, but I also took the initiative to tailor it for each position, especially when applying for roles outside my usual industry by highlighting my transferable skills. The job search process was stressful and overwhelming. Constantly applying, tailoring resumes, interviewing, and often being passed over made it easy to feel discouraged and helpless. The RESEA program helped restore my sense of hope. It allowed me to connect with staff and others who were experiencing similar challenges, which helped me feel less alone and gave me healthier ways to cope with the stress. Because of my engagement in the program, I also believe I was able to receive unemployment and food assistance benefits more quickly than expected, which helped relieve some immediate financial pressure while I continued my job search. Overall, the RESEA process provided structure, accountability, support, and encouragement during a difficult time and helped me remain focused on moving forward toward employment. I am now employed and staying positive.
12.30.25: CareerSource offered many helpful ways to look and obtain jobs in the area for our specific business needs.
12.29.25: Miesha has been very helpful and encouraging in my job search. I received quick responses that were concise and informative, and I was given resources to help me learn how to succeed.
12.19.25: I am grateful for the opportunity to join the ACE program, and I urge other young adults to join. When I was struggling with unemployment and being told I did not have enough experience, the ACE program helped me get training and hands-on job experience free of charge. Not only did I get certified in Digital Marketing, but I also gained the added benefit of finding community and connection through classes, meetings with career coaches, and in-person internships. I took the Digital Marketing program, joining classes with Computer Coach. I enjoyed receiving certified training in Digital Marketing and found the classes extremely helpful and rewarding. When I faced issues with my internship employer, through no fault of CareerSource, Cynthia D. helped me get placed in a different work experience. Thank you, CareerSource!
Before joining CareerSource’s Apprenticeship-To-Career Empowerment (ACE) Program, I was working as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. While the role provided stability, it was not a field I felt connected to long term. After stepping away from that position, I took time to reassess my goals and focus on finding a path that better aligned with my interests, particularly in content marketing. While exploring options, my mother came across the ACE Program and encouraged me to look into it. Within a month, I applied and was accepted. What immediately stood out to me was how accessible the program was. It was short, fully virtual, structured, and allowed participants to learn new skills while gaining real experience through a paid apprenticeship. Because the program was grant-funded, it removed financial barriers at a time when I needed flexibility and support the most. I completed both the Digital Marketing and Business Project Specialist courses and earned certificates of completion in each. The instructional experience was one of the strongest aspects of the program for me. Our classes were small, and the instructors were thoughtful about pacing, making sure everyone understood the material before moving forward. They were always available for support, whether through Slack or additional help outside of class time, and they regularly shared resources for anyone who wanted to explore topics further on their own. As someone who learns best by doing, the hands-on nature of the coursework made a significant difference. Concepts introduced in class did not stay theoretical for long, as I was able to apply them almost immediately through my apprenticeship, which helped everything come together. My paid apprenticeship placement was with Computer Coach Training Center, where I assisted in transforming their social media presence. I split my time between coursework and apprenticeship responsibilities, which created a reliable schedule of learning and application. Although I worked remotely, my employer, Suzanne R., was approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in my growth. She guided me through marketing tasks ranging from content planning to working within a company’s established brand guidelines and helped me understand how marketing functions within an organization. At the end of my apprenticeship, I fully expected to begin my job search with my new credentials. Employment was never guaranteed, so I had already prepared my resume and planned my next steps. Knowing the job market is tough, especially without a degree, I had not expected guaranteed employment, so receiving the offer was both a relief and a reassurance that the skills and experience I gained through ACE truly prepared me to overcome that “paper ceiling.” When I received the call offering me a part-time position as a Digital Marketing Assistant at Computer Coach, I was genuinely surprised and grateful. The opportunity to continue learning under experienced leadership and grow within a company that had already invested in me made the decision easy. An important part of my experience with the ACE Program was the support I received from my CareerSource counselor. From the beginning, they helped me think through my interests and strengths and guided me in choosing a field that felt like a good fit. Throughout the program, they checked in regularly and made sure I had what I needed to stay on track. Even after the program ended, they continued to follow up to see how I was doing and how my transition into the workforce was going. Knowing that level of support was there made the entire process feel more manageable and reaffirmed that I was not navigating this transition on my own. I have now been with Computer Coach for four years, and my growth has not stopped. Over time, I have gained a deeper understanding of not only marketing but also how content strategy fits into a larger business structure. I have built confidence, expanded my skill set, and narrowed the direction I want my career to take. None of that would have been possible without the foundation provided by the ACE Program. The ACE Program did not just teach me skills and help set me on my desired path. It created a bridge between learning and meaningful employment. The combination of supportive instruction, practical experience, and real-world application gave me the opportunity to move into a field I care about and continue building a future in it.
The ACE program really helped me get started in my career. It gave me the training and hands-on experience I needed to feel confident going into the health care industry. After receiving my phlebotomy certification and completing my internship with Tampa General Hospital through ACE, I was offered a position at Tampa General Hospital, where I have been working for about eight months now. Because of the foundation ACE gave me, I have had opportunities to grow, including being offered the chance to start doing pediatric phlebotomy and being considered for other promotions. I am really grateful for the program and how it has helped move me forward in my career.
Success Story 1: My time with CareerSource Tampa Bay was a pivotal step in my professional journey into Information Technology. I participated in the program for several months through ACE after completing my coursework at Computer Coach, while concurrently attending community college. This experience provided a critical bridge between academic learning and real-world IT application. Through the apprenticeship program, I gained hands-on exposure to professional IT environments, strengthened my technical troubleshooting skills, and developed a deeper understanding of workplace expectations within the technology field. The structure, guidance, and accountability of the program helped solidify my confidence and readiness to enter the workforce. This opportunity directly contributed to my successful transition into my current IT Helpdesk role, where I am actively applying the foundational skills and professional discipline developed during the program. I would like to extend sincere thanks to Pete at CareerSource for his support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship process. I would also like to recognize Kassandra P. and Suzanne R. from Computer Coach, whose instruction, mentorship, and encouragement played a significant role in my technical development and career readiness. CareerSource Tampa Bay and Computer Coach together provided an environment that fostered growth, accountability, and real opportunity. I am grateful for the experience and the impact it has had on my career trajectory in IT. When the opportunity is present, you need to take initiative. Success Story 2: I enrolled in Computer Coach and CareerSource Tampa Bay’s ACE program because I wanted a real pathway into IT, not just classroom training. Through the Computer Support Technician track, I built a strong foundation in hardware and software fundamentals, networking, and IT security. What made the ACE program stand out was the balance between learning and working. I attended online classes for 16 hours per week while working 24 hours per week in a hands-on IT role. This structure allowed me to apply what I was learning right away and gain practical experience while still in training. Throughout the program, Computer Coach provided consistent support beyond technical instruction. I received career coaching, professional advice, and ongoing guidance that helped me stay focused and prepared for the next step in my career. The instructors and career team were accessible, supportive, and genuinely invested in my success. After completing the apprenticeship, I transitioned into a full-time position as an IT Support Specialist with AC4S. The combination of real-world experience, structured training, and career support through Computer Coach and CareerSource Tampa Bay’s ACE program played a major role in helping me reach this goal. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the ACE program. It gave me the skills, experience, and confidence I needed to move forward in my IT career.
Click the Link to View Shiva's Success Story: https://youtube.com/shorts/gHqE-uhnqGo?feature=share
When I first walked into my SNAP Orientation, I was skeptical. I had never dealt with any of this before. But my SNAP Career Coach, Robert V., changed that immediately. He was patient, professional, and guided me through everything with a level of calm that put me at ease. Robert went above and beyond by reviewing my résumé, correcting issues, and giving me tips to make it stand out. His interview advice was spot-on as well. Thanks to his help, I landed my current job with the Florida Department of Transportation. I truly appreciate everything he did, and honestly, I probably owe him lunch for this! LOL
I just wanted to reach out to say how much our nonprofit has enjoyed working with Ms. Teana A. for our current PWE internship program experience. I had a great meeting with her when she came in to work with an intern, and all our interactions with her have been lovely. I asked her who I might share my appreciation with for her professionalism and clear commitment to the intern’s success, and she provided her supervisor’s and Director’s names. Of all the Recruiter Coaches I have worked with over the years, she stands out for her dedicated commitment to the youth she is working with, from her understanding of their unique needs and abilities to her interest in the employer’s needs and goals. The work ethic of the youth currently placed at our worksite also seems to reflect Teana’s genuine interest in helping her succeed. Of the CareerSource interns we have worked with over the years, this current participant is the most focused and eager to learn that we have ever had. Throughout the intern’s hiring process, the genuine interest and understanding Teana has shown toward the intern seem to translate directly into the youth’s understanding of what she needs to gain from her paid work experience.
10.29.2025: With the help of CareerSource Tampa Bay, I set a goal to obtain my diploma and stabilize my income. My case manager, Andres B., played a major role in my progress. He stayed in touch with me, motivated me when I felt discouraged, and helped me stay focused on my goals. He also provided job support and connected me to resources that made it possible for me to continue working and prepare to return to school. Since being in the program, I have picked up extra hours at work and found ways to keep my bills up to date. I am also working toward going back to school, and CareerSource has already shown that they are willing to assist me with the process when funding becomes available. Today, I feel more stable and confident about my future. I am proud of the progress I have made and grateful for the support I have received. CareerSource Tampa Bay did not just help me with resources, they helped me believe in my ability to move forward and succeed.
10.19.2025: Mabel L. is absolutely amazing at what she does! I want to give Mabel the highest possible rating for all of her help and support. She went above and beyond to provide me with the information and guidance I needed, which ultimately led to me receiving a great job offer from Paychex. Her knowledge, professionalism, and genuine care made the process smooth and encouraging from start to finish. Thanks to Mabel’s help, I will be starting my new role on November 7th, doing exactly what I wanted to do. She truly deserves every bit of recognition for her outstanding service. If I could give her more than five stars, I definitely would!
10.07.2025: Santia M. is very helpful while providing information to me and others who are not familiar with reemployment procedures and computer processes. She is a great help to all of us who come here, and we appreciate her a lot.
10.02.2025: CareerSource Tampa has helped me gain my fiber optic certification and change my life. The Learning Alliance program aided me in joining CollabFirst and working with Joe R. I have never seen a group of people more concerned with helping others. I would like to sincerely thank Ladonna H. for being the first step in helping me reach this milestone. She was prompt and extremely supportive. Nick D. is also informative and goes out of his way to help anyone he can
10.02.2025: CareerSource Tampa Bay has been a huge help for me. Through the Project Management program I am currently taking, I have already learned many tools and strategies that I can apply both at work and in my personal projects. The classes are very practical and give me the confidence that I can grow in my career and take on bigger responsibilities. Thanks to the program, I have also improved how I manage my time, which has helped me a lot in my current position as a Global Complaints Officer. I feel more organized, more effective, and better prepared to handle challenges. What I appreciate most is that I feel supported throughout the entire process, knowing I am not alone and that I have resources to guide me. Even though I am still in the middle of the program, I can already see the difference it is making in my skills and mindset. I especially want to thank LaDonna H. for all her support during this process. She was the one who helped me submit my application and made sure I had everything I needed to get started. I am really grateful for this opportunity and excited to keep learning and moving forward.
09.29.2025: Hannah had been facing tough times. Unemployed and homeless, she relied on food assistance to get by while tirelessly searching for a job. With determination in her heart, she decided to attend the Second Chance Job Fair hosted by CareerSource Tampa Bay, hoping it would be a turning point. There was just one problem. Hannah did not have professional attire for the event. Feeling discouraged but not defeated, she discovered the CareerSource Tampa Bay Fresh Start Clothing Closet. With the help of the supportive staff, she carefully selected a professional outfit that boosted her confidence and made her feel ready to take on the opportunity. At the job fair, Hannah was inspired by the welcoming atmosphere and the variety of employers eager to give people a second chance. She connected with a day labor company that saw her potential. After a positive interaction and a successful interview, Hannah was thrilled to learn she would be starting work soon. The Second Chance Job Fair, combined with the resources from CareerSource Tampa Bay, gave Hannah more than just a job opportunity. It gave her hope and a fresh start. With her new role on the horizon, Hannah is ready to rebuild her life, one determined step at a time. Submitted on behalf of the customer by Kristin W.
09.29.2025: La senorita Michelle V. me antiende muy amablemente y hace exelente su trabajo.
09.23.2025: I am so grateful for CareerSource and the HOPE program. I was able to apply for a grant through the WIOA Program. I needed a new start. As a single mom in my 50s with an adult son with special needs, college was not an option for me, but HOPE gave me that opportunity. My Career Coach, Lakesha W., was so supportive and resourceful. She kindly offered me advice about careers. I now have my certificate in Bookkeeping and Microsoft Office and a new path to start in my life. HOPE and CareerSource made it possible. Please accept my endless gratitude!
09.23.2025: I had the opportunity to participate in the WIOA program through CareerSource, and it has truly been a valuable experience. From the very beginning, the process was clear and organized. Like any program, there were a few steps and requirements that took time to complete. Despite some challenges along the way, I always felt supported and guided. A big part of my success came from my coach, Lakesha W., whose guidance and dedication made everything possible. She helped me understand each step of the process, answered my questions with patience, and encouraged me to stay focused on my goals. With her support, I was able to navigate the program smoothly and take advantage of the opportunities it provided. Overall, the WIOA program gave me the tools, resources, and confidence I needed to move forward in my career. I am truly grateful for the collaboration and the support I received throughout this journey.
"I had the privilege of working with Mabel Livaudais at CareerSource Tampa Bay, and I cannot thank her enough for the support she provided. She is incredibly professional, patient, and genuinely cares about helping people succeed. During my appointment, Mabel took the time to explain everything clearly, gave me valuable resources, and encouraged me every step of the way. She went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported. If you have the opportunity to work with Mabel, you’ll see her kindness, dedication, and professionalism firsthand. CareerSource is very fortunate to have her on their team."
09.11.2025: "Upon graduating from the University of South Florida with my bachelor’s in Information Technology, I had never heard of the Ruskin CareerSource Center until last month. I was fortunate to meet Natalie, an advisor who shared her own experiences, including her time at Citibank. She gave me valuable career guidance, encouragement, and insight into navigating the job market as a recent graduate. As the result, I received multiple job offers after interviewing, resume, and networking resources they provided. The Ruskin CareerSource Center is a great resource for anyone looking for support with their career journey. The staff are professional, approachable, and genuinely want to help you succeed."
09.09.2025: "When my husband’s job moved out of state during COVID and left him temporarily unemployed, life felt so uncertain. That’s when I was introduced to CareerSource Tampa Bay. I remember going to orientation and then sitting down with my career coach, Estela Paz, for my intake interview. She asked me about my goals, and I told her that after working 13+ years in healthcare, I wanted to do something that would push me forward something that would grow my knowledge, open doors, and help me earn more while staying in a field I loved. That’s how Health Information Management came into the picture. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t an easy road. Online classes might sound simple, but they require you to be your own motivator and there were plenty of days where that felt almost impossible. Between working full-time, raising my family, and just dealing with life’s ups and downs, I had more than a few moments where I thought about giving up. The hardest moment was losing my bonus son in June 2024, a pain that still lingers deeply. On top of that, I failed ICD-10 PCS twice. I cried, I doubted myself, but on that third attempt, I passed and I’ll never forget the sense of victory I felt in that moment. Through all of it, Estela’s encouragement stuck with me. She shared stories of others who had walked difficult paths but still came out successful. She kept it real with me, even when her honesty wasn’t always easy to hear. But those words those reminders that I could do it, even when it didn’t feel like I could carried me through my program more than she probably even realizes. I’m so thankful to CareerSource Tampa Bay for believing in me and investing in my future. This degree isn’t just a piece of paper it’s a gift that no one can take away from me. It’s proof that even when life throws its hardest punches, with support, perseverance, and faith, you can still rise"
09.04.2025: "Jerraine Williams’ educational journey is a compelling example of how perseverance, resilience, and strategic support can drive meaningful career transformation. After being laid off in May 2024 from her position as AVP of Compliance Risk, Jerraine was faced with the challenge of navigating a significant career transition. Refusing to be deterred, she took proactive steps toward professional reinvention. Recognizing the importance of enhancing her skill set, Jerraine enrolled in the Project Management Specialist Program at Computer Coach. While actively working toward completing her training, she successfully secured a position as a KYC Operations Risk Specialist, earning $33.65 per hour. This accomplishment, achieved just months after beginning her program, reflects her dedication to growth and her ability to adapt in a competitive and evolving job market. Jerraine’s success has been supported in part by the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program and the Hope Florida Grant, which provided essential resources, guidance, and encouragement throughout her journey. Her story underscores the transformative power of education and workforce training, and highlights the vital role that targeted support programs play in helping individuals overcome setbacks, seize new opportunities, and achieve lasting career success."
09.04.2025: To whom it may concern, I want to take a moment to discuss my experience with the WIOA program. Let me start by saying I've been working in the Information Technology industry since 2000. Since then I have obtained Bachelores of Science and a Masters in Information Systems Security Management. Unfortunately I became unemployed in 2024 while working as a Information Security Supervisor. One of my goals while being unemployed was to obtain my CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification. This certification is known to put the individual holder into an elite class of security professionals that become a part of a world wide consortium. Many of these individuals move on to be Directors and Chief Information Security Officers. Unfortunately it is extremely costly to take the exam, pricing out at $748 per testing instance. After my second testing attempt I was feeling defeated and decided to take a class. I came across the CTT (Center for Technology Training) on the internet and placed a call to inquire. A representative reached out to me and we discussed the curriculum and the price. We discussed the WIOA program being a possible option to finance this endeavour due to my employment circumstance. I signed up for the program that day and received an appointment the following week. The initial appointment was very informative and gave me a positive impression about the program. Once done my next appointment was set with Lakesha Williams to fill out the required paperwork. The meeting with Lakesha will forever go down in my history as one of the best experiences. She was extremely professional, answered all my questions and gave me positive reinforcement during the entire meeting. When leaving the meeting I felt I was back on the path to success. Once I was accepted into the program and she officially became my career coach it became apparent I truly had an advocate. With emails, calls and texts she always followed up to check my progress. She became like a friend to me and always asked the hard questions that needed to be asked. Once I completed the class at CTT I crammed for an additional month and passed the CISSP Exam on July 3rd 2025! Since then I have been offered a position as an Instructor for CTT. This program has definitely given me the hope and support I needed to push my career to the next level. I have provided a link to my credly certification verification profile below for your review. Thank you all so much for the support! https://www.credly.com/users/renard-watkins Thank you, Renard C. Watkins "Building a legacy, one goal at a time!"
" CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas was an incredible resource during my job search. Everyone I met was friendly, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping me succeed. They assisted with resume writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, job fairs, and hosted weekly networking meetings with valuable topics. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a job! Thank you for helping me get to the next chapter in my career!"
08.13.2025: "Santia is the most amazing and kind, helpful person. I came into the Plant City Resource Center to apply for unemployment and the jobsite after losing my job, completely an emotional wreck. She was so incredibly kind and helped me with even the smallest and simplest of questions. She deserves a raise! I cannot say enough kind words about her."
07.30.2025: " I found that the GTF program very easy to engage, and since most of the paperwork was done there was little I needed to do. Though there is not a direct line to the GTF training and my current role the training did improve my confidence and make interacting much easier which I am confident landed me where I am today. My recommendation is that every Veteran leverage the GTF program to not only complement existing skills but also add new ones, leading to increasing confidence and making Networking easier to do. I further recommend using MY IT Future Institute for the training provided by GTF."
07.01.2025: "Monika Krol at CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is an invaluable resource for job seekers. I met with Monika, my career coach, after losing my job and learning about the WIOA grant at a CareerSource job fair. There were a couple certifications required for the roles I was seeking, but I wasn't sure about the grant process. She walked me through all of the required documents and every form I had to fill out, making a confusing and tedious process easy! Monika was incredibly thorough and personable, making me feel more confident and prepared for this new chapter. Within 3 months of learning about the grant, I was approved, completed the courses, obtained two new certifications, and secured a fantastic new job. I am so appreciative to Monika for her diligence, expertise, and kindness during a difficult time in my life. "
05.09.2025: "I met a veteran at MacDill AFB, and together we found the perfect job for him through Employ Florida. He is now working as a Senior Manager for the Threat and Response Team at CITI in Tampa, earning $165,000 a year. From: Bhavesh Ameen Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 12:41 PM To: 6 FSS/FSH TAP Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Interaction/Engagement Review for Mr. Theodore Davis You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello, I would like to share my positive experience interacting with Mr. Theodore Davis and express my appreciation for his support. I was initially referred to Mr. Davis by a veteran contractor at MacDill AFB and I had the opportunity to meet with him in person on March 12 at MacDill AFB. Although our interaction was brief (approximately 15–20 minutes), I gained valuable insights into navigating EmployFlorida.com to search for employment opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Davis was incredibly supportive, understanding, and patient throughout our communications and follow-up inquiries. He also added me to a weekly/monthly job listing distribution email, providing access to new job postings in the local area. On the same day as our initial meeting, I found a role that interested me and applied for it via the vendor portal. As Mr. Davis advised, I informed him immediately after submitting my application. Thanks to his guidance and support, I received an interview request the very next day. I am sincerely grateful for the assistance Mr. Davis provided in my job search. Having been unemployed for over a year between 2023 and 2024, this level of support has been invaluable. His dedication and willingness to help have made a meaningful impact, and I truly appreciate his efforts. Warm regards, Bhavesh Ameen "
02.20.25: " santia munoz help me so much took the time and patients to get me started not computer wiz but now i learn what she tought me a great worker At careersource plant city fl 33563 Ty awsone place to get help"
From Uncertainty to Opportunity with the “Get There Faster” Program Cybil Robinson, a determined military spouse and skilled professional, found herself facing unexpected career uncertainty after being laid off from her previous job. As the spouse of a Disabled Honorable Veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, Cybil had always been a source of strength and resilience for her family. But with limited job opportunities and relying on unemployment compensation, she struggled to re-enter the workforce. Her trajectory shifted upon connecting with the “Get There Faster” Program through CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas. Designed to support transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses, the program offered Cybil the opportunity to pursue targeted, accelerated training to retool her skills and regain her professional momentum. This veteran- and spouse-focused initiative gave Cybil a new path forward. The program provided her with access to accelerated, high-impact training in fields aligned with Florida’s most in-demand careers. Through the program, Cybil enrolled in career-focused training courses with My IT Future, where she completed preparation for Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications. These in-demand credentials positioned her for high-growth roles in the IT and project management sectors—industries where her leadership and organizational strengths could shine. With renewed confidence and industry-recognized credentials, Cybil was ready to reenter the workforce. Nearing graduation, she secured full-time employment as a Project Manager with Collabera, a global digital talent solutions firm specializing in IT staffing and consulting. Collabera’s Tampa-based team connected Cybil to a dynamic project management role on assignment with Citi, a major global financial services company. Cybil began her new position in the beginning of December, earning a competitive $114,400 annual salary. Cybil Robinson’s success highlights the mission of the “Get There Faster” initiative: empowering veterans and their families through education, workforce support, and connections to meaningful, long-term career opportunities. Her story is a shining example of how training and community partnerships can transform potential into success.
03.12.2025: I'm sorry I don't have everyone's names, but each time I visit this location, everyone has been so kind, caring, and helpful. Thank you! Mabel Livaudais was warm and attentive during my Resea meeting, offering a wealth of ideas and suggestions. Her knowledge and encouragement inspired me to believe that anything is possible. Thank you, Mabel! Kalliope Petropoulos is an amazing instructor who provided me with a ton of helpful information and who made me feel that my input truly matters. This made me want to participate even more. I'm looking forward to attending more workshops. Thank you, Kalliope
12.05.2024: I met Mr. Ted Davis at MacDill AFB after losing my job and I was overwhelmed with frustration and disbelief. He calmed me down and started working with me right away as a walk-in client at the MFRC. He was instrumental in my job search and sent daily and weekly job leads for me to apply and to consider. He met me at the Job Fair and was speaking to vendors about my skill set on my behalf. I just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work. You certainly gave me hope. I think you guys have a great program there and you were so very helpful. Thanks as always. I was offered a job as a Senior FOIA Analyst CENTCOM starts in January 2025.
11.21.2024: Mario, I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the service and support provided by Mr. Ted Davis through the MFRC Veteran & Spouses transition program. Ted's knowledge, insight and support has been invaluable to me during my transition from active-duty service into civilian employment. My wife and I moved to the Tampa Bay area at the beginning of August. We were complete newcomers, as we were never stationed at MacDill AFB, and I needed to reach and plug-in into the local job market right away. Ted's expertise and service was recommended to me and wasted no time in seeking him out. He knew exactly how to get me up to speed, ASAP! The MFRC Veteran & Spouses program offers several career development resources and opportunities that I greatly appreciate. I participated in their resume boot camp session, one-on-one coaching sessions, and I've been keeping tabs on hiring fairs where I can practice and refine my industry networking skills. I would not have known how to make such quick progress in my transition without Ted's assistance. The best thing is that I believe my professional relationship and friendship with Ted as a fellow Marine Corps veteran is just getting started. His career coaching and past knowledge as an entrepreneur in the government contracting industry will continue to assist me as I step into the same field. I am now employed by ManTech International as a Program Director making $86.00 per hour, and I intend to work with Ted to keep my eyes on the job horizon, as well as seek out opportunities for fellow veterans looking for employment here in the Tampa Bay area. My sincerest thanks to you, Ted and to the MFRC Veteran & Spouse support program. This is an invaluable program and one that I hope continues to thrive in the years to come. v/r Ricardo Miagany Col USMC (Ret)
09.25.2024: Hello, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge and express my appreciation for the Amazing Customer Service provided from Rachel Esperance. As I was lost w/new System, she professionally, patiently and successfully assisted me on the navigation. I was able to leave w/much less stress than when I walked in.. She should really be acknowledge! As we need more of her at the Unemployment Office. Keep up your great customer service!! Thank you! Aida
09.16.2024: Danny & Santia were amazing & super helpful & went above & beyond helping us with the unemployment process! Please commend them & give them raise & hire more employees like them!
08.31.2024: Dear CareerSource Tampa Bay, Your organization is a blessing. I moved here and started renting in February from South Dakota without work. I was employed in a couple different organizations before reaching out to CareerSource Tampa Bay. I was first meeting with Daniel multiple times. Daniel is awesome because he says up to date with current resume trends, and he kindly let me know if the summary of qualifications (my resume was behind the times by 5 years) and helped polish my EmployFlorida account for job recommendations. Thank you Jesus for Daniel's work. The next stellar employee called me to check on my job hunt at least 5 times. The employee Mrs. Zoraida is great at inspiring her clients! She diligently answered every one of my emails and put in many recommendations for employment for me. Plus she has experience in my career field. Thank you Jesus for Mrs. Zoraida. Praise the Lord for Mrs. Madison. Mrs. Madison was very helpful during her resume workshop. The resume got me hired in my field by July. So I went from arriving without a job in Feb, grabbing jobs that still meant a lot to me, and ultimately getting hired in my field in July. God Bless!
08.26.2024 Click the YouTube button on the upper right of this blue box to learn about Harmon Colbert's Success Story.
08.09.2024: Click the YouTube button on the upper right of this blue box to learn about Harmon Colbert's Success Story.
08.09.2024: From HVAC School Graduate to Thriving Professional At just 20 years old, Stavon Davis Jr. had already faced more challenges than most of his peers. Fresh out of high school, he knew that college wasn't the right path for him. He wanted a hands-on career where he could make a real impact and start earning a good income quickly. That's when he discovered the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) field. Determined to build a stable future, Stavon enrolled in a Southern Technical College for HVAC. He dedicated himself to the program, learning everything from system installation to maintenance and repair. Stavon's commitment paid off, and he graduated at the top of his class within a year. However, graduating was just the first step. Stavon needed to find a job, and he had little experience in the workforce. Unsure of where to start, he turned to CareerSource Tampa Bay, an organization known for helping young professionals enter the job market. CareerSource Linda Parham and Kristal Feacher provided Stavon with invaluable resources: resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and connections to local employers. They even arranged a few interviews for him with established HVAC companies. Stavon skills and enthusiasm caught the attention of Del Air Plumbing, and he was offered a full-time position just a few weeks after graduation. Starting with a modest salary, Stavon was determined to prove himself. He took on every challenge, often staying late and volunteering for overtime whenever the opportunity arose. His hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Within months, Jordan was promoted and began taking on more complex projects. His dedication and increasing expertise in HVAC systems earned him not just respect but also significant pay increases. Two months into his career, Stavon was now making $2,500 a week, a remarkable achievement for someone his age. His story became an inspiration to others in his community, showing that with the right training and support, it’s possible to build a successful career quickly. Stavon often reflects on how far he's come in such a short time. He credits his success to the solid foundation he received from his HVAC school and the critical support from CareerSource Tampa Bay. But above all, it's Stavon's work ethic and determination that have propelled him to a place where he’s not just earning a living but thriving in a career he loves.
08.08.2024t: I would love to put out a good word for Rachel E. She was wonderful and resourceful in helping me and took me out of being stuck four times. She is just great.
08.07.2024: Click the YouTube button on the upper right of this blue box to learn about Harmon Colbert's Success Story.
08.07.2024: Click the YouTube button on the upper right of this blue box to learn about Harmon Colbert's Success Story.
06.25.2024: Click the YouTube button on the upper right of this blue box to learn about Harmon Colbert's Success Story.
11.14.2024: This story celebrates the success of Ashanti Mcintosh. Ms. Mcintosh attended her RESEA appointment on April 10th, 2024, meeting with RESEA Specialist Miesha Lott. Ms. Mcintosh lost her position as a Business Analyst at the end of 2023 and was searching for a similar position. Ms. Mcintosh has a variety of skills sets within the field and holds a master’s degree. After meeting with Ms. Lott, Ms. Mcintosh was referred to Employability Skills Training workshops and the Employ Florida virtual recruiter. Ms. Mcintosh received resume review assistance and was encouraged to attend monthly networking events. Ms. Mcintosh was also referred to the Alison training platform to focus on strengthening her HR and Data Compliance skills. Ms. Mcintosh was offered a position as a Business Analyst with Centene as of 5.28.24.
11.14.2024: On October 19, 2023, Ms. Margarita Bess was referred to by Vocational Rehabilitation at VA James Haley to Veterans’ Services. Having been out of the workforce for five years, Ms. Bess was seeking employment in Research and Analyst positions. She expressed concerns about the challenging job market, noting, “Our current local economy is experiencing the highest inflation ratio coupled with a tough job market. It’s a hardship to re-enter the civilian workforce. Increasing layoffs in Tampa discourage me. Our economy mirrors the great recession of 2007. When it is this bad, it means it can only get better.” We provided individualized career services, including an Objective Assessment Summary, Job Search Plan, and Individual Employment Plan. We advised Ms. Bess to delay further education and focus on positions that would support her desired education level. Services included one-on-one intensive support, accessing the EF Website, and résumé prep/coaching. Ms. Bess reported that the one-on-one sessions with Mr. Eliseo Colón were highly impactful. She benefited from 17 detailed articles on various job search topics, including networking, job information acquisition, cover letters, interview preparation, and more. Ms. Bess highlighted the guidance on addressing work gaps as particularly valuable, stating, “Thank you so much for your time and valuable guidance. What you taught me in these past weeks helped me become competitive in the job market and opened my eyes to other opportunities through your program. Your unconditional support and specific instructions really shaped my view of the job market.” On November 12, Ms. Bess was hired as an Instructor with the Joint Special Operations University, starting on November 15 with an annual salary of $91,520! Thanks to the assistance from CSTB staff, Ms. Bess successfully obtained employment through direct placement. Her résumé and interview skills were significantly enhanced, leading to a successful interview and job offer. It has been an exciting program year, and we believe our Veterans team has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort deserving of recognition. Given the achievements outlined above, we strongly believe that the CareerSource Tampa Bay Veterans Team should be awarded the Veterans Performance Incentive Award for Program Year 2023-2024. Thank you for your review and consideration of our submission.
11.14.2024: When Yadira enrolled in the WIOA program, she was out of work for more than 6 months. She had previously received services through WIOA youth, where she earned her medical assistant certification, however she was ready to progress in her healthcare career. As a single parent of two she needed a career path that would increase her earnings and her ability to support her family. Yadira attended Southern Technical College Diagnostic Medical Sonography AS Degree program. Through the challenges of raising a family and attending school Yadira was able to maintain a 3.72 GPA. Yadira Veron Gonzalo graduated from Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Southern Technical College, Tampa in June 2024. Two months later she was hired by Lakeland regional hospital where she is employed as an ultra sonographer I ; she went from being unemployed to earning $42.00 per hour. The services provided to her through the WIOA Adult program are life changing. Yadira now has a stable career and can support her family.
11.14.2024: I’m thankful because CareerSource Tampa Bay gave me this opportunity to take the course and enhance my experience as well, and it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door when it comes to STEM
8/12/2024: "Mr. Daniel was very helpful, patient, it’s a Pro in comput, He’s awesome at Ruskin location"
8/09/2024: From HVAC School Graduate to Thriving Professional At just 20 years old, Stavon Davis Jr. had already faced more challenges than most of his peers. Fresh out of high school, he knew that college wasn't the right path for him. He wanted a hands-on career where he could make a real impact and start earning a good income quickly. That's when he discovered the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) field. Determined to build a stable future, Stavon enrolled in a Southern Technical College for HVAC. He dedicated himself to the program, learning everything from system installation to maintenance and repair. Stavon's commitment paid off, and he graduated at the top of his class within a year. However, graduating was just the first step. Stavon needed to find a job, and he had little experience in the workforce. Unsure of where to start, he turned to CareerSource Tampa Bay, an organization known for helping young professionals enter the job market. CareerSource Linda Parham and Kristal Feacher provided Stavon with invaluable resources: resume-building workshops, interview preparation, and connections to local employers. They even arranged a few interviews for him with established HVAC companies. Stavon skills and enthusiasm caught the attention of Del Air Plumbing, and he was offered a full-time position just a few weeks after graduation. Starting with a modest salary, Stavon was determined to prove himself. He took on every challenge, often staying late and volunteering for overtime whenever the opportunity arose. His hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Within months, Jordan was promoted and began taking on more complex projects. His dedication and increasing expertise in HVAC systems earned him not just respect but also significant pay increases. Two months into his career, Stavon was now making $2,500 a week, a remarkable achievement for someone his age. His story became an inspiration to others in his community, showing that with the right training and support, it’s possible to build a successful career quickly. Stavon often reflects on how far he's come in such a short time. He credits his success to the solid foundation he received from his HVAC school and the critical support from CareerSource Tampa Bay. But above all, it's Stavon's work ethic and determination that have propelled him to a place where he’s not just earning a living but thriving in a career he loves.
8/08/2024: I would love to put out a good word for Rachel E. She was wonderful and resourceful in helping me and took me out of being stuck four times. She is just great.
06/17/2024: Christene Gerardi my instructor was a really good my really good with the workshop class.
05/29/2024: Hello there, I feel so , so Happy that I found Career Source and also REGIO Management, to find a way to be proactive and get back to work force = ) every single day I feel Happy to come to work = ) This is just the first step and I feel Gratitude I feel Thankful all sorts of Nice Things. Thanks for the Opportunity = ).
05/09/2024: My experience so far has been very good and employed her are very nice.
05/09/2024: I’ve had many experiences over the last 35 years I can do anything I put my mind to
02/01/2024: Iman Williamson: Overcoming Obstacles to Triumph in Web Development Iman Williamson's journey to success is a testament to her resilience and determination. Before enrolling in the ACE program, she faced unemployment and battled anxiety and depression, making it challenging to secure full-time employment. In response to her challenges, Iman sought psychotherapy to address her medical conditions. Iman's enrollment in the ACE Front End Web Development program in January 2023 marked the beginning of her transformation. Throughout her journey, she maintained open communication with her Career Coach, Monika Krol, establishing a bond of trust that allowed for in-depth discussions about her career options. Iman's Paid Work Experience with Katpro Technologies, Inc. was a shining success during the ACE program. Her employer quickly provided a glowing recommendation letter, praising her commitment, attendance, coachability, and work ethic. Iman's resume was updated to reflect the skills acquired during her program and her valuable experiences in the workforce. With the resume enhancements and interview preparation provided by the CareerSource Tampa Bay ACE team, Iman Williamson secured a position with USAA as an Auto Non-Injury Claim Adjuster on September 11, 2023, with an hourly rate of $23.46 and full benefits. Her journey at USAA is filled with promise, and her success is eagerly awaited. These success stories exemplify how the ACE Program empowers young adults in Hillsborough County to overcome challenges, gain valuable skills, and embark on promising careers, contributing to the local workforce and community.
02/01/2024: Yeider Fang Tac: The Resilient Graduate Who Drove His Success Yeider Fang Tac's journey through the ACE Cybersecurity program is an inspiring story of determination and resilience. Without financial challenges and a car, Yeider sought CSTB's assistance to complete his Paid Work Experience with LexDock, LLC. He made up for what he lacked in transportation with punctuality, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of feedback from LexDock and CSTB staff. Upon completing his Paid Work Experience, Yeider seized an opportunity for a Program Specialist position at CSTB. His exceptional interviewing skills wowed the Program Coordinators, leading to his integration into the CSTB team on April 19. Yeider is already making remarkable contributions to the organization, and his journey of professional growth is eagerly anticipated.
02/01/2024 : Shyheim Morales: A Beacon of Transformation in ACE Green Construction Shyheim Morales' journey with the ACE Green Construction program is a testament to the power of second chances. Having faced adversity, including periods of incarceration, Shyheim struggled to find stability in his life and provide for his family. It was a chance encounter with the ACE Green Construction initiative, through his father's connection with a CSTB partner, that would change his life. Upon visiting the Tampa Vocational Institute, Shyheim met the inspiring David Jones, Director of Workforce Solutions. Despite initial reservations about enrolling in the program, Shyheim's doubts were assuaged when he met Andres Baez, ACE Lead Career Coach. With unwavering support from David and encouragement from his newfound mentors, Shyheim decided to take the plunge. At the program's outset, he was concerned about balancing work and school, a challenge he had faced in high school. However, Shyheim surpassed all expectations, attending classes at the Tampa Vocational Institute and working at Mielke Mechanical with unwavering dedication. His remarkable leadership qualities quickly became evident, earning him the admiration of both his instructor and David. He willingly assumed the role of a student leader, motivating his peers. On June 13, 2023, Shyheim stood tall as the keynote speaker at the ACE Graduation ceremony, an occasion that filled his father and son with immense pride, shared by the CSTB. After graduation, Shyheim Morales secured a position as a Warehouse Laborer at Mielke Holdings, with a wage of $16.00 per hour.
Department: '01/30/2024 Meet Christian, a former soldier who served in Kuwait. After completing his service, Christian and his wife Jasmine moved to Tampa, Florida, hoping for new opportunities and a brighter future. The couple believed that the move would be a positive change, especially since it would allow Jasmine to pursue a promising job opportunity. However, upon their arrival in Tampa, they were met with an unforeseen challenge. The grant funding for the job Jasmine had been counting on fell through, leaving her without the position she had anticipated. The sudden turn of events cast a shadow of uncertainty over their aspirations. The couple desperately began looking for relief opportunities and resources, especially given that they have four children, one of whom has special needs. Christian decided to take matters into his own hands and opted to pursue a career in trucking. Christian came to Career Source for guidance and was referred to the Get There Faster Program (GTF). His career coach assisted him in enrolling at Tampa Trucking and provided resume and job search assistance. The GTF career coach even encouraged Jasmine to utilize program funds. Jasmine later enrolled in a PMP certification course with the University of South Florida. After successfully earning his CDL, Christian, with the assistance of his coach secured a position as a truck driver with Covenant Trucking making $37/hour. The long hours on the road are sometimes demanding, but Christian has embraced the challenges with resilience and dedication.
12/19/2023: Our latest Penn Foster graduate is Jaeda Chavis. Shhh, it’s been a secret. She joined us early in 2021 and hasn’t told anyone she was working on this, so it’s been slow going sneaking out to Starbucks to use their wifi to do her lessons. She’s thrilled that she finally finished now and is super excited about her next steps. She’s enrolling at HCC for an Associates and then transferring to USF for a degree in Psychology.
12/19/2023: Our latest Penn Foster graduate is Richard Kindell. What can I say about Richard? Not too much, as we just met a little over a month ago, but I can tell you he’s ambitious, focused and motivated! He came in with a plan and by gosh he’s on track to make it happen. He said he was going to make getting his diploma his full time job for a month, and finish in time to start vocational training in the spring to be an electrician.
Department: WIOA Youth/Career Services Uriel enrolled with Kathy one year ago almost to the day. He’s been very slow but very steady ever since (my correspondence has looked like Sep: “only 5 lessons to go!” Oct: “only 4 lessons to go!”; Nov: “Only two lessons to go!” but surprise, surprise, he did it today! Next steps for him, he’d like to follow in his father’s footsteps and get certified in HVAC and get a part time job while he’s in school.
El sr. Daniel Mayta es un excelente especialista atiende muy bien a todas las personas que vienen a solicitar apoyo para conseguir trabajo merece un 20 por su labor
Ms. Holly is the best thing since sliced bread! She's very attentive and actively seeks out individuals to help with the processes of completing their applications. She's friendly, and highly professional! No doubt, she puts in many miles on the floor of the space within the computer lab! Thanks, Ms. Holly, you were a god-send to and for us, in there today.
I want to name this employee so the credit is received to the correct person. Angelina who works for both career source centers is awesome!!! in the are of customer service especially Re-employment. I was here several times, MLK location. I was having anxiety attack because this process is NOT easy to navigate. Angelina came to my rescue, instead of just showing me to a computer, as if I know the process well. THANK YOU Ms. Agelina for saving my sanity. She deserves a raise in pay!
Estoy sinceramente agradecida por la ayuda que recibi de Luis Ortega y Guadalupe De Castro su generosidad y dedicacion realmente hicieron una gran diferencia para mi situacion .Sus habilidad para ofrecer orientacion y apoyo cuando mas lo necesitaba no tiene comparacion.No solo desmostraron un profundo conocimiento en el tema sino que tambien entregaron con una actitud amable y muy pacientes.Gracias a ellos siempre estare agradecida por su amabilidad y disposicion para extender una mano amiga.Altamente recomendados!!!!!!!!!
Click the icon on the upper right corner to access This CSTB Summer Hires Success Story
Angeleen was the best person out of all the people here helping me, she stayed the most and helped me unlike all the others, she was kind, sweet, and had a bunch of patience, there should me more like her working around here, I was here for 3+ hours and she helped the most through everything, even when the website was malfunctioning. Yall should really give her a raise.
Click the icon on the upper right corner to access This CSTB Summer Hires Success Story
Click the icon on the upper right corner to access This CSTB Summer Hires Success Story
Click the icon on the upper right corner to access This CSTB Summer Hires Success Story
Click the icon on the upper right corner to access This CSTB Summer Hires Success Story
Theodore Mugnier, known as Ted, successfully transitioned into a civilian career through the Get There Faster Veterans Program offered by CareerSource Tampa Bay. After serving in the Marine Corps for 21 years, Ted aimed to apply his skills and experience in the civilian world. With a background in developing training programs for service members and working on cyber intelligence missions, Ted brought valuable expertise to the table.
Dear Ted and staff, Thank you from a homeless veteran with kids sleeping in his car. You all have been so patient & caring with me, my kids, and everyone that has walked through your doors. You've helped every one of us who asked for it. You've become a family to us. My family is so grateful to have been one you helped and lifted, you are all so special to us, and so inspiring that such warmth, love & commitment can come from such great people/veterans. I can remember when | first came in. | was so hesitant about asking for help, where | wanted to go in life, and what | wanted to do, was in a rut but through all my struggles and mistakes, Ted & the staff welcomed me and my kids with open arms & supported me. They provided me with the tools to move forward and not look back, to have a greater tomorrow and future. I wouldn't be the veteran | am today if it hadn't been for the support, care, love, and commitment which you gave to me and my family. In the future, | plan to continue volunteering to help homeless veterans and their families and maybe become a veteran worker here to give other homeless veterans and families a chance to live life fully like the chance you all gave me. I would especially like to give a special and emotional thank you to my DVOP consultant Ted Davis for helping me not just get a job but a career with Road Safe/Florida Department of Transportation. Ted is an exceptional consultant he goes far and beyond to help us veterans lift ourselves and stay up during and after our falls. He shows what it means never to leave a soldier behind. So from me, my family and all veterans we salute you and thank you. Always in my heart, Semper Fi Thank you, Veteran Miguel Leonardo-Colindres.
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is proud to share the inspiring success story of Sean Shugarts, a veteran who overcame significant challenges to rebuild his life and find meaningful employment. Through the dedicated efforts of Theodore Davis (Ted), a DVOP specialist at CSTB, Sean's journey serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.
Once a homeless veteran living in his car with his three children, Miguel Leonardo-Colindres' life took a positive turn when he crossed paths with Theodore Davis, a dedicated DVOP (Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program) at CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB).
I want to say thank you so much to the staff MARISSA excellent attitude she helped me a LOT in my job search she is great.
I focus on my work I'll love to help my parents out with there bills and stuff
Madison Harte is an exceptional teacher and I learn so much from her. Thank you for your kind way of teaching that helps me understand. Thank you!
Christine Skalla attended her RESEA appointment virtually on 3.9.23 meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Natasha De Souza. Ms. Skalla had been searching for work for 2 months before receiving RESEA services. Prior to working with RESEA, Ms. Skalla was proactively working with CSTB by creating her resume within Employ Florida. Ms. Skalla lost her position working as a legal assistant and was looking for a new position either continuing as a legal assistant or as an administrative assistant. Ms. Skalla has a high school diploma and 35 years of Legal Assistant experience. Ms. Skalla was experiencing some barriers with age and finding job leads, thus finding it difficult to find a new position. After meeting with Ms. De Souza, Ms. Skalla was referred to an Employability Skills Training workshop, the Resource Room, and Job Fairs. Ms. Skalla was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for job leads. On 3.13.23, Ms. Skalla was offered a position with Dutton Law Group. Ms. Skalla is now working full time as a Legal Assistant, earning a wage of $25.49 per hour. Ms. Skalla is gaining valuable experience working in a field that she enjoys, while earning a salary that gives her the ability to be self-sufficient.
My name is Blake and I am a Recruiter with Career Source. I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to Carla from WIOA. I got made aware of a customer to assist and she mentioned how polite and kind Carla is. She is very sweet, willing to help, unbothered by minor things and such a joy and GENUINE BLESSING to work with!
After meeting with Natasha, Ms. Kristmann was referred to an EST class, Job Search Strategies in a Virtual World (which she attended), Alison Virtual Training, the WIOA program and CareerEDGE. Ms. Kristmann was also provided with labor market information about her field and advised regarding the use of Onet for career exploration, as well as Employ Florida for job searching and employability resources. What was the final result? What did the customer accomplish? Did they complete training, secure employment, gain additional skills? What was the overall impact? (2-3 sentences) On 11.28.22, Ms. Kristmann was offered a position with Sedgwick Insurance. Ms. Kristmann is now working full-time as a Claims Adjustor, earning an annual wage of $90,000. Ms. Kristmann gained many resources from the RESEA program and has now returned to the field that she knows and loves.
Garth Scism attended his RESEA appointment in the Tampa Center on 11.1.22 meeting with RESEA Specialist, Natasha De Souza. Ms. Scism had been searching for work for 2 months before receiving RESEA services. Mr. Scism lost his position working in healthcare revenue cycles and was looking for a new position in this same field. Mr. Scism has a Master's degree and experience with 25 years of healthcare revenue cycle experience. Mr. Scism was experiencing some barriers with the job market, thus finding it difficult to find a new position. After meeting with his RESEA Specialist, Mr. Scism was referred to an Employability Skills Training workshop, CareerEDGE and ONet. Mr. Scism was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. Mr. Scism attended his workshop, Marketing Yourself on 11.15.22. On 12.23.22, Mr. Scism was offered a position with Flow Therapy LLC. Mr. Scism is now working full time as their Director of Revenue Cycle Management, earning an annual wage of $119,000. Mr. Scism is now working in a field that he is experienced in and enjoys, while earning a high wage allowing for self-sufficiency.
Quote or Testimonial: Mr. Davis, I wanted to thank you for your never-ending efforts and support to get me employed. You have been solid fixture since the day we met. You have been diligent in assisting me with gaining meaningful employment by sending me to job fairs, accompanying me to those same job fairs, and emailing me job leads on a weekly basis. You even went above and beyond for me by asking your daughter to provide her expert advice in HR to optimize my resume. That helped tremendously. Additionally, you even stepped in whenever I was having some personal issues with the staff at the Salvation Army which went beyond the scope of your responsibilities as a DVOP consultant. You have been pinnacle to my success, and I can’t thank you enough. Thanks for believing in me. 🙏🏼 Sincerely, Gabriel Bartolomei
Ms. Sylvia Gaddis attended her RESEA appointment virtually on 10.17.22 meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Eva Lundi. Ms. Gaddis had been searching for work for 6 weeks before receiving RESEA services. Ms. Gaddis lost her position working in customer service and was looking for a new position in data entry. Ms. Gaddis has a bachelor’s degree and many years of administrative experience. Ms. Gaddis was having difficulties finding a new position due to her age. After meeting with Ms. Lundi, RESEA Specialist, Ms. Gaddis was referred to the Employability Skills Training workshop, Modern Day Job Search for Mature Workers, as well as CareerEDGE and ONet. Ms. Gaddis was also provided with EmployFlorida job leads and action steps to achieve her goals. On 12.8.22, Ms. Gaddis was offered a position with Dr. Matthew Hutchinson OD PA. She is now working full-time as a receptionist, earning a wage of $13.00 per hour. Ms. Gaddis is very excited about this new position, and we wish her the very best!
To Whom it may concern, Hey Mr. Ted, just sitting here talking to my wife about our situation, as you know, I support her and her family, so when work and home dried up we became anxious messes. I was telling her about you the other day. Anyways, you have made it possible through this work thing for me and her to have anxiety free conversations again, which has brought her much joy and peace. I really appreciate this. When she's content and at ease it makes my job as a man a lot easier, and I enjoy watching her flourish. You’re a good man Ted, I don't really know you, but what I do know reminds me that my personal character goals are obtainable and, from what I see in you, will be enjoyable. You did a lot more than hook me up with a job in all this, God bless you and yours, and Thank You Koda Purvis
Christopher Claeys attended his RESEA appointment in-person at the Brandon Center on 9.13.22 meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Massiel Luna. Mr. Claeys had been searching for work for about a month before receiving RESEA services. Mr. Claeys lost his position working as a mortgage processor and closure and was looking for a new position in the accounting or mortgage industry. Mr. Claeys has a Master of Business Administration and experience within accounting and mortgage processing. Mr. Claeys was experiencing some barriers finding an acceptable salary, thus finding it difficult to find a new position. After meeting with Ms. Luna RESEA Recruiter, Mr. Claeys was referred to an Employability Skills Training workshop, the WIOA program, CareerEDGE and ONet. Mr. Claeys was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. On 10/10/22, Mr. Claeys was offered a position with Citigroup, Inc. Mr. Claeys is now working full time as an VP – FRSS Risk Weighted Assets, earning a salary of $100,000 per year. Mr. Claeys is gaining valuable experience working in a field that he enjoys, while earning a great wage that allows him to support his family.
Maria Velez attended her RESEA appointment on 7/5/22 meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Eva Lundi. Ms. Velez had been searching for work for 2 months before receiving RESEA services. Prior to working with RESEA, Ms. Velez was proactively working with CSTB by visiting and working within the Resource Room. She was also a previous RESEA participant in 2019. Ms. Velez lost her position working in customer service and was looking for a new position continuing in customer service. Ms. Velez has a high school diploma and experience working with customers and with many types of office equipment. After meeting with Eva Lundi RESEA Recruiter, Ms. Velez was referred to Modern Day Job Search for the Mature Worker, as well as CareerEDGE and ONet. Ms. Velez was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. On 7/11/22, Ms. Velez was offered a position with WIPRO. Ms. Velez is currently working full time as a Customer Service Representative, earning a wage of $15.00 per hour. Ms. Velez is now gaining valuable experience working in the field that she enjoys. We celebrate her success!
After meeting with her RESEA Recruiter, she was referred to additional Employability Skills Training workshops, the WIOA program, CareerEDGE and ONet. She was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. Ms. Bailey attended several workshops, including Job Search Strategies in a Virtual World, Labor Market Information, Mock Interviews, Hiring Test Strategies, Resume Development and Choosing The Right Employer. What was the final result? What did the customer accomplish? Did they complete training, secure employment, gain additional skills? What was the overall impact? (2-3 sentences) On June 6, 2022, Ms. Bailey was offered a position with Moffitt Cancer Center. She is now working full time as an Oncology Technician, earning a wage of $14.50 per hour. Ms. Bailey is gaining valuable experience working in a field that she enjoys, while earning a salary that gives her the ability to be self-sufficient.
“I have enjoyed working and learning from Rose and all the other CareerSource Staff. Everyone is helpful and pleasant to work with. I enjoy the relaxed office atmosphere. Also, I love working with our diverse customers and learning from them while helping them. “
Mr. Martin attended his RESEA appointment virtually on 10/3/22 meeting with RESEA Specialist, Natasha De Souza. Mr. Martin had been searching for work for 1 month before receiving RESEA services. Mr. Martin lost his position working as an assistant general manager and was looking for a new position as a general and operations manager. Mr. Martin has a high school diploma and experience in management. Mr. Martin was not finding many positions that would be a good fit for him and was finding it difficult to secure a position. After meeting with Natasha RESEA Specialist, Mr. Martin was referred to an Employability Skills Training workshop, the WIOA program, CareerEDGE, the EF Virtual Recruiter and ONet. Mr. Martin was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. Mr. Martin attended his workshop, Marketing Yourself on 10/5/22. After approximately one month, Mr. Martin was offered employment. Starting on 11/2/22, Mr. Martin began a position with the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. We celebrate his success!
Janina Lewis attended her RESEA appointment virtually on 10/3/22 meeting with RESEA Specialist, Natasha De Souza. Ms. Lewis had been searching for work for 1 month before receiving RESEA services. Prior to working with RESEA, Ms. Lewis was proactively working with CSTB by researching and registering for the TechBoost program. Ms. Lewis lost her position working as an Operations Coordinator and was looking for a new position as a Compliance Officer. Ms. Lewis has her GED and experience in hospital coordination. Ms. Lewis was experiencing some barriers with not finding the right job leads and was finding it difficult to find a new position. After meeting with Natasha RESEA Specialist, Ms. Lewis was referred to an Employability Skills Training workshop, the Resource Room, the WIOA program, CareerEDGE and ONet. Ms. Lewis was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. Ms. Lewis attended her workshop, Employment Success, and was successfully enrolled in the TechBoost program, starting a training program with Computer Coach working to increase her skills in Power BI Desktop and Microsoft Excel. On 10/31/22, Ms. Lewis was offered a position with Aston Carter. Ms. Lewis is now working full-time as a Case Analyst, earning a wage of $29 per hour. Ms. Lewis is gaining valuable experience working in a field that she enjoys, while earning a salary that gives her the ability to be self-sufficient.
"I attended the Mock Interview workshop and learned a lot of great tips and tricks. I have worked in HR and interview myself, so the questions presented, and the process mock interviewing were not new to me. However, Roberto was able to give me some great insight with some excellent response that were specific to my situation"
To Whom it may concern, I was in a transitional housing program at New Beginnings in Tampa when I first met Mr. Davis. He advised me that he had contacts with FDOT and had just placed another Veteran at Roadsafe and I was excited. I expressed interest in the same job, and Mr. Davis provided guidance and direction on how to apply and he sent my resume to the client. After I applied Mr. Davis made several calls on my behalf and a week later I was hired. In addition, he put me in contact with another agency HVRP an order to get the supplies needed for the job. I'm extremely grateful for his services and the speed at which he was able to perform them. He is a master at his craft and I appreciate all he has done for me. Anthony McCarthy
" I love that CareerSource is always here to support me even if I come from a financially or physically disadvantaged background"
"Mrs. Norma, I appreciate all your help and advice. Appreciate your honesty and it was nice to be your co-worker for a short time you kept it real. Thank you."
Imani Davis saw online that Career source was advertising a new program that would allow the client to get training in the cyber security field. After the program, Imani Davis wanted more training to sharpen her skills and started doing research on different opportunities that would allow her to grow and develop the skills acquired from the ACE Cyber Security program. Imani Davis found this opportunity and applied.
CSTB assisted Ms. Metzger with a childcare referral to School Readiness so that she could return to work immediately. CSTB also assisted customer with job searches and resume writing skills.
Amaya came to Florida only being able to speak Spanish. She is not currently a citizen of the U.S. and is unable to work as a result. While in the SNAP E&T Program, the SNAP team has been able to help her enroll her in ESOL classes at no cost to her. This has allowed her to stay in compliance with the SNAP Program while learning English. Amaya is attending all of her ESOL classes and is learning more English each day.
Mr. Daniel Perez was a long-term unemployed customer, 36 weeks. Although he has an AA in Arts, he was unable to obtain permanent employment. As he stated, during this difficult period he utilized his time to build his "self-worth" to obtain better opportunities. He was enrolled in the IT Security Program with Computer Coach, through the TechBoost Special Grants program. Mr. Perez has always had a motivation to excel; Techboost has been a great contributor in building his self-esteem and providing the necessary tools to succeed. Mr. Perez is extremely grateful and appreciative to CSTB and the Techboost program.
Insight scope of how business works and taught me how to hustle and work very hard. I learned how to “work harder now and relax in the future.” It was a very positive experience.
Jose lost a job and was hesitant to go back to work due to a back injury. In his down time, he discovered that he had a strong interest in the IT field and even took some free online courses. Once Jose received my call while I was doing outreach, he had never heard of us but was pleased to hear about the program! As you can see his eagerness toward the program carried right into a successful outcome and the Get There Faster grant is exactly what he needed.
Ms. Neal had several barriers to employment. Customer was in need childcare assistance, professional clothing, and assistance in obtaining her HSD to obtain employment that would assist her in becoming self-sufficient. Due to participant having these barriers, she was limited with employment opportunities which have been mainly minimum wage jobs. Ms. Neal was able to secure employment as a Residence Care Assistant at Central Tampa ALF working 40 hours a week earning $13.00 while she continues working on her HSD with Penn Foster. Customer is now on Transitional Status receiving Transitional Child Care.
How did we help them? Financial or job search related, etc.? (5-8 sentences) Ms. Luna assisted Ms. Wilson through her RESEA appointment, discussing her goals, barriers, and beneficial services. Ms. Wilson was referred to the WIOA program, Alison Online Learning, CareerEDGE, Workforce Skills for the 21st Century and CareerSource Tampa Bay Employability Skills Workshops. Ms. Wilson was provided with Labor Market Information which gave her detailed information regarding positions available, expected salary and different certifications that she could research. Ms. Wilson successfully secured employment with EXL Legal as a Project Analyst on April 4th, 2022 earning $25.00 per hour. This new position allows Ms. Wilson to continue her experience and study in the legal field to eventually pursue her long-term goal of obtaining a position in Real Estate Law.
"Hey Mr. Ted, just sitting here talking to my wife about our situation, as you know, I support her and her family, so when work and home dried up we became anxious messes. I was telling her about you the other day. Anyways, you have made it possible through this work thing for me and her to have anxiety free conversations again, which has brought her much joy and peace. I really appreciate this. When she's content and at ease it makes my job as a man a lot easier, and I enjoy watching her flourish. You’re a good man Ted, I don't really know you, but what I do know reminds me that my personal character goals are obtainable and, from what I see in you, will be enjoyable. You did a lot more than hook me up with a job in all this, God bless you and yours, and Thank You" Koda Purvis
"I was very glad that Mr. David Lurie was with me all the way during my employment process. Mr. Lurie went above and beyond for me with multiple follow-ups with Human Resources for Busch Gardens while waiting for my background check to process. I give Mr. Lurie the credit he deserves in me getting employed and is a great person and highly recommended to get you a job."
This success story is about Zaria Bailey. She attended her RESEA appointment virtually on April 4, 2022, meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Eva Lundi. Ms. Bailey had been searching for work for 2 months before receiving RESEA services. Prior to working with RESEA, Ms. Bailey was proactively working with CSTB and had attended an Employability Skills Training workshop, Professional Communication.
Mr. William (Bill) Rynknoski came into the Brandon center through the RESEA program in August of 2021. He held a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and was looking for a position as a Project Manager.
This success story is about Mr. Anthony Juliano. Mr. Juliano is a Veteran who served in the Army, having an honorable discharge. He attended his RESEA appointment at the Tampa Center on 5.31.22, meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Eva Lundi. Mr. Juliano had been searching for work for about 3 weeks before receiving RESEA services.
It gives me immense pleasure and delight to write this character reference for Mr. Ted Davis, in my opinion the "Best DVOP” in Hillsborough County! He is an exemplary advocate and mentor for the veterans and spouses of vets seeking competitive employment, educational training, affordable housing, and community resources. I was at very low and tough time in my life several months ago in providing quality of care for my severely ill parents back in Maryland; and Mr. Davis continued to encourage and uplift my spirits through his numerous emails /jobs leads and consistent follow-up calls just to see how I was doing personally as well as with my professional job searches. I salute and applaud his compassion, dedication, and commitment to meeting the needs of veterans seeking gainful work. He goes beyond the call of duty, and I just wanted to utilize this platform of communication to show my deepest appreciation for his overwhelming support, vocational expertise, high level of professionalism/integrity and foremost his genuine kindness during such a tumultuous time of my life. He also has the unique ability of “bringing out the best in everyone around him! Mr. Davis reinvigorated my hope as I mentioned before to continue to apply for jobs of interest despite my deep grief in the passing of my Dad back in May; and as result I was able to obtain competitive employment working in the capacity of an “Employment Placement Strategist” for a Federal grant within the Bureau of Prisons. I have nothing but good news and things to say about Mr. Ted Davis and I strongly hope fellow veterans, spouses of vets and staff recognize his true talents, skills and highly driven ambitions in working with esteemed Veterans! Careatha M. Burton
I am blessed to find a Veteran like Mr. Ted Davis that provided services and truly cared about me throughout this entire process. Mr. Davis constant follow-up at times when I needed it the most meant the world to me. I had no confidence or self-worth until Mr. Davis, and I worked together and now I have a job that I love and I will be changing my life. All I can say if there is such a thing as angels Mr. Davis is one of them. Mr. Davis a Marine Veteran picked me up and assisted in changing my live and I will never forget him. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much
This success story is about Lisa Zeoli. She attended her RESEA appointment Virtually on 06/07/2022 meeting with RESEA Recruiter, Massiel Luna. Lisa had been searching for work for about five months before receiving RESEA services. Lisa lost her Global Payroll Manager position working in Invest Cloud, back in January 2022 and was looking for a new position in the Human Resources field. Lisa has a Bachelors’ degree in Business Management, also a Society of Human Resource Management Certification (SHRM – CP). Lisa has over 15+ years’ experience in the HR field. Lisa says she has experienced some barriers with age, thus finding it difficult to find a new position. After meeting with Ms. Luna RESEA Recruiter, Lisa was referred to additional Employability Skills Training workshops, CareerEDGE and ONet. She expressed interest in taking more Human Resource Training that is called Certified Payroll Professional Certification. She was advised to apply for the WIOA Program to help with Tuition assistance. She was also referred to the CareerSource Tampa Bay website for helpful tools, programs, and information about upcoming job fairs within CSTB. Lisa was also provided with labor market information and advised regarding the use of EmployFlorida for resume creation and job searching. On 07/25/2022, Lisa was offered a position with Enforce Consulting. Lisa is now working full time as an Implementation Consultant, earning a wage of $50.00 per hour. Lisa is gaining valuable experience working in a field that she enjoys, while earning a salary that gives her the ability to be self-sufficient and continue to work in the Human Resources field that compliments her experience and knowledge.
Ezekiel Daniels reported to CSTB Brandon as a walk-in seeking employment and having questions about the Federal Bonding Program. With help from Al Chisolm, Mr. Daniels was able to learn more about the Bonding Program and complete the online process. On March 23rd, he was employed at Waste Management and later offered a higher position as team lead on June 15th.
Lanett Hall relocated to Tampa from Utah about 6 months ago, seeking employment for a fresh start. She filed for unemployment and used the CSTB job search resource room. On May 24th, the customer reported she was seeking assistance in applying for food stamps and was given information and instructions by CSTB Staff to start the application process. Ms. Hall reported that she is successfully receiving food stamps and that she is very grateful for the services she received at the CSTB Brandon Center from Angela Roberts and Al Chisolm.
"We look Forward to participating with CareerSource Tampa Bay on future workforce opportunities. Both Cindi Perez and Karoline Guerrero from your team were most professional and helpful."
When challenged with navigating the transition from military life to a civilian career, Ted Davis had my back. After serving in the Marine Corps for 6 years and completing an additional 4 years of intense academic study, my next mission was to transform my military experience into marketable skills, while leveraging my degree to move into not just a completely different career, but a brand-new world. The idea of searching for new jobs, explaining what I had to offer, and finding the right words to represent my worth was a mountain I didn't know how I was going to climb. With Ted Davis' guidance, I learned that everything I had experienced, the good, the bad, and the ugly, wasn't just the real-world experience organizations were looking for, it's what they needed. He vigilantly helped me with job leads, tapped into his vast network to help me refine my resume, and put me in touch with the right people who knew how to break into every industry I was interested in. By the end of my experience in the VR&E program with Ted Davis, I had industry-leading companies offering me positions that were higher than the original job I had applied for and at starting salaries in the 99th percentile or what new college graduates earn. I'm excited to begin the new career that I landed during my time working with Ted Davis and I'm motivated to set higher professional goals for the future. I can't thank Ted Davis and his team enough for helping me get this far. Semper Fidelis.
“The ACE program has helped me to find my path from straight out of high school and get started on my new career path . Not only did the ace program help me learn many new things it also provided education and a career, a great combo. A blessing is what I call it! I couldn’t be more grateful for the ACE program helping me get to where I want to be. When I got out of high school I had somewhat of a clue what I wanted to do but just wasn’t sure of how to get there. That’s exactly what the Ace program did for me helping me get to my destination and it’s only the beginning.”
“The program is more hands on, not like other programs which you just sit in a classroom. It helps learners like me, who learn by doing and not just instruction.”
“It was a very good event. I got the kind of applicants I was hoping for and it looks like we will be able to fill quite a few of our vacancies.”
“I can’t be more grateful for all the help and guidance you and your boss have provided.”
“I am very grateful for your help all this time. Thanks to God that I found this program that helped me achieve what I need. All workers from CareerSource helped me correctly. Life will keep going and I will never forget the good service that you provided to me and your respect and love.”
“I am a first-generation college graduate in my family, and I will forever be grateful for this opportunity that Diana has helped me with through the WIOA Youth Program!”
Dear Zoe, Firstly, I’d like to start by thanking you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication to my case and the thousands of others you have helped and will help achieve their goals and dreams. You personally have helped me overcome the demographic obstacles associated with being a young single mother, a domestic violence survivor, and a recovering addict. The first day I met you, you spoke words of encouragement and throughout the last 25 years, you continued to water those seeds you planted in me. I just want to give back what you gave me, will continue to lead in your footsteps, and pour into the young women who surround me with similar circumstances.
Dear Cynthia, As you know from January 22 to 24, 2020, I took the Advanced U.S. Immigration Law training that was taught by US immigration where I satisfactorily completed 24 hours of education and training in the U.S. Immigration Law. I am grateful to you and CareerSource for paying me for the training. As a result of that training in the next days I will register with the federal department of Justice as an immigration attorney. I will register with the Federal Department of Justice as an immigration attorney, and I trust that in near future I will get a job or open my office as an immigration attorney. I will keep you informed of these employment arrangements. I reiterate my thanks for your dedicated attention and professionalism to help integrate into the labor market.
I lead a Homeless Initiative at my church where we supply CARRE bags with essentials and feed the homeless/less fortunate. I was talking to a young woman by the name of Denise, who is currently homeless and going through a tough time. I spoke to her about connecting with Career Source Tampa Bay and possibly enrolling in some type of training, her eyes filled up with tears and she said, “I am I enrolled in the R3 Program, Monica is my career coach, this program is my only source of income at the moment and if it wasn’t for the program and the financial assistance, I wouldn’t have money to eat.” This moved me immensely I saw the impact this program has to the community we serve, and it came full circle. This program is changing the trajectory of our customer’s lives.
He worked full time but had to set a goal for himself to complete this in 6 months or less. He did in fact complete his high school diploma in less than 6 months. He is currently waiting for the COVID-19 pandemic situation to clear when the military will once again be bringing new recruits in.
Olivia Smith is a Junior at Hillsborough High School. The Summer Job Connection program allowed her to gain a lot of experience and prepared her to go into a profession. Her first job was teaching Korean to underprivileged girls as a part of her passion. She’s studied the language for 5-6 years and is currently learning Chinese and Spanish.
“So many people’s businesses were down. People were out of jobs, I mean me myself. I hadn’t worked…”
CareerSource Tampa Bay is dedicated to keeping our Tampa Bay residents up-to-date with all of the resources necessary to find their career.
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