Upskilling with National Able Network Leads to Career Growth!
March 4, 2025

A true Chicagoan through and through, Thersa Price, began her career as a Customer Sales Support Representative at a technology and intelligent experience organization. Armed with her curiosity to understand, passion for process, and her Communications Degree from DePaul University…
Let’s Address 3 Common Myths about Workforce Development Programs
February 25, 2025

Did you know that workforce development programs help millions of individuals transition into new careers, upskill, and connect with better opportunities? Despite the impact of these programs, many misconceptions still exist. Let’s set the record straight! Workforce development programs bridge…
Importance of Internships: Insights from an Intern!
February 11, 2025

Internships are more than just a resume booster—they are a valuable step toward a successful career. They offer hands-on experience, help students develop new skills, and provide professional connections. I am fortunate to start my marketing career at National Able…
Leveraging Support and Strength: A Career Comeback Story with National Able Network
January 29, 2025

From a young age, Cassandra Smith had high career aspirations. She dreamt of pursuing a journey as a pharmacist or even becoming the first doctor in her family. Once she pursued her undergraduate degree, she founded and led a student…
From Layoff to Leveling Up: Building the Path to a Lifelong Career
December 19, 2024

Heather Norrell was employed at Tyson Foods in Perry, Iowa in the general maintenance department where she worked on many of the machines throughout the organization. “All my previous jobs before this were in fast food or in gas stations,…
Passion & Perseverance Lead to New Career in IT!
December 10, 2024

Drew Baxter found his passion for Information Technology at the very start of the pandemic in 2020. While working in administration at a local high school, he saw a need for expertise in IT when all operations switched to remote…
Closing Out the Year: Headwinds and Opportunities
November 5, 2024

November marks the midway point of the fourth quarter of the year, and as such, means that another year of workforce headwinds and opportunities is almost at a close. It is still too early to do a look at the…
STAY THE COURSE FOR A CAREER (AND CONFIDENCE!)
October 29, 2024

Joyce Ilumin graduated with an engineering degree in the Philippines. Shortly after graduation, she married and moved to the Chicagoland area where she welcomed two children. Joyce became a stay-at-home mom until her life circumstances abruptly changed. She decided to…
How We Are Able To Stay Innovative
October 22, 2024

Most of Able’s funding comes from the federal government in programs such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or the Senior Community Service and Employment Program (SCSEP). Because these programs were created by acts of Congress, they often…
Embracing My Roots: Mi Viaje de Resiliencia y Orgullo as a Biracial Latino for Hispanic Heritage Month
October 8, 2024

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, I find myself reflecting on the unique, beautiful, and complex journey that has shaped who I am today. My story, like many, is one of resilience, pride, and the power of identity. I am biracial—my…
The Power of Persistence & Positive Thinking
October 1, 2024

Nelson Gonzalez traveled from Margarita, Venezuela through Peru to get to Mexico in hopes of entering the United States. “It’s the journey all immigrants are making right now,” said Nelson. Upon entering the United States it took about 5 months…
REFLECTING ON THE VALUE SENIORS ADD TO THE WORKFORCE
September 27, 2024

Ivory Snow, Chief Administrative Officer at St. Leonard’s Ministries had her first interaction with a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Participant about five years ago. “I was an HR Director at the time and had just entered our wellness…