Student Spotlight: Shaakirah James

Career Goal: Being a business savvy, hardworking, confident, and humble businesswoman, and hopefully one day being able to give back to the world, ideally by building homes for the homeless and the future young adults.

Why did you join the program? I joined because it was a step into learning about carpentry and me being able to understand all aspects in having my own company in restoration/flipping houses. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Confronting myself, handling the heat with construction, learning to handle different personalities while keeping my cool.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Learning ME, seeing the finished product of my work and also as a team, and building my confidence and character.

What are your hopes for the future? Making myself and my family proud. Being able to support myself while affording travels, savings, and building myself to start my own business. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? If you're ready for a positive overhaul in your life, take the opportunity.

Student Spotlight: Jaidin Young

Career Goal: I'm looking forward to doing anything hands-on. I am open to new professional opportunities.

Why did you join the program? I see the program as a great opportunity to explore the construction world. It also can help me increase my chances of getting a good-paying job.  

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of the class for me was the long drive from my home, including the cost of gas.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? I've met new people and gained friends. I love the work that we do at WinC and the fact that it's being done for a good cause.

What are your hopes for the future? In the future, I look forward to moving closer to the Biloxi area. I'm hoping to get a job that not only pays well, but is something that I love. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? I would tell them to have an open mind about who they're going to be around. Be ready as if this is your actual job.

Student Spotlight: Miranda Pitts

Career Goal: To get accepted in the apprenticeship program for International Elevators Constructors.

Why did you join the program? To learn a new trade so I can provide a better life for my children and take a bigger step forward and say that I accomplished these classes and finished. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Math 101 but it definitely was easy the way our instructors taught us.  They were all there to support and guide us through everything.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Working with a team of women who have the same goals in finding a better career/life.

What are your hopes for the future? To have a secure career so I can buy a house and help build our future for my kids, myself, and our community.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Don't hesitate on joining! DO IT! You will not be disappointed! It really is a life-changing experience. The staff goes above and beyond in not only teaching you, but the empowerment it gives you is well worth it. And the child care was a blessing!

Student Spotlight: DJ Eastland

Career Goal: To obtain employment that will allow me to be self-sufficient and earn a livable wage or salary, in a job that will enable me to continue learning and further educating me in my chosen career.

Why did you join the program? Because when I came to the orientation, it seemed to be exactly what I needed, especially at this time in my life. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Math, because there was so much to learn in a short period of time. I felt discouraged because I really wanted to rewrite my math story - and I still am going to rewrite my math story.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? This class got me out of isolation. It gave me a reason and purpose. The staff and my classmates were awesome!!!

What are your hopes for the future? I hope to be able to live again,  and to support myself in a career I enjoy. I hope to help and encourage others.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? I would tell them that you learn a lot more than construction. I learned thinks like teamwork, accountability, and commitment.

Student Spotlight: Tanya Mouton

Career Goal: To obtain a position in the construction industry, preferably as a heavy equipment operator or electrician.

Why did you join the program? I joined the WinC program to increase the knowledge that I already have of the construction field, and also to be self-sufficient. 

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of the class was making the commitment to travel the long distance that I drive daily.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? The empowerment, reassurance, and camaraderie I felt with the women in the program.

What are your hopes for the future? To be a homeowner and to be able to take care of my family. Most imporantly, I want to help my daughter complete college.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Go for it!! It will change your life for the better. It will be one of the best decisions of your life.

Student Spotlight: Julie Toncrey

Career Goal: Carpentry, heavy equipment operator, electrical. A stable, well-paying job.

Why did you join the program? I needed a new direction and love learning. I needed experience for a new job with stability for my future. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Math and textbook material, when you haven't had to do this kind of work in years.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? The people, instructors, learning the new skills and all the people in this program, classmates, and people who made this program. Love getting to know them.

What are your hopes for the future? A job, peace and contentment, and building myself back up.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Go for it. Do it. I love it. It's an awesome program with awesome people. They have my forever gratitude.

Student Spotlight: Tannasia Butler

Career Goal: My career goal is to start an all-women construction company.

Why did you join the program? I joined WinC to create a better life for my family and to show my sons an example of a strong woman! 

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of this class was getting here every single day, even when you don't have gas or money.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? My favorite part of this program was meeting different women, building things from pallets, and being taught by some awesome instructors! I learned so much from this program.

What are your hopes for the future? My hope for the future is to find hardworking women to partner with and start building our future together. Women's empowerment is a movement we all need to focus on!

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? This program is an amazing opportunity. The fact that they offer childcare is extraordinary! This program can and will change your life if you are open, eager to learn, and ready for a career!

Student Spotlight: Kelly Caprietta

Career Goal: Being in an industry in which my eyes and hands feel like they can make a change in someone's life and create a part of someone's dreams.

Why did you join the program? I joined the program to help empower me with knowledge about the construction industry.

What was the hardest part of the class? Attending the classes week after week while not having a job during the day.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Seeing a project come together from start to finish - going from scratch to a finished project.

What are your hopes for the future? My hope for the future is to keep growing in the construction industry and then be able to pass on my knowledge to others who want to learn about construction.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? The construction industry is not just a job - it is a craft. You have to have a love for all the hard work that comes with the industry too.

Student Spotlight: Amanda Dowdle

Career Goal: I want to find a job where I can achieve financial security.

Why did you join the program? I joined the WinC program to better my opportunities to find a better-paying job.

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part was remembering the math after being out of school for more than 10 years.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? The feeling of empowerment gained through this program helps me to be more confident.

What are your hopes for the future? I hope I can achieve financial security and a more stable job or career.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? It takes work and determination. Even though the program is free, you have to do your part and really want to change your situation.