Student Spotlight: Shanon Dowdle

Career Goal: To enter a trade that I enjoy and that will allow me to be financially stable.

Why did you join the program? To gain more confidence in myself, give myself a more positive outlook on life, and also to cement a stable future for my family.

What was the hardest part of the class? Coming out of my shell and opening up to perfect strangers

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Getting my hands dirty on the job sites and having the feeling I've gained confidence in myself

What are your hopes for the future? To love what I do for a living and become financially stable. I hope to learn about the construction field and become a part of an industry that is constantly improving the lives of people and changing the world, one building, bridge or house at a time.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Whatever obstacle is in your way of joining this class can be worked out with the help of the wonderful people in this program. I came from out of state and left everything I've had behind. You can do anything you set your mind to. Jump in headfirst in whatever you do - you won't regret it.

Student Spotlight: Shurparis Tilley

Career Goal: To be my own boss!

Why did you join the program? To receive more credentials and gain skills that I know I'm capable of doing, but haven't had a chance to prove.

What was the hardest part of the class? Nothing was hard about the class - it's life that tried to knock me down, but I still manage to get up and make it every day for my family.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Everything about the program - the book work is helpful, the hands-on is awesome, and for people to trust a group of women to build their projects is just a great feeling.

What are your hopes for the future? I want to be my own boss one day, but until then, I would love to go into a field where I can use the knowledge and tools I've learned through the program. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? If you love dirt and boots, this is the program for you, LOL. But seriously, this is a great opportunity with major benefits - don't pass it up!

Student Spotlight: Theresa Thomas-Ray

Career Goal: To become a certified journeyman in either pipefitting or electrical.

Why did you join the program? To get certified in either pipefitting or electrical. 

What was the hardest part of the class? The math test.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Working with my hands and facing different challenges every day.

What are your hopes for the future? To have the income to buy things that I want, not just need. 

Student Spotlight: Anna Hays

Career Goal: Land a great paying career, one that I can retire from.

Why did you join the program?To get the free training and experience needed to start a new career. 

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of the class was I stressed over upcoming tests.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Learning the ins and outs of hand tools, power tools and working as a team. The program helped me work on my self-confidence.

What are your hopes for the future? A career that pays well, so I can get off the SNAP program. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Just do it! It is a great program with great staff! I wish this program was around in the '80s.

Student Spotlight: Dawn Taylor

Career Goal: To land a successful job in the welding or electrical field.

Why did you join the program? I want to be able to provide a successful future for my family. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Trying to figure out how hard the math was going to be, and when I did, I was surprised at how easy it really was.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? The women I have met at WinC have become such a big part of my life. I'm sad that this part has to come to an end so soon.

What are your hopes for the future? To be able to make my family proud, as well as the instructors of the WinC program for supporting me and helping me to have a better future. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? It's one of the best things you'll do for yourself. There's no reason for failure because the women of the program set you up for success. 

Student Spotlight: Rachael Childress

Career Goal: To be accepted into a job program or electrical apprenticeship in Gulfport or at Ingalls.

Why did you join the program? I was in the stay-at-home mom funk with no skills, no trade, nothing to do but be crazy! I needed to do something with myself. 

What was the hardest part of the class? Working alongside women.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Working alongside women and learning to work well with them.

What are your hopes for the future? To have a great paying job, own a home that I built, and live the good life of outdoors fun. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Do it!!! This program changed my life dramatically! I felt I had no way out!! This program showed me I was wrong. It's a GOD thing! 

WinC Class 32 Project Featured on Local News

The hardworking students of Class 32 were featured in news stories on WXXV25 and on WLOX for their project in Gautier's city park. Students tore down and rebuilt a small bridge and helped repair the volunteer center. Several students were interviewed for these great stories:

WXXV25: Women in Construction Work on Projects with the City of Gautier

WLOX: Training Program Gives Women Boost into Workforce

Thank you to Gina Tomlinson at WXXV25 and Jonathan Brannan at WLOX for highlighting our students and program!