Student Spotlight: Stella Sigambris

Career Goal: I would like to obtain a position in the trades or an apprenticeship where I would be able to expand my skills and be of value to a company.

Why did you join the program? I learned about the program after reading about it in a brochure. I found it very pertinent to my interest in joining the trades, and it is geared towards helping women to gain some basic training and expose them to do trades.

What was the hardest part of the class? As I expected, there is a manual work involved and skills that I never used before that I have learned from the program.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? To complete a project is the most satisfying part to see. I have learned about building materials, construction tools and how to properly work with them, and it's very gratifying.

What are your hopes for the future?To be able to obtain an apprenticeship or entry-level position in the trades, where I will be able to further learn and fine-tune my skills, and be more valuable to the company I am with.

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? I would highly recommend the program to anyone interest in the trades. It will give them an excellent introduction to the trades and allow them to have hands-on experience.

Student Spotlight: Caitlyn David

Career Goal: I would like to start my own company one day. I'm mainly interested in the real estate industry, so this class definitely gives me more confidence and increases the level of independence I could achieve in that industry.

Why did you join the program? Around the time I found this program, I was just finding myself thrown into the world on my own and this time with a one-year-old little boy. When I found the advertisement for this class, it listed that it was free, and they offered child care and transportation assistance. I was amazed how all my current setbacks were relieved by this one program.

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of the class was keeping up with the fast pace learning that the short class offers.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? My favorite part of the class was being able to work with my hands and create something from nothing.

What are your hopes for the future? I hope to be an inspiration to other women stuck in dead-end jobs to step out of their comfort zone and realize their full potential. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Don't doubt yourself. The class is available to you free of charge, and if it doesn't already meet all of your needs, they will be more than accommodating.

Student Spotlight: Sinafea Lindsey

Career Goal: It's either going to be in the electrical or welding field. I'm leaning towards electrical right now because that's everywhere every day.

Why did you join the program? I wanted skills to take care of my home and to make a living. Child care was my biggest barrier in the past. WinC lifted that burden for me, and that made a huge impact on being focused.

What was the hardest part of the class? Nothing was hard. I enjoyed every part of training. Any challenges I might've encountered were just tests of my character - they were opportunities to grow where needed.

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Anything that involved heavy lifting was my favorite. I enjoyed our demolition project because there was a lot opportunity for me to do that.

What are your hopes for the future? To simply pay the bills  and take care of the kids by making a good living wage in the industry.  

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Join! But show up 100% percent with a solid goal in front of you. Keep your eyes on the goal with an open mind. And BRING A GOOD ATTITUDE no matter what. That makes a big difference in everything you do.

Student Spotlight: Courtney Walker

Career Goal: To obtain a stable job and enjoy it.

Why did you join the program? The first thing that caught my attention was the child care and the compassion from Ms. Lauren when she was explaining the program to me. To me, she was the angel I needed in my life, because everything that was a burden was being lifted as she kept explaining.

What was the hardest part of the class? Nothing really, because I started the program with an open mind.

What has been your favorite part of the experience?  Everything, everything, everything! From meeting great friends, to sweating in the sun, to being rained out, to pinching my finger with a tape measure (lol), my experience was awesome! 

What are your hopes for the future? To use my education and experience to gain stability. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Join it! You will not regret it, I promise!

Student Spotlight: Yasmin Lang

Career Goal: My career goal is to become proficient in the ins and outs of houses, from the ground up, as well as restoring older homes.

Why did you join the program? I joined the WinC program as a means to further my independence and build onto my own skills to become more self-sufficient.

What was the hardest part of the class? The hardest part of the class was opening up with my fellow classmates. 

What has been your favorite part of the experience? All onsite work, especially working on a storage roof installing vents was very fun. (You might have seen me on the news.)

What are your hopes for the future? To have a career I'm passionate about. To see more women and girls having an interest, and careers, in non-traditional jobs. To rebuild Biloxi homes impacted by Hurricane Katrina and bring back affected communities. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Keep pushing and don't give up. Stay open-minded, be eager to learn, and ask questions. Do not make this harder than it has to be. Use all resources offered to you.

Student Spotlight: Wyanesta Coleman

Career Goal: To work as a pipe welder for Ingalls apprentice program.

Why did you join the program? I was tired of working for jobs that barely paid my bills, didn't cover my daycare, and didn't have affordable health care.

What was the hardest part of the class? Workouts in the morning with Simone. 

What has been your favorite part of the experience? Listening to employers talk about their jobs and why they need women, and passing my test.

What are your hopes for the future? That I get in the apprentice program at Ingalls, pay my car off, get land and a house, and take my kids on real vacations. 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? If you're tired of being underpaid, have little or no experience, and cannot afford childcare, this is a program that is worth the sacrifice.

Student Spotlight: Kourtney B. Walter

Career Goal: To be accepted into an apprenticeship program and have a career that will help me be self-sufficient.

Why did you join the program? I was homeless and unemployed. My sister, Rachael C., told me I should come to the info session with her. I loved what I heard and just went for it. No regrets! 

What was the hardest part of the class? Nothing about the class was hard! Everything was straightforward!

What has been your favorite part of the experience? My favorite part of the class was meeting women from different walks of life, ALL who were loving and inspirational! Love you guys, y 'all are amazing. I also loved learning the materials I needed to be a successful tradeswoman.

What are your hopes for the future? My hopes for the future are to become self-sufficient, have a banging career, and be surrounded by friends and family that support my future decisions! 

What would you tell someone who is considering joining the program? Go for it and don't look back! Come in with a great attitude and leave with skills that will help you live a good life!