SOUTH BAY ONE-STOP BUSINESS & CAREER CENTERS
Meet Kimberly Rodriguez - Hawthorne
Workforce Challenge:
Hawa Ganda is a graduate from Leuzinger high school, as well as the South Bay Workforce Investment Board’s Fit for Gold program. Originally from Burma, Ms. Ganda noted that after-school programs where high school seniors are trained to provide homework assistance, nutrition information and physical fitness activities to elementary school students did not exist where she grew up. Also, having a disabled parent, made it to where family finances were stressed and thoughts of post-secondary education were fleeting.
Workforce Solution:
Despite her shy personality, Ms. Ganda’s training taught her how to work with individuals from different backgrounds, maintain a healthy life style and how to become an effective tutor and mentor to younger students. Fit for Gold effectively became her first job. She enjoyed being able to help her family financially, while also maintaining a high grade point average. Fit for Gold program also gave her confidence and assurance towards her future goals beyond high school.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Ganda is currently attending Cal State Northridge, majoring in Psychology. Aside from being a full-time student, she also balances a full time job at LAX airport with Frontier airlines and credits Fit for Gold for her enrichment, maturity, as well as for her college and work readiness.
“Because of Fit for Gold I was inspired to become a social worker, and became a role model for my siblings and be a helpful citizen in my community.”