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Meet Tiona Sykes


Workforce Challenge:

Inglewood resident Tiona Sykes, 25, received her first employment opportunity as a summer intern through the South Bay One-Stop Center during her sophomore year in high school.


Workforce Solution:

Tiona became close friends with her mentor Veldafern McElroy, who helped Tiona focus on higher education and overcome life challenges.


Outcome and Benefits:

Tiona went on to earn her BA in Psychology at CSU Channel Islands, her MA in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University, and is in a doctorate program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

“I would tell others that asking for help is one of the most important things we can do for our well-being. If you don’t share your struggles with someone else, then you suffer in silence.”

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