Pictured above, Walidah Miller stands beside her mentor, Carol Lawrence, after her GED graduation ceremony. Walidah arrived at Cincinnati Works in August 2024 knowing she was ready to improve her life and provide for her family. What she couldn’t have known, however, was how meaningful the relationships she built would become, or how quickly they would shape her journey and accelerate her job search.
From the beginning, Walidah approached her goals with purpose. A dedicated learner, she completed a remarkable fourteen workshops at Cincinnati Works, where she met Carol. As Member Services Education Manager at Cincinnati Works and workshop facilitator, Carol supports and champions every Member she meets. But, recognizing that Walidah’s commitment was especially deep, she embraced Walidah as a mentee.
Walidah rose to every challenge and seized every opportunity in class. She built foundational workplace skills in JumpStart and strengthened her confidence with technology in Digital Literacy. Throughout it all, Walidah consistently demonstrated a love of learning. She believed that each new skill could move her one step closer to her goals.
Her dedication paid off in meaningful ways. Through her participation in Digital Literacy, Walidah earned a free laptop, a tool that further supported her learning and job search. Additionally, she worked closely with a Career Coach to refine her résumé and took advantage of mock interview sessions to sharpen her interview skills and boost her confidence.
Walidah’s preparation and persistence came together when she landed a position as a Patient Escort at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. It’s a role that allows her to care for others and share her collaborative spirit with a team. At the same time, Walidah achieved another major milestone: she graduated with her GED. Proud of her accomplishments, she walked at her graduation ceremony, cheered on by a group of supporters that included Carol.
Walidah’s story is a testament to the power of utilizing every opportunity and embracing the process of growth. She reminds us that success doesn’t come from a single moment, but from a series of intentional steps: showing up, asking for help, putting in the work, and continuing to learn.
We are proud to celebrate Walidah and all that she has accomplished. Her journey is a clear example of how determination, support, and a love of learning can transform lives.