Steven Scholtes had always dreamed of working in the information technology (IT) industry, but for years he worked in the retail and restaurant industries to get by. That didn’t last. “I had a job dishwashing and cooking in a restaurant,…

As an educator in her native Pakistan, Saira Mirza had a wonderful career where she helped children gain digital literacy skills. “Children would love coming to my computer class!” recalls Saira. In 2002, Saira moved from Pakistan to Garfield, Minnesota…

Marse Visnevac was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in information technology when he heard about National Able Network’s IT Career Lab program. Marse was very eager to fulfill his career goals, and after attending an information session to learn more about…

David Hilo began his professional career in the restaurant industry – a world he knew well since working at his family’s restaurant while young. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Culinary Arts Certificate from Le Cordon Bleu,…

Lukasz “Luke” Majzner was in his mid-thirties and after many years of unstable employment and unemployment, was receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits just to make ends meet. He enrolled in the Employment Opportunities, Personalized Services, Individualized Training, Career…

Jeremiah Harris’ life is anything but traditional, but he has strong roots and even stronger ambitions in the city that he loves: Chicago.  Born and raised in Chicago, dad of three, Jeremiah finished college at the age of 27 in…

For more than a decade, Eduardo Castaneda had a goal of earning certifications that would allow him to pursue a career in information technology. Like many people, though, Eduardo found it challenging and unaffordable to work and go to school…

Ryan Nelson was ready to make a career change, but was uncertain about what type of career path he would pursue. Ryan worked in in the financial trading sector for more than two decades, but the industry declined and he…

Isaac Ochoa was working part-time while completing his studies at Harold Washington College when he unfortunately found himself unemployed. After six months without work, Isaac discovered National Able Network and was enrolled in the EPIC (Employment Opportunities, Personalized Services, Individualized…

Daniel Ashinoff has always been computer-oriented. His family owned and operated a computer repair shop, which allowed him to gain technical skills and computer knowledge. However, as Daniel decided to branch out and seek other employment opportunities, he hit a…