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…

Clarence Carter relocated to Chicago from Indiana early last year. He faced several challenges upon moving to a new city – the first was finding a job, and the second was finding a place to live. Upon his arrival, Clarence…