Sandra Sheehan
Director of Grants & Contract Administration,
Greater Hartford Transit District
Navina’s first summer job was working at a sandwich shop. The skills that Navina’s learned at her first job was customer service, answering the phones correctly, and making different kinds of sandwiches.
What made Navina work for Hartford Food System was that she is able to help people in Hartford get access to healthy food, help fight hunger, work with local farms, and be part of Grow Hartford. Navina’s first day working at this organization was crazy because she had to do a lot of work planning.
Navina enjoys her work and working with others. Navina’s favorite part of working at the Hartford Food System is that she gets to work with the youth and build relationships with them. The reason why Navina likes to work with the community is because it gives her a purpose, and a meaning to life. What empowers Navina is working with the youth, teaching them, and the fact that the youth are empowered by her as well.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera, Project Ready MYF Intern.
Larry Percy
Owner, Percy Auto BodyDirector of Grants & Contract Administration,
Greater Hartford Transit District
Today I interviewed Sandra Sheehan at the Greater Hartford Transit District. I previously had interned with Sandra so interviewing with her seemed like great opportunity.
Sandra’s first job was at a planning agency, she worked on planning commission and transportation planning. Skills that she obtained at this job was writing, transportation service, transit services and presentation. “Nowadays you do presentations from when you are in school, back then you didn’t really do it until you were in the workforce.”
Now, Sandra is the Director of Grants and Contract Administration at the Greater Hartford Transit District. I asked her what made her want to work for the Greater Hartford Transit District, she said that she wanted to do a lot more projects and not so many operations unlike the transit system she worked in before. I then asked her what her first day was like working with this organization. She said it was slow because she needed to learn a lot that day. She also needed to meet new people because she also worked with funding. “It was more like getting to know the area and the people I was working with.” Sandra said she enjoys working adding to by saying “You have to because you spend the majority of your life working, so you have to enjoy it. I enjoy working on projects and seeing how they are applied to when they are completed.”
Sandra enjoys working with others saying “It would be boring working by myself. Interaction with people is important. (In this field) we need lots of communication and need to build relationships to work effectively.” Her favorite part of working here was seeing how things change and developed, “To see the objective and the results of everything that you do.”
I asked Sandra if a microphone was handed to her, and the whole world could hear her, what she would say. She said “That we need to get along. Besides our differences, we need to get along.” I then asked what empowers her. It was the sense of accomplishment that empowers her. “To accomplish, to obtain the ultimate goal. No sense of doing something and not giving it your best.”
Sandra said during the interview that she enjoyed having the interns from the Urban League as they were all great people to work with. In fact, she recently hired a fellow SYELP intern, Yaritza Perez.
Sandra’s first job was at a planning agency, she worked on planning commission and transportation planning. Skills that she obtained at this job was writing, transportation service, transit services and presentation. “Nowadays you do presentations from when you are in school, back then you didn’t really do it until you were in the workforce.”
Now, Sandra is the Director of Grants and Contract Administration at the Greater Hartford Transit District. I asked her what made her want to work for the Greater Hartford Transit District, she said that she wanted to do a lot more projects and not so many operations unlike the transit system she worked in before. I then asked her what her first day was like working with this organization. She said it was slow because she needed to learn a lot that day. She also needed to meet new people because she also worked with funding. “It was more like getting to know the area and the people I was working with.” Sandra said she enjoys working adding to by saying “You have to because you spend the majority of your life working, so you have to enjoy it. I enjoy working on projects and seeing how they are applied to when they are completed.”
Sandra enjoys working with others saying “It would be boring working by myself. Interaction with people is important. (In this field) we need lots of communication and need to build relationships to work effectively.” Her favorite part of working here was seeing how things change and developed, “To see the objective and the results of everything that you do.”
I asked Sandra if a microphone was handed to her, and the whole world could hear her, what she would say. She said “That we need to get along. Besides our differences, we need to get along.” I then asked what empowers her. It was the sense of accomplishment that empowers her. “To accomplish, to obtain the ultimate goal. No sense of doing something and not giving it your best.”
Sandra said during the interview that she enjoyed having the interns from the Urban League as they were all great people to work with. In fact, she recently hired a fellow SYELP intern, Yaritza Perez.
Interviewed by Xavier Arriaga, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Navina Vemouri
Hartford Food System
Navina Vemouri
Hartford Food System
I interviewed Navina Vemouri. Navina’s position in her workplace is as the youth coordinator of Grow Hartford. Grow Hartford is a program from the Hartford Food System; it helps youth to learn about the food system, learn new skills, work as a team and help the community.
Navina’s first summer job was working at a sandwich shop. The skills that Navina’s learned at her first job was customer service, answering the phones correctly, and making different kinds of sandwiches.
What made Navina work for Hartford Food System was that she is able to help people in Hartford get access to healthy food, help fight hunger, work with local farms, and be part of Grow Hartford. Navina’s first day working at this organization was crazy because she had to do a lot of work planning.
Navina enjoys her work and working with others. Navina’s favorite part of working at the Hartford Food System is that she gets to work with the youth and build relationships with them. The reason why Navina likes to work with the community is because it gives her a purpose, and a meaning to life. What empowers Navina is working with the youth, teaching them, and the fact that the youth are empowered by her as well.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera, Project Ready MYF Intern.
Larry Percy
Larry Percy is the owner of the Percy Auto Body. As the owner he runs the place and he delegates tasks to other workers.
His first job was as a dishwasher in East Hartford. At Mr. Larry’s first job he learned how to work conveyor belts.
Percy Auto body was owned by Larry Percy’s dad, so Larry started to work for this business as a kid. As an adult, he took over the business from his dad. His first day working at the shop was okay because he was working for his dad.
Larry Percy enjoys working with others and his job very much. His favorite part of working at the auto body is painting cars and many other vehicles like motorcycles. The reason he likes working with the community is because he was born and raised in Hartford CT. What empowers Larry Percy is his independence. His ability to do things on his own is what helps him do what he does best.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams and Tahari Thompson, Project Ready MYF Interns
Joe Downs
Manager, CVS, Maple Ave
Katy Walkama
Hartford Marriott Downtown
Katy Walkama is a human resources worker at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Hartford. As a human resources worker she takes care of the hotel and makes sure guests leave with smiles on their faces and wanting to return to the Marriott.
Katy’s first job was at Gymboree as a cashier. The skills she learned at her first job included customer service, selling products, and having a good attendance record.
Katy began as an intern at the Marriott through Hall High School. Katy says her first day working at the Marriott was a good experience, everyone was friendly and welcoming. What made Katy want to work for this organization was that she got a degree in hospitality, loves customer service and talking to new people. Katy enjoys working with her co-workers because she enjoys seeing them happy and when she hires someone she makes them happy. Katy loves customer service and seeing new faces. Katy’s favorite part of working at the Marriott Hotel is the employees, and getting to know different people every day. Katy says the reason why she loves working with this community is getting to learn about different people and their lives. What empowers Katy is wanting to do well in her job and making her boss look good.
Interviewed by Tyshawn Walker Project Ready SYELP Intern, and Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern
Ben McCormick
Store Manager, Burlington Coat Factory
Ben McCormick has been the store manager at Burlington Coat Factory in Bloomfield for 3 years. He started working there because they offered a management position. His first day he had to do introduction & training. He likes working with the community a lot, and enjoys the satisfaction of his customers. Ben McCormick is empowered by his boss.
Interviewed by Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Intern and Ambriel Baskerville, Project Ready MYF Intern
Natasha Moore-Harris
Youth Development Specialist, Urban League of Greater Hartford
I interviewed Mrs. Natasha Moore-Harris. First she’s a Youth Development Specialist at the Urban League of Greater Hartford. She works with both the ASPIRE and Manage Your Future programs. She also writes newsletters.
Natasha’s first job was during the summer at the UConn Law School. Some skills that Natasha learned at her first job were typing and feeling comfortable talking to other people.
What made Natasha work at Urban League was that after she graduated from college she went to South Korea, where she taught English to Korean students. When she returned to the USA she saw the kids behaved very differently than the kids in South Korea. American kids needed a lot of help being more respectful and also being more successful in school. So, she decided not to teach anymore but to help the youth in different ways
Natasha’s first day working at the Urban League was crazy because she didn't get to meet her co-workers, she just went right to work with the youth. On the second day it was a little easier for her because at least she got to meet some of her co-workers. Natasha does enjoy working with others, and also she enjoys her job. Natasha’s favorite part of working here is working with the youth and community. Natasha likes working at the community because she was born in Hartford
What Empowers Natasha is her family. Her family encourages her to do better and to achieve her goals, and to always keep doing what she likes to do in life.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera & Adalberto Millan, Project Ready MYF Interns
A Day at the Barber Shop with Mr. Lester
It's a Gee Thang
Mr. Lester is an owner of It’s a Gee Thang, located at 2404 Main Street. The barber shop was established in 1995 and Mr. Lester built it from the ground, up. His first job was at a Community Renewal Team summer program back in the 1980s. One of his first skills he learned on the job was being a martial arts instructor at the Artist Collective.
Lester’s first day working at his business was confusing and hard, but he just loved to cut people’s hair, so he just stuck to it. He enjoys working with others in the business setting. He is also a community based person that likes to help other people in any manner that he possibly can. He thinks it is important to give back and it is worth it to others. Something that empowers him is believing in a higher being.
Interviewed by Tahari Thompson, Project Ready MYF Intern
Dave Palomino
Supervisor, CVS
The person I interviewed was Dave Palomino. Dave is a supervisor at CVS on Wethersfield Avenue.
His first job was at a grocery store on a military base. The skills that Dave learned at his first job were to show up on time, work his best, and to be disciplined.
Dave enjoys his work at CVS and working with others. His favorite part of working at CVS is working with his co-workers. He likes working in the community because he gets to work with diverse people. Lastly, what empowers Dave is doing his job right and teaching his peers to do the job right as well.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera, Project Ready MYF Intern.
Shirley Littlejohn
Director of the Summer Enrichment Program
Martin Luther King Jr. School
We got a chance to interview Ms. Shirley Littlejohn, she is the Director of the Summer Enrichment Program at Martin Luther King Jr School. The enrichment program was made to give kids some things fun to do and to make them learn new things over the summer.
Her first job was working in the tobacco fields. The skills Ms. Shirley learned at her first job were patience and endurance.
Ms. Shirley wanted to be a supervisor in the enrichment program at Martin Luther King Jr School because she want to be her own boss. Ms. Shirley’s first day working at the school was very hectic because she had to deal with registering kids.
Ms. Shirley loves working at Martin Luther King Jr School and also she like working with other peers. What she loves about her job is working with children. Ms. Shirley loves working with the community because she can help others by giving our young people something to do over the summer. What empowers Ms. Shirley Littlejohn is her belief in God.
Interviewed by Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Interns and Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern
Amanda Estremera
Paralegal, Law Offices of Kevin R. Joiner, LLC
Amanda Estremera is currently working at the Law offices of Kevin R. Joiner. She is a paralegal, in other words, below an attorney. Her job consist of filing documents for court, prepare for cases and intakes information.
Amanda’s first job was at the Urban League of Greater Hartford, She was involved in the Greater Hartford's Art Council. During her time there, Amanda took many classes, which included Spoken Word (slam poetry), painting, carpentry, basket weaving and computer classes. She has improved her communication skills and had the opportunity to interact with the community.
Her first day at the Law firm was really scary. She was nervous and remembers filling out documents. Amanda enjoys working for The Law offices of Kevin R. Joiner because the environment is laid back and very comfortable. Her favorite part of working is getting to get people out of sticky situations. She is very passionate about helping out the community and is empowered by helping others.
Interviewed by Ana V. Rosario, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Chuck Swift is the Store Manager at CVS. He overlook’s the entire store, organizes and controls what goes on at CVS.
Chuck’s first job was as a part-time dairy clerk at the age of 16. Some skills he learned at his first job were communicating with others and gaining time management skills.
He wanted to work for the CVS organization because he wanted a stable working environment. He’s been working at CVS for 12 years and he said his first day was exciting. Chuck likes work a lot and he feels his fellow co-workers promote a family-like environment at CVS. His favorite part of working at CVS is interacting with the customers. Chuck likes working with this community because he grew up in it, so he enjoys working in the environment he grew up in.
When Chuck was asked what empowers him he said “My conscience empowers me to make good decisions.”
Joe Downs is the store manager at the CVS on Maple Avenue. His first job was at a family owned market in Manchester.
I asked Joe what skills he learned at his first job and he told me snow plow skills, customer service skills, and grocery business skills, including deli, produce, cash register. He even learned pumpkin picking skills.
22 Years ago Joe was unemployed because the company he had worked at closed and he signed up to work at CVS. They put him in a training class with 13 other people. Now he’s the store manager at CVS and he enjoys what he does at work. Joe’s favorite part of working at CVS is the people he works with. Joe likes the diversity in the job because he says “In the morning we have the older people and as the day goes on people just get younger coming in.”
I asked Joe what it means to empowered he said “My job empowers me to make sure we do what we have to do in order to make everything happen.”
Interviewed by Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Intern
I asked Joe what skills he learned at his first job and he told me snow plow skills, customer service skills, and grocery business skills, including deli, produce, cash register. He even learned pumpkin picking skills.
22 Years ago Joe was unemployed because the company he had worked at closed and he signed up to work at CVS. They put him in a training class with 13 other people. Now he’s the store manager at CVS and he enjoys what he does at work. Joe’s favorite part of working at CVS is the people he works with. Joe likes the diversity in the job because he says “In the morning we have the older people and as the day goes on people just get younger coming in.”
I asked Joe what it means to empowered he said “My job empowers me to make sure we do what we have to do in order to make everything happen.”
Interviewed by Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Katy Walkama
Hartford Marriott Downtown
Katy Walkama is a human resources worker at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Hartford. As a human resources worker she takes care of the hotel and makes sure guests leave with smiles on their faces and wanting to return to the Marriott.
Katy’s first job was at Gymboree as a cashier. The skills she learned at her first job included customer service, selling products, and having a good attendance record.
Katy began as an intern at the Marriott through Hall High School. Katy says her first day working at the Marriott was a good experience, everyone was friendly and welcoming. What made Katy want to work for this organization was that she got a degree in hospitality, loves customer service and talking to new people. Katy enjoys working with her co-workers because she enjoys seeing them happy and when she hires someone she makes them happy. Katy loves customer service and seeing new faces. Katy’s favorite part of working at the Marriott Hotel is the employees, and getting to know different people every day. Katy says the reason why she loves working with this community is getting to learn about different people and their lives. What empowers Katy is wanting to do well in her job and making her boss look good.
Interviewed by Tyshawn Walker Project Ready SYELP Intern, and Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern
Ben McCormick
Ben McCormick has been the store manager at Burlington Coat Factory in Bloomfield for 3 years. He started working there because they offered a management position. His first day he had to do introduction & training. He likes working with the community a lot, and enjoys the satisfaction of his customers. Ben McCormick is empowered by his boss.
Interviewed by Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Intern and Ambriel Baskerville, Project Ready MYF Intern
Natasha Moore-Harris
Youth Development Specialist, Urban League of Greater Hartford
I interviewed Mrs. Natasha Moore-Harris. First she’s a Youth Development Specialist at the Urban League of Greater Hartford. She works with both the ASPIRE and Manage Your Future programs. She also writes newsletters.
Natasha’s first job was during the summer at the UConn Law School. Some skills that Natasha learned at her first job were typing and feeling comfortable talking to other people.
What made Natasha work at Urban League was that after she graduated from college she went to South Korea, where she taught English to Korean students. When she returned to the USA she saw the kids behaved very differently than the kids in South Korea. American kids needed a lot of help being more respectful and also being more successful in school. So, she decided not to teach anymore but to help the youth in different ways
Natasha’s first day working at the Urban League was crazy because she didn't get to meet her co-workers, she just went right to work with the youth. On the second day it was a little easier for her because at least she got to meet some of her co-workers. Natasha does enjoy working with others, and also she enjoys her job. Natasha’s favorite part of working here is working with the youth and community. Natasha likes working at the community because she was born in Hartford
What Empowers Natasha is her family. Her family encourages her to do better and to achieve her goals, and to always keep doing what she likes to do in life.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera & Adalberto Millan, Project Ready MYF Interns
A Day at the Barber Shop with Mr. Lester
It's a Gee Thang
Mr. Lester is an owner of It’s a Gee Thang, located at 2404 Main Street. The barber shop was established in 1995 and Mr. Lester built it from the ground, up. His first job was at a Community Renewal Team summer program back in the 1980s. One of his first skills he learned on the job was being a martial arts instructor at the Artist Collective.
Lester’s first day working at his business was confusing and hard, but he just loved to cut people’s hair, so he just stuck to it. He enjoys working with others in the business setting. He is also a community based person that likes to help other people in any manner that he possibly can. He thinks it is important to give back and it is worth it to others. Something that empowers him is believing in a higher being.
Interviewed by Tahari Thompson, Project Ready MYF Intern
Dave Palomino
Supervisor, CVS
The person I interviewed was Dave Palomino. Dave is a supervisor at CVS on Wethersfield Avenue.
His first job was at a grocery store on a military base. The skills that Dave learned at his first job were to show up on time, work his best, and to be disciplined.
Dave enjoys his work at CVS and working with others. His favorite part of working at CVS is working with his co-workers. He likes working in the community because he gets to work with diverse people. Lastly, what empowers Dave is doing his job right and teaching his peers to do the job right as well.
Interviewed by Gellymar Rivera, Project Ready MYF Intern.
Shirley Littlejohn
Director of the Summer Enrichment Program
Martin Luther King Jr. School
We got a chance to interview Ms. Shirley Littlejohn, she is the Director of the Summer Enrichment Program at Martin Luther King Jr School. The enrichment program was made to give kids some things fun to do and to make them learn new things over the summer.
Her first job was working in the tobacco fields. The skills Ms. Shirley learned at her first job were patience and endurance.
Ms. Shirley wanted to be a supervisor in the enrichment program at Martin Luther King Jr School because she want to be her own boss. Ms. Shirley’s first day working at the school was very hectic because she had to deal with registering kids.
Ms. Shirley loves working at Martin Luther King Jr School and also she like working with other peers. What she loves about her job is working with children. Ms. Shirley loves working with the community because she can help others by giving our young people something to do over the summer. What empowers Ms. Shirley Littlejohn is her belief in God.
Interviewed by Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Interns and Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern
Amanda Estremera
Paralegal, Law Offices of Kevin R. Joiner, LLC
Amanda Estremera is currently working at the Law offices of Kevin R. Joiner. She is a paralegal, in other words, below an attorney. Her job consist of filing documents for court, prepare for cases and intakes information.
Amanda’s first job was at the Urban League of Greater Hartford, She was involved in the Greater Hartford's Art Council. During her time there, Amanda took many classes, which included Spoken Word (slam poetry), painting, carpentry, basket weaving and computer classes. She has improved her communication skills and had the opportunity to interact with the community.
Her first day at the Law firm was really scary. She was nervous and remembers filling out documents. Amanda enjoys working for The Law offices of Kevin R. Joiner because the environment is laid back and very comfortable. Her favorite part of working is getting to get people out of sticky situations. She is very passionate about helping out the community and is empowered by helping others.
Interviewed by Ana V. Rosario, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Chuck Swift
Store Manager, CVS, New Britain Ave Chuck Swift is the Store Manager at CVS. He overlook’s the entire store, organizes and controls what goes on at CVS.
Chuck’s first job was as a part-time dairy clerk at the age of 16. Some skills he learned at his first job were communicating with others and gaining time management skills.
He wanted to work for the CVS organization because he wanted a stable working environment. He’s been working at CVS for 12 years and he said his first day was exciting. Chuck likes work a lot and he feels his fellow co-workers promote a family-like environment at CVS. His favorite part of working at CVS is interacting with the customers. Chuck likes working with this community because he grew up in it, so he enjoys working in the environment he grew up in.
When Chuck was asked what empowers him he said “My conscience empowers me to make good decisions.”
Interviewed by Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Sophia Delgado
Supervisor, CVS, Blue Hills Ave.
Ms. Sophia Delgado is the supervisor of CVS Blue Hills. As a supervisor she does cash and customer management.
Her first job was working at Forever 21 as a sales associate. The skills she learned there were communication and customer service. The reason she works at CVS because it closer to home than most jobs.
Ms. Sophia’s first day working at this organization was enjoyable and it kept her busy. She enjoys working at her job and working with others. Customer service is her favorite part of working at CVS because she likes to interact with others. Ms. Sophia enjoys working with the community.
What empowers her is delegating responsibility with others and communicating with employees and customers.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Tim Baymon
Youth Program Coordinator at the Wilson-Gray YMCA
Tim Baymon is a Youth Program Coordinator at the Wilson-Gray YMCA, his first job was as a Page at a library. He explained to me that a Page is someone who helps organize books, magazines, and newspapers. At his job, some of the skills he learned were to be responsible, to be punctual, and to be accountable for your own actions.
Sophia Delgado
Supervisor, CVS, Blue Hills Ave.
Ms. Sophia Delgado is the supervisor of CVS Blue Hills. As a supervisor she does cash and customer management.
Her first job was working at Forever 21 as a sales associate. The skills she learned there were communication and customer service. The reason she works at CVS because it closer to home than most jobs.
Ms. Sophia’s first day working at this organization was enjoyable and it kept her busy. She enjoys working at her job and working with others. Customer service is her favorite part of working at CVS because she likes to interact with others. Ms. Sophia enjoys working with the community.
What empowers her is delegating responsibility with others and communicating with employees and customers.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Tim Baymon
Youth Program Coordinator at the Wilson-Gray YMCA
Tim Baymon is a Youth Program Coordinator at the Wilson-Gray YMCA, his first job was as a Page at a library. He explained to me that a Page is someone who helps organize books, magazines, and newspapers. At his job, some of the skills he learned were to be responsible, to be punctual, and to be accountable for your own actions.
Mr. Baymon joined the organization because he was looking for a career change, and wanted to work for the community. “I felt it was best to come to YMCA to help motivate my youth and give them good knowledge of things that I’d learned while being in the workforce.” His first day was enlightening because he had to start a program from the ground up and it was exciting for him. Mr. Baymon loves his job so much that he doesn’t really consider his job a job because he loves doing it so much. Every day he enjoys coming to work; his favorite part of working at the YMCA is helping to develop a program with his teens ranging in all different ages. He enjoys making a positive change and being a resource to his youth. When asked, ’Why do you like working with this community?” he replied, “ Character Development, the organization provides me with tools that I use every day, and I love that my organization focuses on diversity because we don’t really have a lot of organizations like that in Hartford.”
Mr. Baymon is self-empowered, but there’s many things that also empower him like his family, his child and his goals.
Interviewed by Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Greta Love
UBS, Record Retention Supervisor, Administrative Asset Management, Engineering Department (and more!!!)
I interviewed Ms. Greta Love at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), and just from her job description you can tell that she is a big part of the organization.
My first question to her was about her first job. She had her first job was when she was 14 years old, she worked in Parker Memorial Park in Hartford, Connecticut, picking up trash. In the program she would work for 10 dollars a week but they would take away most of it and leave the participants to spend 2 dollars on whatever you please. “At the end of the program the rest of the money would go towards school clothes, but it was like picking up trash at Bushnell Park. But it was fun ‘cause all my friends did it.”
Mr. Baymon is self-empowered, but there’s many things that also empower him like his family, his child and his goals.
Interviewed by Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Greta Love
UBS, Record Retention Supervisor, Administrative Asset Management, Engineering Department (and more!!!)
I interviewed Ms. Greta Love at Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), and just from her job description you can tell that she is a big part of the organization.
My first question to her was about her first job. She had her first job was when she was 14 years old, she worked in Parker Memorial Park in Hartford, Connecticut, picking up trash. In the program she would work for 10 dollars a week but they would take away most of it and leave the participants to spend 2 dollars on whatever you please. “At the end of the program the rest of the money would go towards school clothes, but it was like picking up trash at Bushnell Park. But it was fun ‘cause all my friends did it.”
She also worked as a receptionist at Aetna where she gained typing and computer skills, and telephone etiquette. “Aetna was pretty strict, you had to email certain ways, pick up phones the right way. They also made you take grammar classes.”
Ms. Love has worked with UBS (also Aetna Real Estate division before it changed into UBS) for 36 years as of July 31st and has enjoyed all her time her. I asked her why did she want to work with this organization she responded, “Back in my day, Aetna was a very prestigious company, if you worked here you were big time, it took me two years to get a job there. That meant constantly filling out applications every time I thought about it. When they actually called me I thought it was one of my friends joking. I did six interviews before they hired me.” I asked her what her first day was like she said jokingly “Well I don't remember.” She did remember that it was sort of overwhelming and there was a lot of training. I was able to talk with her hiring supervisor at the time, Ms. Dorisann Curry to find out more about her when she first worked here. I asked her what was Ms. Love’s first day like, she said that she was a very quick study, “she was like a sponge because she was able to absorb so much fast.”
I then asked Greta about her strengths and weaknesses. Her strengths are that she is a people person, she’s very motivated, very conscientious, and she has a great sense of humor (which really showed throughout our interview). Her weaknesses is that she holds in her feelings a lot and doesn't always know when to say no. “That’s a weakness, I keep on taking on more and more, knowing that it will be difficult to do it but I will find out how to do it.” I then asked her what her favorite part of working at UBS was, she said the satisfaction of completing a job, and working with the interns.
As I went through the interview I decided that why not add a fun question. So I asked Ms. Love if she can be any animal what would she be and why. It caused an uproar of laughter among us initially. “I’d like to be a gorilla, because they have human characteristics, the way that act they are just like humans.” I then asked her if someone handed you a microphone, and the whole world would hear you, what would you say. “I would give honors to Jesus Christ, for keeping me here and for doing everything he has done for me in my life.”
My final question was what empowers her. Empowerment means to give (someone) the authority or power to do something. She said that she was self-motivated, and that she likes to take charge. She finds things to motivate her, she doesn’t wait until it comes to her.
Interviewed by: Xavier Luis Arriaga, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Mrs. Kathy Reilly
Director of Education, Urban League of Greater Hartford
We interviewed Mrs. Kathy Reilly; she’s the Education Director at The Urban League of Greater Hartford.
Mrs. Reilly’s first job was when she worked at a department store, there she checked customers’ credit cards to see if they were valid or invalid. At her job, the skills she gained were organization skills, how to prioritize, and how to follow directions the first time given.
We asked her, “What made you want to work at the Urban League of Greater Hartford?” and she replied, “It’s a service organization and I value service.” When asked what her first day working at the Urban League was like her reply was “It was a scary day, but my supervisor was welcoming and understanding so overall it was an enjoyable day.”
Mrs. Reilly enjoys working with a team. She is very team oriented. Mrs. Reilly enjoys what she does at her job so much she looks forward to coming to work every day. Her favorite part of working at The Urban League of Greater Hartford are the services that help people. Mrs. Reilly loves to work with the community because she wants to feel what she does has value. She wants to feel that what she does is helping others.
What empowers Mrs. Reilly is the feeling that she is making a difference in people’s lives. Feeling that she is doing her best is what keeps her doing her best. Mrs. Reilly is someone who values what she does to the fullest.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Mrs. Marie Fort
Director of Housing Ownership, Urban League of Greater Hartford
At the Urban League Ms. Marie Fort counsels people on home ownership and helps them manage their credit & banking balances.
She got her first job which was working in the tobacco fields in Hartford; she collected leaves and picked the crops. “I made good money,” she said. Prior to working at the Urban League, she worked as a police dispatcher.
Ms. Fort later found out social services was her thing and working at the Urban League was a relief to her. She started working at the Urban League in 1988. On her first day she was placed in a little lounge with no windows, where it was hot and muggy. Her first client was a 234 pound male that was very unstable and had a bad stench. He walked into her office and asked for her help she started to look up his information and she realized he was in the totally wrong place the whole time! Marie enjoys her job even more now, because she has the opportunity to interact with the community. Marie likes working with the community because she gets to help people accomplish their goals efficiently.
Marie Fort enjoys working with a team because that’s one of the most important things to her at the Urban League. Ms. Marie feels that when she teaches other people that’s what empowers her.
Interviewed by Ambriel Baskerville, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Tori Hamilton
Housing Counselor, Pre Purchase and Foreclosure, Urban League of Greater Hartford
Tori Hamilton enjoys working with her peers and loves to put a smile on people's faces. Ms. Hamilton has influenced many people to become homeowners. She also encourages the youth to go to college. She loves to work at the Urban League because she gets along with her co-workers and people treat her with respect. Ms. Hamilton also informs people about housing.
Ms. Hamilton empowers people in the community to get an education and become successful.
Ms. Hamilton`s first job was a waitress at Friendly`s and later she work at AC Petersen Farms. She also worked as a grocery store cashier. She is skilled in customer service.
Ms. Hamilton mother always told her; “How are you going to be successful if you live in an apartment?” So Ms. Hamilton took it into consideration and she finally purchased a house.
What persuaded Ms. Hamilton to work for the Urban League was helping people purchase homes, she also loved working with the community. Even on Tori’s first day, she knew that the Urban League was where she belonged.
Interviewed by Tahari Thompson, Project Ready MYF Intern & Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Juan Deleon
Owner/Supervisor Gurabo Auto Body
Juan Deleon is the owner and supervisor of Gurabo Auto body. As the supervisor he sells and repairs cars.
His first job was as a landscaper. The skills he learned while being a landscaper were tractor driving and planting trees.
The reason Juan owns an auto body shop is he likes to fix cars. Juan’s first day was nice and he learned many new things. Juan Deleon enjoys working with others while he does his work. His favorite part of working at Gurabo is repairing and working with the cars. He likes working with the community because it is one thing that empowers him to keep doing what he does.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Michael B.
Ikasa Furniture Store
Mike B. is the Store manager at Ikasa Furniture and Mattress. He oversees the entire store and controls what goes on at Ikasa. When I asked Mike what made him want to work for this organization he said he kind of just fell into it. He was applying to jobs and ended up at Ikasa. His first day working at Ikasa was different from what he does now. He was answering phones and in a warehouse helping customers. Mike enjoys his work with others a lot and his favorite part of working is helping the customers. Mike likes working with the community he’s in because thats where he grew up. When I asked Mike what empowers him and he said “Helping people everyday empowers him”
Interviewed by Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Ms. Love has worked with UBS (also Aetna Real Estate division before it changed into UBS) for 36 years as of July 31st and has enjoyed all her time her. I asked her why did she want to work with this organization she responded, “Back in my day, Aetna was a very prestigious company, if you worked here you were big time, it took me two years to get a job there. That meant constantly filling out applications every time I thought about it. When they actually called me I thought it was one of my friends joking. I did six interviews before they hired me.” I asked her what her first day was like she said jokingly “Well I don't remember.” She did remember that it was sort of overwhelming and there was a lot of training. I was able to talk with her hiring supervisor at the time, Ms. Dorisann Curry to find out more about her when she first worked here. I asked her what was Ms. Love’s first day like, she said that she was a very quick study, “she was like a sponge because she was able to absorb so much fast.”
I then asked Greta about her strengths and weaknesses. Her strengths are that she is a people person, she’s very motivated, very conscientious, and she has a great sense of humor (which really showed throughout our interview). Her weaknesses is that she holds in her feelings a lot and doesn't always know when to say no. “That’s a weakness, I keep on taking on more and more, knowing that it will be difficult to do it but I will find out how to do it.” I then asked her what her favorite part of working at UBS was, she said the satisfaction of completing a job, and working with the interns.
As I went through the interview I decided that why not add a fun question. So I asked Ms. Love if she can be any animal what would she be and why. It caused an uproar of laughter among us initially. “I’d like to be a gorilla, because they have human characteristics, the way that act they are just like humans.” I then asked her if someone handed you a microphone, and the whole world would hear you, what would you say. “I would give honors to Jesus Christ, for keeping me here and for doing everything he has done for me in my life.”
My final question was what empowers her. Empowerment means to give (someone) the authority or power to do something. She said that she was self-motivated, and that she likes to take charge. She finds things to motivate her, she doesn’t wait until it comes to her.
Interviewed by: Xavier Luis Arriaga, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Mrs. Kathy Reilly
Director of Education, Urban League of Greater Hartford
We interviewed Mrs. Kathy Reilly; she’s the Education Director at The Urban League of Greater Hartford.
Mrs. Reilly’s first job was when she worked at a department store, there she checked customers’ credit cards to see if they were valid or invalid. At her job, the skills she gained were organization skills, how to prioritize, and how to follow directions the first time given.
We asked her, “What made you want to work at the Urban League of Greater Hartford?” and she replied, “It’s a service organization and I value service.” When asked what her first day working at the Urban League was like her reply was “It was a scary day, but my supervisor was welcoming and understanding so overall it was an enjoyable day.”
Mrs. Reilly enjoys working with a team. She is very team oriented. Mrs. Reilly enjoys what she does at her job so much she looks forward to coming to work every day. Her favorite part of working at The Urban League of Greater Hartford are the services that help people. Mrs. Reilly loves to work with the community because she wants to feel what she does has value. She wants to feel that what she does is helping others.
What empowers Mrs. Reilly is the feeling that she is making a difference in people’s lives. Feeling that she is doing her best is what keeps her doing her best. Mrs. Reilly is someone who values what she does to the fullest.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Amanda Edwards, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Mrs. Marie Fort
Director of Housing Ownership, Urban League of Greater Hartford
At the Urban League Ms. Marie Fort counsels people on home ownership and helps them manage their credit & banking balances.
She got her first job which was working in the tobacco fields in Hartford; she collected leaves and picked the crops. “I made good money,” she said. Prior to working at the Urban League, she worked as a police dispatcher.
Ms. Fort later found out social services was her thing and working at the Urban League was a relief to her. She started working at the Urban League in 1988. On her first day she was placed in a little lounge with no windows, where it was hot and muggy. Her first client was a 234 pound male that was very unstable and had a bad stench. He walked into her office and asked for her help she started to look up his information and she realized he was in the totally wrong place the whole time! Marie enjoys her job even more now, because she has the opportunity to interact with the community. Marie likes working with the community because she gets to help people accomplish their goals efficiently.
Marie Fort enjoys working with a team because that’s one of the most important things to her at the Urban League. Ms. Marie feels that when she teaches other people that’s what empowers her.
Interviewed by Ambriel Baskerville, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Summer Intern
Tori Hamilton
Housing Counselor, Pre Purchase and Foreclosure, Urban League of Greater Hartford
Tori Hamilton enjoys working with her peers and loves to put a smile on people's faces. Ms. Hamilton has influenced many people to become homeowners. She also encourages the youth to go to college. She loves to work at the Urban League because she gets along with her co-workers and people treat her with respect. Ms. Hamilton also informs people about housing.
Ms. Hamilton empowers people in the community to get an education and become successful.
Ms. Hamilton`s first job was a waitress at Friendly`s and later she work at AC Petersen Farms. She also worked as a grocery store cashier. She is skilled in customer service.
Ms. Hamilton mother always told her; “How are you going to be successful if you live in an apartment?” So Ms. Hamilton took it into consideration and she finally purchased a house.
What persuaded Ms. Hamilton to work for the Urban League was helping people purchase homes, she also loved working with the community. Even on Tori’s first day, she knew that the Urban League was where she belonged.
Interviewed by Tahari Thompson, Project Ready MYF Intern & Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Juan Deleon
Owner/Supervisor Gurabo Auto Body
Juan Deleon is the owner and supervisor of Gurabo Auto body. As the supervisor he sells and repairs cars.
His first job was as a landscaper. The skills he learned while being a landscaper were tractor driving and planting trees.
The reason Juan owns an auto body shop is he likes to fix cars. Juan’s first day was nice and he learned many new things. Juan Deleon enjoys working with others while he does his work. His favorite part of working at Gurabo is repairing and working with the cars. He likes working with the community because it is one thing that empowers him to keep doing what he does.
Interviewed by Shoaib Williams, Project Ready MYF Intern and Nushawn Clarke, Project Ready SYELP Intern
Michael B.
Ikasa Furniture Store
Mike B. is the Store manager at Ikasa Furniture and Mattress. He oversees the entire store and controls what goes on at Ikasa. When I asked Mike what made him want to work for this organization he said he kind of just fell into it. He was applying to jobs and ended up at Ikasa. His first day working at Ikasa was different from what he does now. He was answering phones and in a warehouse helping customers. Mike enjoys his work with others a lot and his favorite part of working is helping the customers. Mike likes working with the community he’s in because thats where he grew up. When I asked Mike what empowers him and he said “Helping people everyday empowers him”
Interviewed by Damian Comulada, Project Ready MYF Intern and Tyshawn Walker, Project Ready SYELP Intern
