A WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT BOARD
āSOUTH BAY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDā
Meet LaWanda Staten - Gardena
Workforce Challenge:
LaWanda Staten, 55, of Gardena, worked for Concorde Career College as the Regional Business Developer for approximately seven years. When Ms. Staten was suddenly laid off and she had a very difficult time finding steady employment to meet her needs. The Employment Development Department referred her to the Gardena One-Stop Business & Career Center to receive vocational training services and assistance with her job search.
Workforce Solution:
Ms. Staten met with a career advisor and was informed that she was eligible to receive funding for training under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, Dislocated Worker Program. She enrolled in the Human Resources Management program at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Outcome and Benefits:
Upon completion of her training, Ms. Staten was offered the Business Development Associate position at the Community Career Development in the City of Compton. Ms. Staten accepted the offer and began working for the company in February 2016 with a starting pay of $44,000 annually and has since already received a pay increase to $48,000 annually.
āIām so grateful to all the Gardena staff that helped me during a tumultuous period in my life. They assisted me with brushing up on my interviewing skills and updating my resume and providing job leads. I had access to all types of resources to help me get back into the workforce! It truly is a one-stop shop to get everything you need in order to become employable!ā