Patricia Miller
Director, FOCUS
For a long time, I thought I had to be some sort of magical being to stay on top of it all, some ultra-successful woman not showing any emotions. I worked for a for-profit organization for close to 20 years. Needless to say, it was very challenging coming from a for-profit to a nonprofit. I always been consistent, authentic, and interact with compassion in a way that no matter what space someone is coming from they feel they are important. Because of this STRIVE has allowed me to be able to give freely of myself, without reservations.
Being a STRIVE woman means standing up for what’s right, igniting others’ life ambitions, and maintaining purpose. But the best thing of all is having a voice and knowing you never have to do anything alone.
This is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to share my thoughts in this manner. Thank you STRIVE for simply believing in people and allowing their worth to shine.
Lisa R. Burns
Employment Specialist-STRIVE Atlanta
As a STRIVE Woman I am surrounded by a group of Phenomenal Women at STRIVE. Women who stand proud and who seek to educate, uplift, and STRIVE for Equity and Equality in all that they do. As an Employment Specialist I have the distinct pleasure of meeting STRIVE students of various backgrounds, ethnicities, races, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. We partner together to match their career goals with organizations that align with STRIVE’s mission. Helping people acquire the life-changing skills and attitudes needed to overcome challenging circumstances and watching them learn, grow, and transform is a beautiful process to see.
I live by the motto “Each One Teach One” and I have learned many valuable lessons from the female STRIVE students, one of which is perseverance. STRIVE Women do not stay down because they know “Giving Up” is too easy. STRIVE Women believe in what they do and show courage and persevere, and I am honored to be a part of an organization that values the contributions of STRIVE Women.
Keren Cadet, MSW
Atlanta Program Director
My immediate thoughts around “what does it mean to be a STRIVE woman” really makes me think about what it means to be a woman that STRIVEs. In the last year, my ability to contribute to the local implementation of STRIVE programming in Atlanta has really empowered me as a woman. My role as Program Director is really valued and I’ve been able to bring my whole-self, my education, and my experience to supporting individuals and locally addressing the barriers that have prevented them from reaching economic self-sufficiency.
A STRIVE Woman has a voice, has a seat at the table. A STRIVE Woman has the ability to be a change agent. The mission of the organization allows for differing voices and values the contribution of others, including mine
Cecelia Hemingway Morrell
Director, Reentry Services
What STRIVE means to me?
My relationship with STRIVE is one of the longest, most consistent, and beneficial relationships of my life. My relationship with STRIVE began in 1987 as a program graduate. STRIVE connected me with a life changing employment opportunity on Wall Street where I developed professionally and was promoted 3 times in 5 years. In 1993 I came to work for STRIVE, allowing me to pay it forward to other New Yorkers in need of training and support. As my son matured into his teen years, STRIVE provided training, support, and assistance in securing his first successful job opportunity. For more than 30 years this wonderful organization has touched my life and guided my steps.
So, what is STRIVE to me? A supportive program that became the second family that I have always been able to count on.
Vanessa Nicole O’Neil
STRIVE Graduate
Being a Strive woman means embracing resilience and diligence. My trainers, Mr. Hill and Ms. Smith forever hold a place in my heart and I channel their message that we have the ultimate control over our lives every single day. Mr. Hill taught us that, “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90 % of how we all choose to respond.” Knowing that I can make situations better by simply considering all consequences is truly empowering.
I am confident in my current position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where I work closely with physicians, nurses, and other departments to provide our patients and their caregivers the outstanding care they need to get through their journey. In my head, I feel like a superhero and love to refer to myself as a multi-tasking extraordinaire. I can confidently say that I am a firm believer that forward-thinking leadership and empowering others lead to a healthy work and home life. Every single day I remind myself that I am constantly graduating to higher places and the only failure is not trying. I will continue to grow with my current company and I know that I can always count on my extended family at STRIVE.