Every quarter, workforce programs across our region support people who are navigating career changes, training, and the search for stable employment through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Below are three recent participant stories that offer a snapshot of that work. We’ve lightly edited them for clarity and length, but otherwise share them as they were reported, highlighting real moments of progress, transition, and next steps. (Stock photos are used to protect participant privacy.)

In this interview, Vanessa takes us through her internship experiences with YouthForce at the Boys and Girls Club of King County. Starting her journey at age 16 with the Seattle Sounders, she went on to explore marketing with Molly Moon's and True North Gear. Amidst the pandemic, Vanessa reignited her passion for community advocacy, supporting students in a role back at the Boys and Girls Club. Now at 22, Vanessa reflects on how these experiences shaped her life and advocates for the continuation of programs like YouthForce.