Transforming lives through collaboration: Viviana’s path to a healthcare career

With the help of her career coach, Viviana explored career options that aligned with her interests and would offer long‑term growth. Her passion for helping others quickly pointed her toward the nursing profession that would not only fulfill her desire to care for people but also increase her earning potential, with a starting wage of $25 per hour.

To prepare for this new path, Viviana was connected with an English as a Second Language (ESL) program to strengthen her language skills. She also spent a day job‑shadowing students in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, giving her a firsthand look at the training and responsibilities of the role. After completing her ESL coursework, she began her CNA training. Throughout the process, her career coach encouraged her, helped her navigate challenges, and connected her to NFJP supportive services to ensure she could stay focused on her goals.

After months of determination, hard work and study, Viviana proudly completed her CNA classes and clinicals, passed the State Licensing Exams, and registered her CNA certification with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. She is now working with her career coach to apply for CNA positions in her community.

“I am very grateful to Michigan Works! and NFJP,” Viviana shared. “Despite the language difficulties, I worked hard to pass my exams, and now I'm ready to begin a new professional chapter!”

Her success reflects the power of partnership, perseverance and the life‑changing impact of workforce development programs working together.