Cenita Williamson, an accomplished entrepreneur and career coach, held impactful in-person workshops at the GI Go Fund Center in Newark. Her sessions provided invaluable guidance to 20 young Black women, equipping them with the skills and tools needed to navigate today’s job market, pursue new careers, and set their sights on professional success.

The workshops covered effective communication techniques, conducted mock interviews to improve professional presentation, and offered guidance on identifying pathways to new career opportunities. These two-day sessions inspired confidence and purpose in participants eager to advance their careers. Cenita Williamson also has a strong connection to workforce development, as she is the spouse of Wilton Williamson, Prudential Financial’s former Director of Veteran Initiatives.

Since 2019, our center has been dedicated to providing vital services that empower individuals to build stronger futures through workforce development programs. Using our innovative hybrid "Constantine Model" that is named in honor of the late LtCol Justin Constantine, which combines the accessibility of online training with the impact of in-person workshops, we have created a dynamic and flexible learning environment tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Sponsored by leading organizations such as Prudential, EY, Citizens Bank, and others, we are proud to serve as a hub for learning, growth, and opportunity for clients in Newark and beyond.

This training reflects our center’s ongoing commitment to helping underserved communities achieve economic independence and career advancement. Since its inception, the center has offered innovative programs and resources to prepare individuals for the modern workforce. Our recent expansion into AI training has further broadened these efforts, providing participants with tools to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.

Our center has a long history of empowering individuals to transform their lives. Mike Steadman, a Marine veteran and entrepreneur, joined our small business incubator in 2019, supported by Prudential. With our resources, including LinkedIn Navigator and coaching, Mike grew IRONBOUND Boxing Gym into a thriving enterprise, securing major clients like Spotify and achieving an 800% revenue increase.

Steadman then expanded his impact by launching IRONBOUND Thrive, offering coaching and microgrants to young entrepreneurs in Newark, and earned recognition with the StreetShares Veteran Small Business Award. A thought leader and author of Black Veteran Entrepreneur, Mike has also been named a Hoover Veteran Fellow at Stanford University and joined LinkedIn’s Creator Accelerator Program.

The impact of these programs, combined with the support of our valued partners, has earned us recognition as the 2024 Champion in Action by Citizens Bank, a distinction that underscores the success of our efforts in workforce development and community empowerment.

With the continued backing of organizations like Prudential, EY, and Citizens Bank, we remain dedicated to creating opportunities, transforming lives, and helping individuals reach their full potential.

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