Eric Nsanzimfura
Eric came to the United States from Rwanda in 2014. Once he entered ETHS, he was determined to be accepted into the Forrest E. Powell Foundation’s WE Program. Eric believed that the soft-skills he would learn, and real-world experience he would gain through the WE program, would put him on a path for success.
Eric spent the summer between junior and senior year in a WE Internship at Evanston Hospital. Now, Eric is pursuing a degree in radiology at Oakton.
After completing the WE program, Eric said: “I am truly enthused about the WE Program. It helped me begin to pursue my goals and obtain my dreams.”
Avontay Coleman
Avontay moved to Evanston from North Chicago where he felt as though his former school did not challenge him to his full potential. Once enrolled at ETHS, he decided to apply to the Forrest E. Powell Foundation’s WE program.
Avontay is interested in computer programming and wanted to start working and earning an income within 2 years of graduating high school. Through his Evanston WE Internship at the ETHS Chrome Zone and in-depth soft-skills training, Avontay is now on his way to achieving his goals.
Avontay said, “Because of Evanston WE, I feel like I am ready to succeed!”
Shaun Dornbierer
Shaun is originally from central Ireland and also lived briefly in Switzerland.
During his first auto tech class at ETHS, Shaun’s talent for automotive technology was revealed. Shaun was excited to be accepted to the Forrest E. Powell Foundation’s WE program and to gain the soft-skills training and real-world experiences he needed to succeed. Shaun did his WE Internship at Evanston Autobarn.
Shaun said, “I don’t understand why everyone in America puts so much emphasis on college when some really good careers don’t require four years and thousands of dollars. I’m glad that I was able to learn and achieve so much through Evanston WE!”
Hannah Seiler
Hannah moved to Evanston from Michigan several years ago. Hannah wanted to find creative and engaging work in the baking, culinary and pastry chef world. She worked at Bennison’s bakery for her WE Internship and then continued to work at the Bakery during her senior year and after graduation high-school. Hannah is now studying culinary arts at Dupage Community College and on her way to career success!
Hannah said: “I learned so much from Jory Downer of Bennison’s Bakery, my WE Internship Boss and Mentor. Combined with the WE Workplace Soft-Skills training I received, I feel ready to succeed.”
Noor Al-Rubaye
Noor arrived just a few years ago from Iraq. She has always dreamed of working in the healthcare industry and most enjoyed her ETHS classes in biology and chemistry.
Noor decided that she initially wanted to become a certified Pharm tech and acquire a pre-healthcare associates degree. She also wanted to acquire sharper conversational and professional skills.
Noor said, “I was so lucky that the Evanston WE program enabled me to advance my professional skills and gain hands-on practice as a Pharm Tech.”