A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Kyla Taylor models the Native Abilities Enterprise logo designed by Kaitlyn McDonald.
Kaitlyn McDonald and Olivia Terrance giving a presentation on what they have learned since becoming involved with the Personal Career Management.
Native Abilities Enterprise: Ashley Garrow, James Caldwell, Carl Bero, Kyla Taylor, Leighann Neff, Raeann Oakes, facilitator Linda Lalonde, Kaitlyn McDonald, and Olivia Terrance (absent from photo: Derek Thompson, Henry Arquette, and Bo Adams).
The Akwesasne Employment Resource Center is here to provide valuable services and employment resources to the Akwesasne community. One such program being piloted in Akwesasne and getting great responses is the Personal Career Management program which trains employees by building self confidence and teaching highly sought after work skills.
Personal Career Management is a free 6 week program funded by the Akwesasne Area Management Board taught by Linda Lalonde. Mrs. Lalonde works for the company Professional Edge and has been working closely with The Akwesasne Employment Resource Center training Akwesasne employees for the workforce. With many years experience, Mrs. Lalonde knows what employers look for in a candidate and works to prepare them in such areas as: teamwork, self sufficiency, office etiquette, communication, leadership, organization, and time management.
41 people applied for the program and after an extensive interview process 11 highly diverse individuals were accepted. The group worked like a well functioning corporation, calling themselves Native Ability Enterprise. They learned vital skills that they will use later in their respective fields by working together on special projects.
“It is great to watch them grow.” said Mrs. Lalonde. “To see what their interests were and get them into those areas they are interested in.”
The program focuses on building self confidence. In the beginning, everyone who joined was in a transitional phase between school and work, or between careers and now they are making positive steps forward and with more confidence towards their career goals.
“I feel like I never have to worry about a job again,” said participant Kaitlyn McDonald.
The group will be finishing up their last few weeks by taking what they have learned in training to their various job placements in and around the community.
“For the things I have learned I hope other members of the community will take advantage of this program,” said Kyla Taylor.
Akwesasne can be proud of these hard workers who make the future of Akwesasne’s workforce more promising. You can learn more about the program by contacting the Akwesasne Employment Resource Center at 518-358-3047.
Photos by Mary La France
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