Columbus Urban League Helps Participant Realize Leadership Potential

A repeat participant in Ohio’s cash assistance program, Alanie M. was no stranger to workforce development programs. Alanie would experience employment opportunities, but did not stay because of the lack of job satisfaction and personal barriers that seemed to monopolize her goals. Thinking that she would attend another workforce development training and get employment in an entry level job, Alanie M. enrolled in the Columbus Urban League’s Workforce Career Training and Urban Supply Chain Jobs Program (USCJP). Her goal was to go with the flow and get employment more out of an attitude of the completing the process than actually wanted to get out of the cycle.  Alanie’s barriers included her negative attitude towards life, her family responsibilities, unemployment, and her criminal background.

During the first week of the USJP classes, Ms. Drafton had a negative, prideful, and anti-authoritative attitude. She used the class time to exert her comments about what she wanted to discuss and often had sidebar conversations with other students, disrupting the class. Asking Alanie to share her sidebar conversations with the rest of the class, using Alanie’s negative experiences and comments as an example of how poor customer service and inefficient procedures can reduce the profit in a supply chain, and encouraging Alanie to participant and respond with positive examples, were all different techniques that the class instructor used to veer Alanie’s attitude toward a more positive and productive behavior.

In addition, during one of the Workforce Development training classes, Alanie was introduced to an opportunity to work for a car detailing company. With an updated resume, information about customer service and CUL staff coaching, Alanie took pride in her abilities and successfully applied and interviewed for the position.

Now, Alanie has a positive attitude, is confident, and her desire to help others has had a lasting effect on those in which she comes into contact.

Besides understanding the importance of good customer service and that there is a process in any company’s operations, Alanie effectively utilized the resources of the Urban League, including committed staff, to help her meet her employment goals. 

Not only has Alanie obtained employment as a Recruiter for Cars, Inc., she also attends CUL employment events and shares her story of how CUL helped her obtain her goals. Ms. Drafton also successfully managed her time to complete the  USCJP course and obtain her certification in supply chain management.