My Goodwill Story – Alexis

For Alexis, life has always been about adapting. Problems arise; things change, but she has always been able to find a new path forward.  

Her professional journey started as a paraprofessional in Florida. She loved being around students, getting to see their lives change and sharing her knowledge. Eventually, Alexis transitioned into food service management, where she said she continued to teach, but to professionals instead of students.  

In 2018, Hurricane Michael hit and Alexis was forced to rebuild her life. She moved to Minneapolis but later had to return to Florida briefly to care for her mother. 

Eventually, Alexis decided to return to Florida permanently. However, she wasn’t sure where to start with her new career. That’s when she came to the Goodwill Big Bend (Tallahassee, FL) Career Resource Center. Through the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator®, the team at Goodwill® walked Alexis through what was possible, which skills she wanted to lean into and what she still wanted to learn. With support and encouragement from the team at Goodwill, Alexis enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that Goodwill Big Bend offered.  “I was surrounded by people who cared about my success, and the blessings just kept flowing,” she said. 

After successfully completing the program, an unexpected opportunity emerged. An instructor position opened up in the Hospitality Occupational Skills Training Program at Goodwill Big Bend. Given her experience teaching, working in food service management and her time in the Goodwill educational program, Alexis was a great fit. Her Goodwill career coach encouraged her to apply and advocated strongly on her behalf.  

It paid off and Alexis landed her new role with Goodwill. From education, to management, to rebuilding after personal loss and natural disaster, her story is one of resilience, reinvention and the power of community support.  

Through perseverance and the guidance of caring professionals at Goodwill Big Bend, Alexis has transformed a season of uncertainty into a meaningful new career — one that now allows her to inspire and equip others for success. 

If you know someone who would benefit from free career support services, connect with your local Goodwill career center.