How to Build a Strong Team in a Virtual World

Smiling woman in a yellow shirt sits at a cafe table with a laptop.

What is this, day four million of the pandemic? By now, most of us have settled into that new routine of working. The technical issues have been largely solved. We are fluent in Zoom and various work-flow software. Now what? How do we maintain our team spirit?

5 Fun Winter Essentials You Can Find at Goodwill!

Smiling young girl wearing white earmuffs and a knit sweater with a fur vest.

Although the holidays are over, the winter season has just begun! With the shorter days and colder nights, that means it’s time to stock up on winter apparel, cold-weather accessories and outdoor gear. Members of the retail staff at Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago picked their favorite items for the snowy season.

Unity Through Opportunity and the Power of Work

U.S. Capitol dome with an American flag waving in front of a cloudy sky.

I didn’t realize the weight of the emotions I have been carrying until the last few moments of President Biden’s inaugural remarks when the floodgates opened and I let out all of my tears. All of the negative feelings related to the pandemic, concern for family and friends battling COVID, living in isolation, the insurrection, social injustice, anxiety for friends living within the military zone established in DC conflated with the pride for our country, the joy of watching history being made, and the hope I have for our future.

My Story: Eulalio Martinez

Elderly man wearing a bright yellow safety vest over a blue shirt in a workshop

Eulalio Martinez traveled 1,500 miles to move to Wisconsin, but he did not have a job lined up to sustain him when he arrived. For several weeks, he lived in his truck before moving into a local homeless shelter. One day, he walked a block away to Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin’s Green Bay East Retail Store and Training Center, where he approached a career navigator named Dawn and asked for help. He said he was looking for someone to take a chance on him.

Five Ways to Have Fun While Working Remotely

Smiling woman wearing glasses leaning toward a laptop, hands near her mouth in delight.

Like you, I’m getting a bit tired of the over-used phrase, “Welcome to the new normal”.  However, just because “we’re all in this together,” it doesn’t mean we can’t “pivot” from the norm and “think outside the box” when it comes to making work fun again.

President-Elect Biden Unveils American Rescue Plan

U.S. Capitol dome with a waving American flag against a clear blue sky

On the heels of Inauguration Day, in a city under lockdown that is still reeling from the violence at the Capitol and while a pandemic rages on, President-elect Biden unveiled the details of his “American Rescue Plan”. This is the first of a two-part proposal, the second of which will be released in the coming weeks and will focus on recovery.

Acid Washing Away 2020

Colorful folded fabrics including teal, green, purple, and pink with tie-dye patterns.

One trend I’ve been seeing A LOT of going into this new year is acid washing! As we know, fashion history always repeats itself and this trend is no exception. I am seeing it in retail stores, online shops and boutiques!

Does An Employer Really Care About My Social Media?

Finger taps a portrait thumbnail on a touchscreen grid of headshots.

In a word, yes. More than ever before, employers are likely to search your name on Google as well as take a look at your social media pages to get a sense of your online presence and professionalism. Whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn or a host of other sites, employers will often view your information and base their hiring decision, at least in part, on what they see.

Why Preloved is the Move

Smiling man wearing a colorful geometric shirt and yellow headband outdoors.

When I learned of preloved culture, it changed the trajectory of my buying and spending habits. Yet, many people do not understand what preloved culture is let alone the concept of preloved on its own. So, let’s take a look at the definition of preloved to understand its importance.

Better Days Ahead

United States Capitol dome under a dramatic sunset sky.

Due to the pandemic, I haven’t been on the Hill in several months, as our meetings have been virtual. I watched in horror as the events of January 6 unfolded and an attack was made on our democracy, and the grounds where I’ve stood so many times was under siege.

My Story: Stephanie Richardson

Smiling woman with long box braids, wearing a black top and a pendant necklace.

In February 2020, Stephanie Richardson enrolled in the pharmacy technician program at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. Initially attending class at the Goodwill’s training center in downtown Baltimore, her participation was halted on March 20, 2020, due to COVID-19. Remaining focused on education and training, Stephanie elected to take the National Retail Federation Business of Retail online course during the closure. Training remotely, she worked diligently and at her own pace to acquire the retail certification.

5 Tips for Virtual Commuting

Person with long hair sits relaxed at a bright home office, hands behind head, with plants and a coffee mug nearby.

When this whole work-from-home business began (what seems like years ago), many of us greeted it with a collective “ugh”. The disruption of our daily routine was fraught with physical and emotional challenges. However, after a period of adjustments, the silver lining of this change of work venue has been the elimination of our daily commute.