1.3 min readPublished On: July 15, 2025Categories: Career Coaching, For Job Seekers, Workforce Development

Jessica Davis joined Destination Success Dallas with a clear mission: to build a better future for herself and her child. With unwavering determination, she enrolled in the Work Experience (WEX) program and gained valuable hands-on experience as a Rehabilitation Technician at Pate Rehabilitation, earning $15.00 per hour.

With guidance from her dedicated Youth Empowerment Coach, Latoya Burley, Jessica took the next big step by enrolling in Career Pathways, a tuition-free job training initiative offered through Year Up United, a nationally recognized workforce development organization.

Her commitment and perseverance quickly began to pay off. Through Career Pathways, Jessica secured an internship with one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in the U.S., gaining critical industry experience that is setting the stage for a long-term career in the financial sector.

Jessica’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, resources, and mindset, barriers can be broken, and lasting success can be achieved.

“At Year Up United, we are committed to serving young adults who need a path to opportunity when a four-year college degree is out of reach,” said Dr. Jasmine Collier, Dallas-Fort Worth Market Leader at Year Up United. “Our proven approach goes beyond technical training to social and emotional support, plus our top-tier workplace readiness preparation and deep connections to employers. Lack of access to social capital and professional networks is a huge barrier to economic mobility, which is why we focus on relationships and community building as key components of career readiness. We believe that, with the right support and opportunity, all young adults can achieve their full potential.”