This story is part of a three-part series highlighting the impact of the Center for Employment Opportunities’ Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), a paid internship designed to help justice-impacted individuals build professional skills, gain work experience, and take steps toward long-term economic mobility. In this installment, we share the journey of David, whose experience in ELP helped shape a new career path and strengthen a growing sense of purpose.
Before joining CEO, David hadn’t completed a resume or attended a job interview in over two decades. “I was so lost in life,” he said. “My probation officer told me to come to Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Sacramento to get a job and that’s how the journey began.”
David started on CEO’s transitional work crew, where he rebuilt his confidence through job-readiness support. When the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) internship opened, he applied and was selected. “It was my first job interview in 20 years,” he said. “I was so happy that I got the position. It was all thanks to CEO.”
As a vocational intern, David supported participants in Sacramento through intake, resume building, interview prep, and job search assistance. He helped lead orientations and made internal referrals to training programs. He also maintained records in Salesforce and provided front desk coverage.
“There was so much to learn, so I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could.” During the internship, David earned 28 professional certificates, including conflict resolution, leadership communication, small business development, and AI for productivity.
Now, David runs three businesses: junk removal, gardening, and buy-and-sell. He returned to work on crew to continue learning. He recently earned his forklift, flagger and OSHA certification to be eligible for the full-time Site Supervisor role he applied for at CEO. “The ELP internship is excellent preparation for anyone starting a new career,” he said. “CEO motivated me to help others. This is an experience I will never forget.”
David’s story reflects the power of a fair chance and the importance of investing in people’s potential. Through mentorship, structure, and paid work, the Emerging Leaders Program creates space for participants to discover new pathways and define success on their own terms.
This story is one of three featured in our series on the Emerging Leaders Program. Read the other journeys here:
