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 Martin, whose experience in ELP helped shape a new career path and strengthen a growing sense of purpose.
When Martin joined Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Sacramento, he arrived with a plan. After spending six years incarcerated, he had already begun laying the foundation for a career in IT, even teaching Microsoft Office Suite while inside. Upon reentry, he completed a 15-week bootcamp with Per Scholas to sharpen his skills. Technology seemed like the path forward.
But as he engaged with CEO’s programming, something shifted. Martin was placed with the Talent Development team as part of the Emerging Leaders Program. There, he put his technical background to use by helping others navigate training platforms and digital tools. He asked for feedback after each session to improve as a trainer and communicator. Listening closely to participants' experiences, he began to feel a deeper calling.
“I came in thinking I’d do IT troubleshooting,” he said. “But hearing people’s stories—I realized I wanted to work with people.”
Halfway through the program, Martin told his manager he was interested in a role that allowed him to directly support others. She encouraged him to apply for an Employment Specialist position. It was also suggested that he’d make a strong job coach. The day after he graduated from ELP, he received a job offer for that exact role.
His response: tears of disbelief and joy.
Martin had previously passed up professional opportunities out of fear and self-doubt. But through ELP, he built confidence, gained support, and began to see himself through a different lens. That mindset shift had a real-world impact. He was able to buy a car and negotiate his own payment plan. He paid it off in just eight months.
“Someone saw leadership potential in me,” he said. “I was told to speak up, to embody that. To believe in my natural skills.”
Today, Martin works as a Job Coach at CEO. He says the ELP experience helped prepare him for the demands of the job and gave him the courage to pursue it. He job-shadowed staff, asked questions, and stayed engaged. Most importantly, he learned how to lead with heart.
“I care about people. I want to help,” he said. “My family sees the change. They love the person I’m becoming.”
Martin now has health benefits, stability, and a strong sense of purpose. He credits the entire CEO team for helping him get here.
“There are no questions you can’t ask,” he said. “It’s a team effort.”
To future ELP participants, Martin offers this advice: “Embrace the program. Be in the moment. If someone sees leadership in you, work the program. Learn how to be what people already see in you.”
Martin’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:
