Meet Rosa Angelica Monterrozo
Workforce Challenge:
Rosa, 49, immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Pasadena in 2017. Having never held a regular job and lacking adequate English skills, she didn’t have the self-confidence to seek job interviews. But she did have a dream of one day working in the healthcare field as a registered nurse which gave her the motivation to seek assistance.
Workforce Solution:
Rosa enrolled in an ESL course to improve her English speaking ability and also began a work study program at Pasadena City College. But she still lacked work experience that employers prefer. While being assisted by her local DPSS GAIN Office, Rosa was referred to the Foothill Development Board where she received pre-employment training in interview skills and resume writing.
Outcome and Benefits:
In January 2019 Rosa was accepted into the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program and placed in a paid position as a receptionist with the American Cancer Society. While there, she learned clerical skills and enhanced her English proficiency and built up her self - confidence. Rosa also continued her studies and was able to complete her Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training.
Following completion of her TSE contract, Rosa was hired full-time by the Assisted Living Center in Pasadena as a CNA at a starting salary of $15.50/hr with benefits.
She is now well on her way to completing her degree requirements to be a registered nurse.