WINTER 2023
Ballmer Group awards STRIVE $1.5M in grants toward additional sites and increased enrollment over three years
STRIVE is honored to partner with Ballmer Group to further the national growth and expansion of STRIVE programs, helping to build a more equitable and inclusive economy. These latest funds will fuel deeper reach into communities in need and provide opportunities for graduates to achieve economic empowerment for themselves and their families.  

“STRIVE is the perfect partner to help us reach those communities that are furthest from opportunity and employ levers of change that hold promise for long-term systemic equity,” said Ballmer Group Executive Director of National Impact Loren Harris. “We look forward to witnessing STRIVE’s continued growth and success over the coming years and remaining in close partnership in its ongoing impact.” 
 
This key investment will serve as a lead funder helping STRIVE to open two new sites by 2025: STRIVE Birmingham in Alabama will begin classes in May 2023 and an unannounced city is currently in exploration and planning phases. 

With the launch of two new sites and expansion of current programming in New York and Atlanta, STRIVE projects a 50% increase to enrollment of our flagship Career Path program by 2025.
Guest speakers inspire at STRIVE New York graduation
STRIVE New York '22 graduates with Executive Director Ayesha George
Last month's graduation of STRIVE New York's Career Path, Fresh Start and Future Leaders programs was an especially spirited occasion as several friends of STRIVE came out during the busy holiday season to show their support for graduates.

Global Head of Agency & Accounts at TikTok (and STRIVE Gala 2022 Co-Chair) Khartoon Weiss spoke candidly to the graduates as peers, noting her own phenomenal rise from a working class, single parent upbringing in 1980's Manhattan as "the Brown girl with the funny name."

"Know that there is a place for you out there. But it will not come without a tremendous amount of hard work. You're going to be overlooked because of the color of your skin or the sound of your name. But learn everything you can from everyone you can. When you educate and invest in yourself, nothing can stop you."
Khartoon Weiss at the December 2022 graduation
Maggie McDermott with STRIVE leadership and board
Also in attendance were former STRIVE employee Maggie McDermott who came representing New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala's office and STRIVE '93 alum Eric Mussig of Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Both also took to the podium to share words of celebration and encouragement for STRIVE graduates, offering stories and life lessons from their own career journeys.
Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities partners with STRIVE to create career pathways
In partnership with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) STRIVE New York has launched a pilot program dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities overcome the unique barriers they face while navigating the workforce.

This tailored Administrative Support training program is employer demand-driven and matches individual graduates to targeted positions. Students prepare for a range of jobs in Healthcare, Customer Service and Office Administration in high-growth sectors.

"In the digital age, no person should struggle for access to quality and meaningful employment simply because they are living with a disability," said Assistant Commissioner of Workforce and Business Development at MOPD Martha Jackson.

"STRIVE understands what it takes to help a person facing multiple barriers build a career they truly love and achieve financial empowerment. I can think of no better organization to partner with on this initiative than STRIVE."

Graduates of this pilot will be trained in written and verbal communications, Microsoft Suite, conflict resolution, DEI, and more. As STRIVE alumni, they will have lifetime access to our services including resume building, job placement and wellness support.
STRIVE Future Leaders now featured on the U.S. Department of Labor blog
Congratulations to Tajay Kelly, recent graduate of STRIVE Future Leaders at Career Resources in Connecticut.

Tajay is now working for a warehouse and taking classes at his local community college. "This is the step up I needed to see further down the road to what is possible for me," says Tajay. "All of this is happening because of what I learned from STRIVE Future Leaders."

Tajay is now featured on the U.S. Department of Labor national blog as a part of STRIVE's federally supported program, Future Leaders.
STRIVE WORKS
Since 1984, STRIVE has helped over 85,000 graduates gain access to good jobs with pathways to build empowering careers. Thanks to the continued dedication and support of the STRIVE community, 2023 stands to be our most ambitious year of growth yet. We will open our doors to new cities like Birmingham and expand our programming in New York and Atlanta and with our 10 affiliate partners across the country. Watch the video below to learn why STRIVE WORKS.
STRIVE community shines at the 2022 Gala
After three long years the STRIVE community was thrilled to once again gather for a gala to celebrate the resilience and determination of our graduates and raise crucial funds for a strong 2023.

This year's gala honored Daryl Lee, Global CEO at McCann Worldgroup, and many notable figures came to speak, including Mayor of New York City Eric Adams and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Foundation President Randy Moore.

STRIVE Atlanta '21 grad Jill Lindsey took the trip up north to attend the gala and serve as a Graduate Ambassador representing Atlanta. Jill's dynamic enthusiasm for STRIVE speaks to the incredible impact of our continued national growth and reach as we prepare to enter new cities.

"It was an honor to be there representing STRIVE Atlanta grads," says Jill. "I feel so blessed to be part of this inspiring community."
STRIVE Atlanta '21 grad Jill Lindsey with Executive Director Jomal Vailes at the '22 STRIVE Gala.
"When you join STRIVE, you gain so much more than job skills and career direction. As an alum you have lifetime access to a whole network that truly cares about you and is dedicated to helping you grow and succeed."
STRIVE Leadership at the 2022 STRIVE Gala, from left to right: Jomal Vailes, Executive Director STRIVE Atlanta; Quiwintre Frye, Executive Director STRIVE Birmingham; Ayesha George, Executive Director STRIVE New York; Roy Castro, STRIVE Board Co-Chair and Alum
2023 Women's Empowerment Luncheon
Thank you for being part of the STRIVE Community
TOGETHER WE STRIVE