When you walk through the doors of Opportunity Junction, you're greeted with a warm smile from Geneveve, a 2024 graduate of our Administrative Careers Training (ACT) program. “I love making someone’s day,” she exclaims. And she does that well!
Geneveve’s hospitality comes naturally—rooted in her Filipino upbringing, where community, generosity, and inclusivity were core family values. She began her career building relationships in the mortgage industry, where she met her husband. When the market was good, things were really good, but when the industry’s instability led to a layoff in 2017, she made the difficult decision to step away from the workforce to focus on raising her children. She cherished the time spent volunteering in their classrooms and being present for every milestone, yet a part of her missed the professional world. “I missed being in the office and learning new things. And being a family of five living on a single income came with its challenges,” she said.
Financial pressure started to build post-pandemic with inflation and uncertainty of the housing market. Her kids were becoming more independent. She knew it was time to return to work. “Getting back into the workforce is depleting. I didn’t know where I wanted to go. I wanted a job with benefits and stability, a place that puts their employees and customers first,” she recalls. Her husband’s volunteer work at Opportunity Junction’s food bank introduced her to the ACT program, and from day one, she realized just how much she had to gain. Though she had always been comfortable with computers, she quickly discovered new tools and skills that would have made her past roles more efficient.
But Opportunity Junction provided more than technical training—it gave her the confidence to navigate her next chapter. The Essential Skills course helped her reflect on personal growth, identify challenges to overcome, and clarify her career goals. At first, she considered corporate roles, drawn to their stability, but as she learned more about nonprofits, her perspective shifted. She realized her true passion was helping others.
Graduating from OJ after seven years out of the workforce was an emotional milestone, made possible by her family’s support. More than anything, it was a testament to her resilience—and proof to her kids that it’s never too late to start over. Soon after, she applied for an opening at Opportunity Junction. When she was offered the job, it felt like everything had come full circle.
Now, as a valued team member, Geneveve plays a key role in welcoming guests and supporting new trainees. “I am grateful to be here (OJ) and I love what I am doing. People walk through our doors with their own set of doubts and I greet them with positivity and encouragement. I get to share my own story and let them know it’s never too late and that hard work pays off,” she shares. She knows firsthand how life-changing this experience can be and is eager to share with others.
Geneveve’s journey is a testament to Opportunity Junction’s impact. Her story proves that unexpected life changes, paired with courage and hard work, can lead to fulfilling careers. We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team, continuing to uplift and inspire others—just as she was once inspired herself.
