The Good Jobs Summer Tour engages with workers and employers across the United States on the Department of Labor’s commitment to improving job quality and fighting for workers.
PHOENIX, AZ (June 14, 2024) – In June, Fresh Start was invited to be a part of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su’s Good Jobs Summer Tour. Fresh Start’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Abdu Dahr had the honor of joining Secretary Su, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, as well as 19 other organizations, two of which were nonprofits, for a private roundtable discussion on creating good jobs in our community.
Fresh Start’s Abdu Dahr with Secretary Su, Mayor Gallego, Mayor Woods and others
During the roundtable, Fresh Start and our Impact Program were specifically highlighted by Secretary Su. She touted Fresh Start’s successful model supporting women on their journeys to self-sufficiency, and she mentioned that we were one of only five recipients nationwide to receive the U.S. Department of Labor’s WANTO (Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations) Grant in 2022.
Secretary Su and Abdu Dahr
Further exemplifying its impact on women in the Valley, Fresh Start was featured in a PBS Newshour story showcasing how Arizona is building its semiconductor workforce. Fresh Start woman Tarji Borders is the star of this national news story. Tarji completed our very first semiconductor cohort, and she personifies what’s possible for women through Fresh Start’s Impact Program.
Watch the video below to learn more about Tarji’s story.
For more information about programs and services or to make a donation to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, please visit www.FreshStartWomen.org.
Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. Our ultimate vision is to create unlimited opportunities for women. For over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 60,000 Arizona women, serving approximately 4,000 women each year. 82% are mothers, 62% are single mothers and 67% are women of color. These women face a variety of barriers hindering their ability to be personally or financially self-sufficient, including domestic violence, generational poverty and unemployment. Through our award-winning Impact Program, Fresh Start offers focused programs, services, access to training and education, as well as employment and career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit FreshStartWomen.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.