Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Welcomes Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su

PHOENIX, AZ (August 14, 2024) – Last week, Fresh Start was honored to welcome Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, along with UnidosUS, U.S. Department of Labor staff, and other community partners for a vital stakeholder conversation: how strategically invested public dollars can develop new, life-changing career pathways that benefit underserved populations, employers, and our communities.

Left to right: Luis Quiñones, Deputy Vice President, Adult Education and Workforce Development, UnidosUS; Julie Su, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor; Kim McWaters, President & CEO, Fresh Start; Abdu Dahr, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Fresh Start

The opportunity came from Fresh Start’s strategic partnership with UnidosUS—the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights organization—who received Apprenticeship Building America funding from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant is dedicated to expanding access to registered apprenticeship opportunities across in-demand and non-traditional sectors, such as clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and more.

As a subgrantee, Fresh Start has helped maximize the impact of these public dollars, providing Arizona’s women with the access and resources necessary to gain in-demand job skills in non-traditional industries and move into higher-paying jobs. This strategic approach also benefits employers who are looking for specialized and diverse talent, and improves communities seeking to reduce poverty and enable greater economic mobility.

Demonstrating this impact, the conversation featured three Fresh Start success stories: women who have pursued training in non-traditional careers and went on secure jobs that allowed them to overcome economic challenges, building a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Left to right: Kimberly Rush, Melissa Semper, Annaley Flores

• Kimberly Rush (Left): A proud Tribal Member of the Red Lake Nation, a Chippewa tribe in Minnesota, Rush heard about Fresh Start’s signature “Career Jumpstart for Women” event and was thrilled to access the job training opportunity. She completed the Cable Harness Wiring program at Mesa Community College and is now a Mechanical Assembler at Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials (“PacSci”). Rush joking says her title is “Rocket Scientist” and absolutely loves her job. She feels like her job has “given her a higher purpose.”
• Melissa Semper (Middle): A single mother with two grown children, a veteran, and a survivor of domestic violence, Semper also completed the welding program at RSI last year. She is now an apprentice at the UA Local 469 Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC Technicians, and is currently working at TSMC. “I was searching for a new career and way to change my life, and Fresh Start made that possible,” says Semper. “I’m grateful to Fresh Start for their unwavering support and for helping me realize my potential.

• Annaley Flores (Right): A 23-year-old, Latina single mother, Flores completed the welding program as RSI last year and is proud to have graduated with no debt. Flores says that her son, who she had when she was 18, was her motivation to pursue the opportunity and become financially independent. She now works at Motion Industries as a welding fabricator and remains excited to learn new things. Flores’ employer is also sending her to continue her training in hydraulic mechanics. She is looking forward to her growth within the company.

“Access to apprenticeships in Arizona is a game-changer for the women Fresh Start serves, providing life-changing career pathways and opportunities,” says Kim McWaters, CEO and President of Fresh Start.

“Apprenticeships are more than just training: they provide in-demand job skills, experience, and can grow the confidence women need to not only achieve self-sufficiency, but to thrive,” McWaters notes. “For mothers, these apprenticeships represent a unique opportunity to secure stable, well-paying jobs that can support their families and provide a brighter future for their children.”

Fresh Start is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Labor and thrilled to partner with UnidosUS as a subgrantee of the Apprenticeship Building America Grant.

Together, we open doors, break down barriers, and pave the way forward for a brighter, more inclusive future for women and children in your community.

About Fresh Start Women’s Foundation

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.