Katrina

Imagine not being able to know your bank account balance or being in the dark about financial decisions that impact your future. Picture relying entirely on someone else financially, and then suddenly, that person is gone. That was the reality for Katrina*.   

“I had been with the father of my kids since I was a kid, even before middle school. We always had complications but did what we could to stay together.”

Katrina and her husband got married and had three children. “I’ve always needed him financially. I have never been able to get out on my own.”  

In 2017, however, they unfortunately divorced.   

After their divorce was final, Katrina was on her own for a short time before moving in with her grandmother. Shortly after the move-in, her grandmother got sick, and Katrina took care of her for three years until she passed away.   

“Those three years, I’ve been stuck. Not just relying on my ex-husband for financial help, but also taking care of my grandmother. I’m ready to not be stuck anymore. I’m ready for the next chapter.”  

When Katrina considered her next phase, she found herself in a cycle: she was eager to start fresh but uncertain how to start, all while needing to support herself financially. Having worked as a paraprofessional in special education, she was ready to embark on an entirely new career path.   

She had a hard time securing an interview because she had little experience in the aviation field and had not worked for the past three years. Since she didn’t have the time or money to attend a traditional four-year school, she knew that attaining a certification would be a quick solution to her issue.  

“I want to work in aviation, specifically at Boeing. I know a few people currently working there and how incredibly hard it can be to get there, especially without experience.”  

She searched for aviation certifications online and found Maricopa Community College’s courses, leading her to Fresh Start’s career training programs.  Katrina applied to Fresh Start’s Cable Harness Wiring program beginning in the Spring of 2024, and was pleasantly surprised to learn she was accepted.   

“I wasn’t seeing any options, but Fresh Start revealed options, which made me feel more secure. It’s not like you’re negative when you don’t see the possibilities, but it’s hard to be positive about it… After discovering that I was approved for the program, I was like, ‘Wow, okay, that’s a first step.’ I didn’t think I would be approved, which brought a new level of confidence.”  

Within Fresh Start’s doors, Katrina began career training and obtained education on personal finances and budgeting.  

“In the moment, it can feel like a lot. It can be overwhelming, but once you get through it, you can see that it’s possible to successfully make changes in your life.”  

The first few days of classes proved to be an adjustment, as it had been several years since Katrina was last in a classroom environment.   

“It was very intimidating because it had been so long. I was in a situation for so long with someone who told me I was not good enough or that I was not worth anything, and I stopped being able to see past that. So, it makes you view yourself differently.”  

Katrina was incredibly excited when Boeing staff spoke to her class one day.   

“Fresh Start had already prepared us for everything that Boeing was telling us to prepare for or do. It was cool to say, ‘Oh, we’ve already been told about this, and I feel prepared because I already did that step.’ That felt amazing.”  

While Katrina saw an entirely new path open before her eyes, the four-week course was not without its challenges.   

“It was an obstacle to change schedules at home. Even though my kids are older, they still rely on me around the house, so it was up to me to plan the day. But it wasn’t something that was ever going to stop me.”  

For the first time in a long time, Katrina acted with herself in mind as a priority. Even as she finished the course and passed the test, she was most proud that she did it all for herself.   

“Success means doing things that benefit me and not just everybody else. I’ve noticed a lot of personal growth in taking the time to do the applications, not questioning myself, and then finishing and passing the course. Those are all things that are beneficial to me.”  

She thanked Fresh Start for supporting her in the job search after she passed the cable harness certification test.  

“Passing the course was a goal that I achieved. Getting the interviews is another achievement because I hadn’t been getting interviews before. Thank you, Fresh Start, for opening that door.”  

Katrina feared that her confidence would have suffered if she hadn’t found Fresh Start, and she’d still be at home attempting to schedule interviews for open roles.   

She hoped that women looking for a change would find Fresh Start and the resources offered.  

“Every woman they help here is different, in a different situation, with a different past, and no matter what case it is, Fresh Start has endless opportunities and resources to help.   

“Fresh Start may set you up for your future, but they’re just laying down the foundation and showing you the way. When your confidence is up, and you see options and see what is possible, it’s finally possible for you to go down that path.”  

Despite everything Katrina learned about cable harnessing, her finances, and the untapped potential of her self-confidence, one lesson was the biggest for her.  

“I learned that I’m stronger than I thought I was. That boss-empowerment is there that I was seeking, but it had never come out before.”  

After completing the Cable Harness Wiring program, Katrina remained committed to working in aviation and began Boeing Bootcamps, hoping to be hired by Boeing in the New Year.