Laura

When Laura Jabalera came to Fresh Start, she was a new mother struggling with postpartum depression. “I felt like my only identity was as a mom,” Jabalera shared. “I loved being a stay-at-home mom, but I realized that I also wanted a career. I wanted to inspire my daughter to reach for the stars, too.”

But Jabalera’s professional experience in the food industry was leaving her feeling trapped. Despite working her way up to a general manager position, she felt unfulfilled. She wanted to apply her skills to a new career opportunity, one that would allow her to better provide for herself and her family.

Jabalera was referred to Fresh Start by her mother. “I remember her saying to me, ‘If you ever need help, you can always reach out to them,’ and after having my daughter, I realized that I did need help.”

At Fresh Start, Jabalera was able to receive the resources and support she needed to build her confidence and succeed.

“Fresh Start helped me realize my potential and discover a passion for the tech field,” says Jabalera. Despite facing self-doubting at first, she pushed herself and was admitted to Intel’s first U.S. apprenticeship program for manufacturing facility technicians, an inaugural, all-women cohort.

“This Intel apprenticeship offers me the chance to continue learning and start a career that inspires me. It’s about breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and creating a brighter future for myself and my daughter.”

As an apprentice, Jabalera has been offered a competitive wage while she learns, a guaranteed job at upon completion, and a portable, nationally recognized credential—all thanks through a partnership with Intel and Fresh Start.

“This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time,” Jabalera says with a smile. “I’m excited for what’s to come, and to be able to come home and share it all with my daughter.”

Jabalera’s story is an inspiring and iconic representation of Fresh Start’s mission: providing them with the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency and empowering Arizona’s women to succeed.