Nitaya Robeson-El

Twenty-three-year-old Nitaya Robeson-El, a lifelong resident of Hampton, GA, turned to Goodwill of North Georgia in July 2021 after learning about our programs from a friend. Nitaya was employed but struggled to make ends meet. It was her dream to become a long-haul trucker. She had also set a goal to complete her GED.  

Working with the Intensive Services team at Goodwill’s Decatur Career Center, Nitaya enrolled in the Supply Chain Logistics training program and quickly sought out a CDL-A permit to begin classes. Thanks to the generous support provided by the Ignite/YARP grant, she was able to pursue this opportunity at no cost to her. 

While in the program, she maintained excellent attendance and demonstrated her motivation and eagerness to learn. Her instructor frequently commented on the speed at which she was developing her skills and noted her attention to safety procedures while participating in hands-on training at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. By September’s graduation, Nitaya had earned an OSHA10 certification, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, and a Georgia Tech Supply Chain Operation and Transportation Operation certificate. 

With the help of Goodwill’s employment specialist, Nitaya was hired by Per Diem, a local logistics company. She was offered a position as a full-time driver earning three times her previous salary. Within 90 days, Nitaya found a better job at Bald Eagle Logistics. She says her favorite part about driving is seeing different parts of the country and she enjoys being part of the process of providing the public with things they need. 

 Nitaya attributes her success to having a supportive family and a desire to better her life, and she is grateful to Goodwill for providing the training needed to achieve her dreams. Now that she is settled into her job, she is taking GED classes and will soon sit for the exam.