From “Stuck” to “Successful”: How CoR’s Tech Academy Transformed Joel’s Life and Career

Joel was stuck in a dead-end job. “I felt stagnant,” he said. “I wasn’t living the life I knew I could be living.” Born in the U.S. but raised in Tanzania, Joel had dreams of a better future. But he just didn’t know how to get there. 

Then he heard about City of Refuge’s Tech Academy, which offers multiple job training courses, free of charge. Joel jumped at the opportunity and enrolled in the Cybersecurity course. But it wasn’t easy. In the process, he failed his certification test three times. 

“After the second time, I called my girlfriend and mom and said, ‘This is not for me. I’m an imposter. I don’t know what I’m doing here. But I’m not going to give up.’ That’s been the theme of this whole experience. I’ve learned that failing is part of the process. It was the greatest growth I’ve felt I think ever in my life,” he said. 

Eventually, Joel got his certification and landed a great job as an Associate Cybersecurity Analyst at Delta. “It’s a big deal,” he said. “And I’m very, very thankful.”

Through it all, Joel didn’t just grow professionally. The program also left a deep impact on him personally and spiritually.

“The shift from who I was nine months ago to who I am now…it’s two completely different people. I feel like I’ve also grown in my connection with God. I’ve had to walk by faith when I didn’t know what I was doing.”

As Joel thinks about the future, he’s filled with hope, gratitude, and a desire to give back. 

“I feel like I’m hopeful now…I want to be able to give back. I want to go back home and teach people what I’ve learned…I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for God using you guys so that I can be the best version of myself.”

—

Help us bring more light, hope, and transformation to amazing people like Joel by becoming a monthly partner today. 

As part of our Breaking Barriers, Building Momentum Capital Campaign, we have ambitious plans to build a 36,000-square-foot Transformation Center dedicated to providing economic, health, and wellness services to residents. 
Among many other incredible features, the Transformation Center will provide a call center and a social entrepreneurship hub, where we’ll be able to provide even more life-changing job opportunities and training. To make a donation, click here.