Strengthening Healthcare Through Local Career Development - Seite 2

Marta Mendes-Miguel Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation

"Funding from our community partners like the Regions Foundation is enabling us to design and deliver innovative workforce solutions grounded in industry best practices, evidence-informed strategies, and address the needs of our local talent base," said Latasha Harris, MMDC's senior director of Workforce Strategies. "It's also strengthening our internal capacity to drive meaningful outcomes, which is more vital than ever."

Thompson met Harris the day she heard that announcement charting her professional path. The two quickly established a bond.

"Tasha is the true definition of a mentor," she said. "She really wants to know how you're doing. She's very hands on, even when I don't know I need it. She's like my ‘check engine' light."

"MacKenzie is resilient, insightful and determined," Harris added. "I've seen her become much more confident and articulate since joining the program. She's also developed strong leadership skills."

Skills put to the test before Thompson ever entered Le Bonheur's doors.

"I was counting down how many days until class started and was so excited," she recalled. "I went out and bought brand-new scrubs, thinking, ‘This is going to be so much fun.'"

And then, shortly before Thompson's training began, bam! A car accident left her without transportation.

But remember that unwavering faith and support network?

"My mom said, ‘I'll take you every day,'" Thompson recalled. "Everything just worked out perfectly. This is for me because God worked it out."

Worked it out, indeed.

More than two years later, Thompson continues to work as a CNA in the cardiac unit at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, a role she says perfectly suits her.

"I'm kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics have my heart," she said. "Our babies are critical. You build strong connections with families going through that."

And thanks to another Hire Local partnership, Thompson is also working on advancing her nursing career at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

The program helps students earn and learn their way up the career ladder with a success coach, tuition assistance and other benefits.

Thompson completed pre-requisite coursework for the licensed practical nursing program in June and will dive into her core classes in September.

"I'm really excited about that," she said.

Something else that excites Thompson? Sharing Hire Local's value with others.

Thompson recently joined Harris to promote the program on a local television station and spoke to this summer's cohort, things she never dreamed she'd do years ago.