EMPOWER GEORGIA

The Empower Georgia Workforce Development Program, supported by Georgia Power, officially kicked off on October 13, 2025, with an initial group of participants eager to begin training. To date, 16 justice involved students are actively enrolled, each demonstrating steady progress, accountability, and enthusiasm as they advance through the curriculum.

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The program integrates workforce readiness, leadership development, and financial literacy, equipping participants with practical skills, professional confidence, and real-world understanding. Through classroom instruction, group collaboration, and direct engagement with industry leaders, students are gaining the competence and discipline needed to thrive in today’s

workforce.

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PROGRAM ACHIEVEMENTS

Participants have received instruction and hands-on experience in:

• Workforce Preparedness: Resume writing, interview strategies, professionalism, and workplace conduct.

• Financial Literacy: Budgeting, credit management, and long-term goal setting.

• Leadership and Communication: Understanding motivational and management styles to strengthen teamwork, collaboration, and problem solving.

• Entrepreneurship & Community Engagement: Exploring local business ownership, civic responsibility, and community leadership.

Students have also participated in mock interviews, elevator pitch sessions, and team-building activities, all designed to enhance communication, confidence, and collaboration in professional environments.

 

To date, every participant has completed a professional résumé and understands how to tailor it to job descriptions by emphasizing their most relevant skills and experiences. Participants are actively pursuing employment, with hiring outcomes beginning to take shape across partnering agencies. Some participants have earned OSHA certification, while others are progressing through interviews and workforce readiness assessments.

 

Along the way, participants have expressed deep appreciation for the program’s impact. Many have shared sentiments such as, “Thank you for giving us this opportunity,” and “I’ve never been in a program like this before.” Others have reflected on the positive, growth-focused environment, asking, “I didn’t grow up with this, how do I keep it going?” Their words reflect a genuine desire to maintain the motivation, structure, and encouragement they’ve found through Empower Georgia.

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DISTINGUISHED GUEST

Empower Georgia has been privileged to host dynamic leaders and

professionals from both the public and private sectors, including:

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• Patrick Harris, Regional Director, Georgia Power Company

• Tawana Muhammad, Sr. Human Resource Professional, YKK AP America Inc

• Stephen Adams, President, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority

• Dr. Keith Moffett, County Manager, Macon-Bibb County

• Billy Pitts, Financial Planner & President, Mutual Financial Group

• Charise Stephens Meriwether, Director, Office of Small Business Assistance,

• Macon-Bibb County

• Howard Scott, Business Services Specialist, WorkSource Macon-Bibb

• Nicholas Blount, Transporter, United States Postal Service

.Their participation provided students with valuable insight into leadership,

workplace expectations, and career growth opportunities, bridging classroom

learning with real-world application.

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NEXT STEPS

The remaining 16 hours of training will focus on personal branding, professional

presentation, and marketing one’s skills and assets, along with continued

development in communication and self-management.

Upcoming sessions will include, but are not limited to:

• Planning and the Elements of Business

• Understanding Protocol and Etiquette in the Workplace

• Resolving Conflict and Accepting Criticism

• Keeping the Motivation

• Growing in the Job

• Coping with Management

• Taking a Stand

The program will culminate in a Completion Ceremony and Employer–

Employee Signing Day, celebrating participant accomplishments and

formalizing employment connections with partnering agencies and

organizations. More information regarding the date, time, and location of the event will be announced once finalized.