IMAN Career Development Initiative - Making Strides
The IMAN Career Development Initiative (ICDI) has continuously worked on addressing the disparities of employment in low income areas by providing basic computer literacy training since its inception in 2001. The effective computer courses have provided students computer skills as well as the confidence to enter the business world and gain successful employment. ICDI has grown in the number of direct services it continues to provide to its constituents through its development of relationships with key institutions and career based organizations in the area.
The success of ICDI has been demonstrated by dynamic leader and first full time coordinator, Veronica Zapata, who has been with IMAN for almost a year. Through her emphasis on instructor training, career opportunities and the educational interests and needs of the students, she has been able to create an environment in which students thrive and go on to become leaders in the community.
One of these shining examples is Consuelo Pantoja, a resident of Marquette park. She has served in a number of capacities through ICDI and works on mobilizing IMAN's Spanish speaking constituents around community issues. Ms. Pantoja was recently recognized for her leadership and dedication as an ICDI volunteer at April's Community Café.
IMAN's ICDI is one of the few centers of its kind in the country led by Muslims, who are have taken the ambitious role of working to empower communities of low income that face endless disparities in employment. |
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