< Back Diana Guzman dguzman@associationhouse.org Data Entry & Intake Specialist What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I have had curriculum development, facilitation, and academic tutoring experience guiding high school students through an underwater robotics after school program that I led. I also have extensive experience in skill-building and mentorship through my work as an after school program instructor. What about your work inspires you? I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals through their digital transformation, supporting them as they progress from foundational tech courses to advanced certifications. Ultimately, there is nothing more fulfilling than empowering people to unlock their full potential and launch meaningful careers through our technology programs. What's a fun fact about yourself? I love to spend time cooking; my specialty dishes are birria and mango sago. I also enjoy crocheting winter items such as hats, scarves, and blankets. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Otis Brown obrown@associationhouse.org Building Trades Instructor What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I'm a journeyman carpenter by with a degree in construction management. What about your work inspires you? I'm inspired to be a part of teaching and training the next generation of trades people. What's a fun fact about yourself? I enjoy the pursuit of excellence in learning and watching many different sporting events. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Katy Damken kdamken@associationhouse.org Case Manager What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have over 5 years of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds through therapeutic interventions and case management services. My work centers on providing compassionate, individualized support that promotes emotional well-being, stability, and personal growth. What about your work inspires you? Seeing the growth in people throughout our programs is what inspires me most. Individuals graduate from our programs with more confidence, strength, and skills that help them achieve their goals. What's a fun fact about yourself? I’m happiest in the water. In the summer, you can usually find me swimming in the lake after work. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Walker Coleman wcoleman@associationhouse.org Career Navigator - Clean Energy & Building Trades What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? Prior to working at AHC, I worked in Germany at the Global Crop Diversity Trust in their Partnerships team. Whether it's for a donor or for an employer, success is all about putting your best foot forward and I'm pleased to bring that experience to our participants. What about your work inspires you? I'm really moved by watching participants become the people they want to be. What's a fun fact about yourself? I've been dog sledding around the world's northernmost town, Longyearbyen, Norway. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Beatrice Siler bsiler@associationhouse.org Senior Career Navigator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? Workforce professional with 16 years of experience in case management, job placement, and facilitating training and workshops. What about your work inspires you? I’m inspired by seeing how our programs positively impact participants and by hearing from alumni who are growing and progressing in their careers. What's a fun fact about yourself? I have experienced workforce as a customer and a provider. Which has helped me to understand the benefits of workforce programs. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Hind Elbanna helbanna@associationhouse.org Associate Director, Workforce Development Programs What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and bring over a decade of experience in education, workforce development, program leadership, and community-based training initiatives. Throughout my career, I have led and supported programs focused on career readiness, digital literacy, employment training, and barrier reduction for diverse communities across Chicago. What about your work inspires you? I am inspired by helping participants overcome barriers and achieve personal and professional growth. Seeing participants gain confidence, complete training programs, and successfully transition into employment is the most rewarding part of my work. What's a fun fact about yourself? I love traveling and exploring different cultures, especially through food, family traditions, and local experiences. I also enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds and creating a welcoming and positive environment wherever I go. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Edwin Serrano eserrano@associationhouse.org Building Trades Instructor What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? Over 20 years in manufacturing work industry. A.A.S. in Logistics. Six Sigma Green Belt What about your work inspires you? Being able to help people develop new applicable working skills through education and hands on training. What's a fun fact about yourself? Always looking for a new adventure to plan and carry out! Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Filiberto Rios frios@associationhouse.org Division Director What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I oversee community health education and intervention initiatives, as well as workforce development and technology training programs. I have over seven years of experience developing and implementing programs to assist underserved, racial and ethnic minority, and at-risk urban populations. I also hold a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute. What about your work inspires you? I strongly believe that Association House continues in the settlement house tradition of working toward a healthier community. I am proud and inspired to work with a dedicated team, who work to empower and elevate residents in areas of education, mental health, and employment. What's a fun fact about yourself? I am a life-long learner. During the pandemic, I ran with my passion for skin care and became a licensed esthetician. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Dean Martin demartin@associationhouse.org Career Navigator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? My extensive background includes over two decades of experience in workforce development, beginning with my role as an AmeriCorps Workforce Development Facilitator, where I focused on training and client resource connection. This foundation was strengthened by my work as an Employment & Training Specialist with Cook County P.O.E.T., conducting job readiness workshops and monitoring data for compliance. What about your work inspires you? I am inspired by the opportunity to leverage my over two decades of experience in community services to ensure the integrity of critical programs. The prospect of using my expertise in programmatic and fiscal oversight to strengthen the effectiveness of services that uplift Chicago families is truly motivating. What's a fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I have a passion for the outdoors and love to spend my free time hiking, camping, and exploring nature. I also cherish quality time with my family, creating wonderful memories through simple activities, and I am highly engaged in my community, frequently participating in and volunteering at local events to foster connections and support local initiatives. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Sherri Richardson srichardson@associationhouse.org Senior Training Facilitator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? I have management experience where I provided employee training, coaching, and career support toward employee advancement. I also volunteered at a career center helping clients with job search strategies and interviewing preparation. Additionally, I hold a Facilitating Career Development Certificate and a master's degree in Communication Management. What about your work inspires you? I'm most inspired by work that allows me to help people create opportunities for themselves. I enjoy guiding and encouraging individuals as they develop skills, gain confidence, and move toward personal and professional growth. Being able to contribute to someone's long-term success is very meaningful to me. What's a fun fact about yourself? A fun fact about me is that I skipped the 'beginner level' of flying entirely. My first time ever flying was a 16-hour flight to South Africa. I intentionally avoided looking at the flight tracker because flying over water makes me nervous. Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Jose Vela jvela@associationhouse.org Culinary Training Aide Culinary Training Aide Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More

< Back Casey Moulton cmoulton@associationhouse.org Digital Navigator What education or prior experiences do you have related to workforce development? My experiences in workforce development are focused on digital literacy and access for our community to jobs, resources, and tools to improve their lived experience. I have previously worked in higher education as an adjunct lecturer, a teacher, and in performing arts. My 18+ years of experience using Google Work Space and Microsoft Office has prepared me for improving the outcomes for participants applying for work, submitting electronic communications, or researching topics over the internet. What about your work inspires you? What is most inspirational to me about this work is that I have seen people obtain skills and achieve agency over their lives, their personal choices, and their ability to access information. What's a fun fact about yourself? Here is one of my favorite quotes, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” ---Eleanor Roosevelt Related Content BankWork$ Learn More NextJob Learn More Tech#Ready Learn More