Goodwill® is proud to congratulate Cherie Hill-Mayers for being selected by SourceAmerica as the 2022 Evelyne Villines Award winner.
About the Evelyn Villines Award
The Evelyne Villines Award honors an individual with a disability who has advanced from work on an AbilityOne contract into management (supervisory or leadership) within the nonprofit agency, or into private or government employment. SourceAmerica®, a leading job connector within the disability community, announced the winners of its annual Achievement Awards in May.
Cherie started working with the Goodwill Great Lakes AbilityOne Program over 18 years ago as a dining room orderly before being promoted to vegetable prep worker. She became extremely knowledgeable about the foodservice operation and was always happy to share her experience with other employees.
According to Fred Herrington, career advancement specialist at Goodwill Great Lakes, “Cherie was a good role model to all AbilityOne participants and was particularly helpful to new employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cherie assisted in multiple capacities throughout Goodwill Great Lakes. Not only did she demonstrate a positive attitude, but in an environment where personal conflict can find its way to the forefront, her colleagues only had positive things to say. I am very proud of her.”
Goodwill Job Training Opportunities Help Cherie Fulfill a Lifelong Dream
Recently, Cherie wanted to build her computer proficiency, so she took full advantage of the job training programs provided by Goodwill. She attended a weekly basic computer skills class outside of her normal working hours. She put in the time, did her homework, and increased her understanding of technology. Cherie also took advantage of Goodwill’s resume-building services. The extra opportunities provided to her by Goodwill enabled Cherie to conduct her own online job searches as she prepared to embark on the adventure of moving to Texas, which was her dream. Such a dramatic relocation may not be within the realm of possibilities for many of Goodwill’s AbilityOne participants, however, because Cherie felt empowered and confident in her new skills, she was ready to take on this challenge.
Cherie is now happily employed at a Marriott Executive hotel in Austin, Texas, and is excited about her new career. It took a great deal of patience, determination and courage for her to achieve this dream. Goodwill Great Lakes offered Cherie opportunities to help achieve the goals she set for herself; however, it is clear she put in the hard work. Watch Cherie’s incredible story of hard work and leadership.
Learn about other nationally recognized award winners at Goodwill.
