How LEAD helped Anna Marie Villajin transition into the workforce
LEAD and LEAD for New Moms (including free childcare sponsored by Project Playdate) are free workforce development programs for young immigrant women. Offered by New Women New Yorkers several times a year at four New York Public Library branches in Manhattan and the Bronx, the programs focus on skills training, teamwork, and leadership development to support and prepare participants for entry or reintegration into the workforce in NYC or to pursue higher education. Here, we introduce you to one of our inspiring LEAD series graduates.
Anna Marie Villajin, a spring 2017 graduate of the LEAD series at Mid-Manhattan Library, was born in the Philippines. After visiting her New York City-based parents a couple of times, she immigrated to the US in late 2014. “The reason I took my Master’s here was because it was my Dad’s final wish before he passed away here in New York in Sept 2014,” she says. These days, Anna Marie is feeling more at home in NYC and continuing to pursue her dreams. “I feel most like a New Yorker when I wave at people on tour buses and get tourists to wave back and smile at me,” she says.
Why were you interested in participating in the LEAD program?
“During the spring, I was in the last semester of my graduate program. I had no more courses left and was just working on my thesis. During one of those days when I was not in the mood to do any writing, I decided to just browse the web at a NYPL branch and saw the write-up about the LEAD program. I attended the info session and made some good friends as early as that. Primarily, I was interested in meeting a group of women who pretty much had the same situation as I do.”
What were some of the biggest challenges of the program?
“During the program itself, I guess the biggest challenge would be the subway delays, but otherwise, I had a good time. The more challenging part was actually after the program; just making sure that I get to apply and sustain my learning from the program.”
How was the program helpful to you?
“I am very grateful for the LEAD program and all our facilitators because it came at a very good time for me. I have worked before, but the last two years I focused more on graduate school. Joining the LEAD program has been helpful in re-setting my mindset to get ready for the workforce again. One great milestone for me was actually having to change my elevator pitch and resume summary to say professional instead of student and it kicked off my job search. My mentor after the LEAD program was very helpful too. She guided me so well and helped me further with my job search.”
Has the LEAD program changed your life in NYC?
“Absolutely. In my class, I am the one who has stayed in New York the longest. Our group ranged from women who had been living here for three months to three years. Meeting different women with different stories made me more excited to do a lot of new things in New York again, because now I have more people to enjoy the city with. My buddy for the program, Natalia, was here for a short while and we had very fun dates in the city even after the LEAD program. We even had a send-off lunch for her and she got to meet my family who visited from the Philippines. I feel that I have a better and stronger support system.”
What has your experience with the LEAD program meant to you?
“Now that I have been active with NWNY, I feel grateful more than anything for the LEAD program for being my initiation to the wonderful work that our organization does. I’ve been in NY for almost three years, and having been part of the LEAD program I feel more involved in the city.”
Do you have any advice you could offer someone else who is thinking about trying LEAD?
“Make the most out of this program. I always say, we all add to the sparkle of New York so do not be afraid to shine and share what you as an individual have to offer. Learn, get involved, and continue to build relationships.”
