From Adversity to Opportunity: Michel Acosta Cruz’s Inspiring Journey to Employment with Goodwill
Michel Acosta Cruz, a single mother of a four-year-old, found herself at a crossroads after spending two years out of the workforce to care for her child. Living with her parents and relying on Food Stamps and Medical Assistance, she was ready to look for employment, but felt overwhelmed by the job search, especially with a large gap in her resume.
In 2017, Goodwill’s Buena Alianza program helped Michel secure a bilingual customer service job with EZPASS. When she came across an ad for Goodwill’s Pharmacy Tech Training Program in 2024, she reached out again, hopeful for the right opportunity.
Although the Pharmacy Tech Program wasn’t the right fit, it opened doors to a life-changing referral. Michel was connected with Case Manager Barry Graham through Buena Alianza. Barry recognized her bilingual skills and supervisory experience as perfect qualifications for a Bilingual Supervisor role in the Environmental Services Care (EVC) Department at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The position offered a starting pay of $20 an hour, with potential earnings of up to $25 based on experience.
Barry worked closely with Michel to prepare her for success. Together, they updated her resume to emphasize her skills and conducted mock interviews to boost her confidence. On October 11th, her updated resume was submitted, and by October 16th, Michel was in front of a four-member interview panel, including the EVC Director and team managers.
Michel’s preparation and professionalism shined. She arrived an hour early, dressed to impress, and delivered thoughtful answers that highlighted her qualifications. Her standout performance not only secured the job but also left a lasting impression on the panel.
On November 1st, Michel received her official job offer, negotiating a pay rate of $25.50 an hour—a pivotal moment in her journey.
“I love Goodwill because they help so many people get jobs. They also make sure people are ready for interviews, so they feel confident,” Michel shared.
Today, Michel’s new role at Johns Hopkins Hospital has transformed her life. With employment, she now has financial stability and the ability to provide a brighter future for her child. Her story has even inspired her two sisters to join Goodwill’s Buena Alianza program, where they are pursuing their own career paths.
Michel’s journey highlights the power of determination, the importance of the right support, and how Goodwill programs like Buena Alianza help individuals turn adversity into opportunity.
