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STRIVE instructor Nikkia seeks to help students find their dream careers — Kiana and her STRIVE Instructor, Nikkia Tisaby. (Bham Now)

Birmingham is no stranger to talented leadership, but years after the pandemic, local workers are still having trouble seeking and maintaining employment. Now, with the recent establishment of the nonprofit STRIVE, the Magic City is providing free job training and support for people facing barriers to quality employment and careers.

Kiana sees STRIVE as an opportunity to change

STRIVE Birmingham graduate Kiana Riggs was first in her cohort to receive a job — Kiana was first in her Birmingham cohort to receive a job offer. (Bham Now)

We sat down with recent graduate Kiana Riggs for more information on the program—here’s what we learned.

As a first generation college student with a background in social work and a member of Birmingham’s pilot class, Kiana recognizes the need for an inclusive workforce community for forward-thinking leaders.

“With a pilot program, not everything is going to be perfect. A lot of services in Birmingham tend to be few and far between, mostly because Birmingham is a compact place with a lot of people who need a lot of things.”
Kiana Riggs, graduate, STRIVE Birmingham

Even through the trial course, this program and the leadership behind it have proven their dedication to seeing students thrive—not just through the program, but for the rest of their lives.

“For me it was an opportunity to change myself. Getting a career was just an added bonus.

I’m a mother, but STRIVE made me feel like an individual. It had been a while since I felt like a person and not just a mom, an employee or a broken soul. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to just be Kiana.”
Kiana Riggs, graduate, STRIVE Birmingham

Greater-Birmingham leaders support STRIVE

STRIVE Birmingham executive director Quiwintre loves seeing Kiana thrive in leadership — Quiwintre Frye (R) is STRIVE Birmingham’s Executive Director. (Bham Now)

Quiwintre Frye took the role as STRIVE Birmingham’s first Executive Director and spoke to us about how she sees this program continuing to excel throughout our city.

“As more students complete the program, they will tell others about their experience. With continued community support, more citizens will be trained and on the path to financial independence.”
Quiwintre Frye, Executive Director, STRIVE Birmingham

Knowing the impact it makes on our community, many leaders surrounding the Greater Birmingham Area support this initiative.

Truist Foundation is one of these supporters. After recently granting $1M for STRIVE Birmingham to launch its training program, Truist’s Senior Vice President explained why the company chooses to back organizations that are making tangible change in the area.

“STRIVE is an incredible organization doing great work providing career preparation to the underserved population. I had the opportunity to meet with a number of current students and I was blown away by their comments on what the program has done for them personally and professionally.

My greatest takeaway was the self confidence the program has instilled in them to do bigger and better things with their lives. I was honored to have the opportunity to see first-hand the impact they’re going to have in the Magic City!”
Joshua Petty, Senior Vice President & Market President, Truist

Learn more about how Truist Foundation builds better lives around our city.

STRIVE Birmingham creates confident students

STRIVE instructor Nikki and graduate Kiana — Kiana broke out of her comfort zone and landed her dream job. (Bham Now)

Speaking of self-confidence, Kiana described her journey with STRIVE as one that allowed her to see things in a different light.

“I was afraid to do anything besides what I was currently doing. I didn’t feel like I deserved to be here because I thought I needed to do it on my own, but everyone showed me that it’s okay to be where I am and I don’t have to have it all together.”
Kiana Riggs, graduate, STRIVE Birmingham

Now on staff at St. Vincent’s East, Kiana gave a special shoutout to her career coach Briana Richmond for helping her stay connected.

“There were so many temptations to leave and make money right away. But I desired an education, and Briana kept me connected in the program even when I wanted to leave.

She didn’t just want to see me progress through this program, but asked me, ‘how do you want to progress through life?'”
Kiana Riggs, graduate, STRIVE Birmingham

STRIVE Birmingham allows students to pursue leadership opportunities

STRIVE graduate Kiana and instructor Nikkia — Birmingham leaders + instructors are available to serve whatever your needs are. (Bham Now)

As a national workforce development leader, STRIVE aims to expand where its targeted services are needed most. They’re continuing to receive support from national leaders, too.

When at full operation, Birmingham’s network will serve approximately 125 new students annually.

“Our partnership is centered solely on the Truist Purpose, because supporting STRIVE to help develop a strong foundation for a better workforce will most certainly have a positive impact on our great community.

I am pleased to work for an organization that forms partnerships with those making a meaningful impact in Birmingham.”
Joshua Petty, Senior Vice President & Market President, Truist

The dedication to serving students and meeting needs is evident in graduates across Birmingham and the world. Kiana touched on how she has experienced this compassion.

“STRIVE helped me realize that no matter where I am in life, I deserve to be happy. Now, I feel like I live a purposeful life when I go to work.”
Kiana Riggs, graduate, STRIVE Birmingham

Learn more about STRIVE and Truist’s relationship or see how you can support this mission.

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