Goodwill Southeast Georgia Provides Training and Resources, Helps Woman Break into Male-Dominated Field
In a male-dominated field, one woman is proving anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Meet Denae Murray, a dump truck driver for Haulers Unlimited. She never thought she would be driving a truck, but with the help of Goodwill Southeast Georgia and its Savannah Opportunity Center staff, she was able to achieve her dream.
"I was interested in the logistics field as a whole, just being a dispatcher," Murray said. "While I was shadowing, I saw all these ladies driving on the road and I was like, 'I think I can do that.'"
Murray's sister heard about a scholarship for CDL training and encouraged her to check out Goodwill Southeast Georgia's Opportunity Center.
"They set me up with Gloria, who's amazing, and Mr. Allen," Murray said. "I had to do some resume classes and soft skills (training), which was great. Etiquette, how to do an interview…and so then from there, they set me up with getting my application started to get my CDL."
Goodwill Southeast Georgia provided Murray with the training and resources she needed to get her CDL and land her dream job.
"I would say get there immediately," she said. "They have so many resources. They still keep in touch with you. I can call Gloria up and she knows who I am. So it's like a little networking family."
Murray is now an inspiration to other women who are looking to break into male-dominated fields.
“When I get to the yard and pick up my truck, I still can't believe that I'm actually driving a truck,” Murray says. “It feels really good that I was able to accomplish this. It's like one of my major accomplishments in life, because this is a big deal. I'm a woman. This is a male-dominated field and I'm doing it.”
In her future plans, Murray hopes to give back.
“Eventually in the future, I would like to own my own dump truck, employ some other people and give them the opportunities that someone gave to me.”
Goodwill Southeast Georgia is committed to helping people achieve their employment goals, whatever they may be and regardless of the barriers they may face. If you are looking for help getting your CDL or finding a job, please visit one of the organization’s five regional Opportunity Centers located in Savannah, Statesboro, Brunswick, Waycross or Jesup. Walk-ins are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also call 912-446-1605 or visit this link for more information.
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