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Building the Skills to Become: Digital Confidence for a Changing World
Technology has become part of nearly every aspect of daily life, from applying for jobs and communicating with employers to accessing healthcare, banking, and educational opportunities. Yet for many adults in our community, these digital tools remain as barriers rather than bridges.
At PODER, we believe digital literacy isn’t simply about learning technology. It’s about creating access, building confidence, and ensuring every community member has the opportunity to thrive in today’s workforce.
This year, PODER has expanded its’ digital skills programming beyond the foundational Digital Skills course, which equips participants with essential technology skills including email communication, internet navigation, online safety, and file management, and has been running since 2022. As participants gained confidence, many chose to continue their journey by enrolling in our new Level 2 Workplace Digital Skills program, built using the Hispanic Federation’s Digital Skills for Career Growth curriculum.
Rather than stopping at the basics, participants are strengthening the digital competencies employers increasingly expect in today’s workplace, from professional communication and problem-solving to navigating technology with confidence.
To ensure every learner receives the support they need, participants complete digital skills assessments before and after each level, allowing instructors to tailor learning while measuring growth along the way. Early feedback already shows participants applying their new skills to job searches, workplace communication, and everyday tasks, demonstrating how digital confidence translates into real-world opportunity.
The impact extends far beyond the classroom.
During the program’s first reporting period, 44 participants completed digital skills training, with every participant improving core computer, email, and web navigation skills. Participants also strengthened resume writing, interview preparation, communication, teamwork, organization, and problem-solving. Essential skills that prepare them for long-term career success.
Several participants from our WFD industry-specific training courses that benefit from more intentional digital skills enhancements in class have already secured employment with organizations including Byline Bank, Huntington Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, demonstrating the growing connection between digital confidence and economic mobility.
This work is only the beginning.
PODER is currently expanding this initiative through the development of a new Digital Learning Lab, creating even greater opportunities for community members to build the digital skills needed for today’s economy and tomorrow’s careers.
Because in today’s world, digital skills don’t just help people navigate technology.
They help people navigate opportunity.
And when opportunity is accessible, belonging grows.
When belonging grows, people continue becoming.
Expanding Belonging Through Partnership
At PODER, we know that lasting impact happens when organizations come together around a shared purpose. As our community’s needs continue to evolve, so do the partnerships that help us create new pathways to opportunity, wellness, and belonging.
This quarter, we’re proud to highlight two collaborations that are expanding how we support our members and reaching new members of our community in meaningful ways.
Building Confidence with Lift Up Communities
Our partnership with Lift Up Communities (LUC) has grown organically as both organizations recognized an opportunity to better support the people we serve together.
Many Lift Up Communities participants were looking to strengthen their English skills, making PODER’s ESL classes a natural next step. At the same time, LUC continues providing case management and individualized support for participants who benefit from additional guidance beyond language instruction.
The partnership also works in reverse. Through LUC’s Entrenamiento de Crecimiento Personal (Personal Growth Training), PODER members have participated in paid workshops focused on time management, financial wellness, effective communication, and building healthy habits that support both personal and professional growth.
Together, we’re helping community members build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
Creating Connection Through Art with La BROCHA
This summer also marked the beginning of a new partnership with La BROCHA, Latinas y Latinos Buscando Refugio y Optimismo Cuando Hacen Arte (Latinas and Latinos Seeking Refuge and Optimism Through Art).
La BROCHA offers art workshops for Latino adults ages 60 and older, with a special invitation to individuals living with dementia or Parkinson’s disease. Through painting and creative expression, participants are encouraged to stimulate their creativity, build meaningful social connections, strengthen their well-being, and enhance their quality of life.
For PODER, this partnership represents an exciting opportunity to engage an older adult population we have not traditionally served while creating a welcoming space where community, creativity, and wellness naturally come together.
Rather than leading with mental health, La BROCHA leads with art, creating an environment where joy, conversation, and connection flourish organically.
Whether through personal development, language learning, or creative expression, these partnerships reflect PODER’s belief that every person deserves opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.
Because when organizations come together, communities grow stronger.
And when communities grow stronger, everyone has a greater opportunity to belong and keep becoming.
From Resilience to Leadership:
Salvador's Journey of Becoming
When Salvador Murillo arrived in the United States in 2019, he faced the same uncertainty many immigrants know all too well. He was adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and building a life far from the family who had always been his greatest source of support.
It would have been easy to let those challenges define him.
Instead, Salvador chose to keep moving forward.
As he explored opportunities at PODER, he enrolled in several programs, always looking for the next way to grow. That determination eventually led him to PODER‘s Bilingual Insurance Licensing (BIL) program, where he discovered not only a new career path but also the opportunity to encourage others along the way.
Preparing for the insurance licensing exams was no small task. Salvador and one of his classmates committed to studying together, encouraging one another through every challenge. Whenever doubts crept in, Salvador became the steady voice reminding his classmate not to give up. Together, they stayed focused, passed their licensing exams, and launched careers with Loreto Arzola’s State Farm agency, a longtime champion of PODER and one of the visionaries behind the Bilingual Insurance Licensing program. Six years later, they continue to work together, proving what can happen when resilience is matched with opportunity and support.
While building a successful career, Salvador never stopped investing in himself. This year, he celebrated another milestone by earning his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Yet one of his proudest accomplishments isn’t found on a résumé.
Today, Salvador has returned to PODER as a tutor, encouraging current students with the same patience, optimism, and belief that once helped his classmate succeed.
Looking back on everything that’s happened over the past six years, Salvador often reflects on where it all began.
“Everything started when I enrolled in English classes.”
For Salvador, belonging means giving back.
“Helping the people who were where I was before makes me feel that I belong.”
His advice for anyone considering that first step is just as powerful:
Salvador’s journey reminds us that success isn’t measured only by personal achievements. It’s measured by the lives we encourage, the doors we help open for others, and the belief that every challenge can become the beginning of something greater.
Because when resilience is met with opportunity, belonging becomes leadership.
And leadership inspires others to keep becoming.
Celebrate 10 Years of
Community, Leadership & Impact
Join Us for Conversations, Cocktails y El Grito 2026
Thursday, September 24, 2026
This year marks a special milestone as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Conversations, Cocktails y El Grito (CCG2026), an unforgettable evening honoring the power of community and the partnerships that make our work possible.
Join business leaders, nonprofit partners, elected officials, philanthropists, alumni, volunteers, and community champions as we celebrate a decade of creating opportunities and strengthening our neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your organization’s visibility through sponsorship or simply want to enjoy an inspiring evening while supporting immigrant families, CCG2026 offers a meaningful way to make a difference.
Become a Sponsor
Position your organization alongside leaders who believe in building stronger communities while supporting PODER’s mission to create pathways to education, workforce development, economic mobility, and belonging. Sponsorship opportunities include recognition before, during, and after the event, along with exclusive event benefits.
Reserve Your Tickets
Celebrate with us at Chicago’s premier community networking event. Enjoy an evening of great conversations, meaningful connections, delicious food, and an inspiring program as we recognize ten years of impact and look ahead to the future we’re building together.
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you on September 24. Together, we can continue creating opportunities and ensuring every family has the chance to thrive.
Add to Calendar
Celebrating the Journey: Summer Student Celebration 2026
On August 6, PODER welcomed students, families, instructors, staff, and volunteers for our Summer Student Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring the commitment, perseverance, and accomplishments of our Summer 2026 graduates.
From students completing our final level of Intensive English to graduates of our Customer Service program and other workforce training courses, every certificate represented something much greater than finishing a class. It reflected countless hours of hard work, personal growth, and the courage to invest in a brighter future.
Throughout the evening, students celebrated alongside classmates who had become friends, instructors who had become mentors, and a community that believed in their potential every step of the way. Laughter, conversation, and shared memories filled the room, reminding us that learning doesn’t just build knowledge, it builds belonging.
Congratulations to every student who reached this milestone. We are honored to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see where your next chapter leads.
Because every class completed is more than an achievement.
It’s another step toward becoming.
At PODER, transformation begins with people and every step forward is stronger when we take it together. Each act of generosity, partnership, and service helps create a community where people don’t just belong, they have the opportunity to become.
Whether you’re volunteering your time, investing through a donation, collaborating as a community partner, or simply staying connected to our work, you are helping open doors to education, employment, wellness, and opportunity for thousands of individuals and families across Chicago’s Southwest Side.
Every act of support creates possibility. Every connection builds belonging. Every investment empowers someone to keep becoming.
Let’s continue creating belonging.
Let’s continue inspiring becoming.
Let’s continue transforming lives.
Together.
Explore current openings from
PODER community partners.
Nonprofit & Community
- Northwest Center: My CHI. My Future Safe Spaces Coordinator (Youth Program Coordinator)
- The Resurrection Project: Director, Immigrant Justice Legal Clinic
- The Resurrection Project: Processor & Closing Coordinator, TRP Lending
- The Resurrection Project: Home Purchase Advisor
- The Resurrection Project: Removal Legal Services Manager
- The Resurrection Project: Senior Staff Attorney, Removal – Immigrant Justice Legal Clinic
Banking & Finance
- Enova: Senior BI Engineer (Hybrid)
- Enova: Loan Application Support Team Lead (Hybrid)
- Enova: Assistant General Counsel, Litigation (Hybrid)
- Enova: Lead Financial Analyst (Hybrid)
- More Openings from: Enova
Health
- Esperanza Health Centers: Medical Assistant: Bilingual (Spanish / English)- 63rd St.
- Esperanza Health Centers: Medical Assistant: Bilingual (Spanish / English)- Little Village
- Esperanza Health Centers: Medical Assistant: Bilingual (Spanish / English)- Marquette
- Esperanza Health Centers: Medical Assistant- Registry- PRN
- More Openings from: Esperanza Health Centers
Other
- American Airlines: Ramp Service Agent Part Time
- American Airlines: Customer Service Agent Full Time
- American Airlines: Ramp Service Agent Full Time
- American Airlines: Plant Maintenance Mechanic – Facilities
- American Airlines: Crew Chief Ramp Service Agent Full Time
- American Airlines: Supervisor, Aircraft Line Maintenance Hub
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Morgan Park- Customer Advocate I
- HBK Engineering: Engineering Specialist
- HBK Engineering: Graduate Engineer – Civil
- HBK Engineering: Electrical Associate Graduate Engineer
More Openings from: HBK Engineering