Freddy, a second-generation immigrant living in nearby Cicero, came to PODER’s Latinos in Finance (LIF) training working as a vault custodian, processing and tabulating millions of dollars in cash daily. But Freddy’s shifts often didn’t end until 1 AM and there was limited career growth opportunity. Freddy went online to start his job search, which is where he found PODER’s LIF recruitment post. LIF was a game-changer for Freddy and he credits the program for pushing him to find the best version of himself.

After LIF graduation, Freddy participated in an Oprima-1 hiring event and received an offer from Marquette Bank, where he works today as a financial sales representative. With one semester left at Morton College, Freddy will graduate with his associate’s degree and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management. While reflecting on lessons learned, Freddy shared: “My parents had a dream that in this country their children would one day be able to achieve great things. They taught me that anyone has the ability to succeed, no matter what the circumstances. PODER empowers millennials like me with the skills and confidence to attain the type of success my parents envisioned for me.”