15 Jul Empowering Women. Building Stronger Futures.
Celebrating the Impact of the Women Workforce Empowerment Program
Since the inception of OIC of South Florida’s partnership with the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation in 2018, the Women Workforce Empowerment Program (WWEP) has been helping women gain the skills, credentials, and support needed to pursue meaningful careers and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency.
To date, 283 women have been served through WWEP.
Through comprehensive workforce development services—including core employability training, industry-recognized certifications, career coaching, and job placement assistance—WWEP helps participants prepare for careers in high-demand industries while addressing the barriers that can often stand between women and sustainable employment.
OUR GROWTH. OUR IMPACT.
63 WOMEN SERVED | 2018–2022
The early years of WWEP established a strong foundation for providing women with workforce preparation, career support, and access to new opportunities.
130 WOMEN SERVED | 2022–2024
As the program expanded, WWEP reached even more women, strengthening career pathways and connecting participants with the training and credentials needed to compete in today’s workforce.
90 WOMEN CURRENTLY SERVED | 2024–PRESENT
Today, WWEP’s third cohort is serving 90 women and continuing the program’s commitment to creating pathways to sustainable careers and economic mobility.
REAL IMPACT. REAL STORIES.
When Ms. Watkins first enrolled in OIC of South Florida’s Women Workforce Empowerment Program (WWEP) Tech & Trade, she was determined to create a better future for herself and her young daughter. At 27 years old, she was unemployed, receiving SNAP and Medicaid, facing housing instability while living with a family member, and lacked reliable transportation and a current resume. She knew she needed the right support system to achieve long-term economic stability.
During OIC’s intake process, staff completed a comprehensive assessment to identify her strengths, barriers, and career goals. Together, they developed an Individual Career Plan (ICP), enrolled her in My10YearPlan, verified her eligibility, and connected her with supportive services to help remove barriers to employment and training.
Determined to build a career in the skilled trades, Ms. Watkins completed Employability Skills Training, Digital Literacy, Electrical I and Electrical II, earning OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and Flagger certifications that prepared her for careers in the construction and electrical industries.
While continuing to pursue her long-term career goal of becoming an electrical apprentice, Ms. Watkins faced the immediate challenge of securing a stable income due to her housing situation. Recognizing the urgency of her need, OIC’s Employment Specialist team worked diligently to identify employment opportunities that would provide immediate financial stability while supporting her long-term career goals.
As a result of this collaborative effort, Ms. Watkins secured employment as a Bus Cleaner with Broward County Transit through OIC’s Bus Project, earning $20.13 per hour. This position provides her with a reliable source of income while she continues working with OIC’s Employment Specialist team to obtain an apprenticeship and permanent employment in the electrical industry.
Today, Ms. Watkins’ journey demonstrates the impact of comprehensive workforce development, supportive case management, and her own perseverance. Through WWEP Tech & Trade, she earned industry-recognized credentials, secured meaningful employment, and is building a pathway toward financial independence and a sustainable career in the skilled trades.
Her success reflects OIC of South Florida’s commitment to empowering women with the education, training, supportive services, and employment opportunities needed to build lasting careers and strengthen their families and communities.