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Hire Opportunity Scholarship Winners Exemplify Spirit of Award

By Hire Dynamics
CATEGORY: Blog

Continuous learning, skills enhancement, and an extra helping hand. These were the hallmarks of Sherita Jackson-Gardner’s approach to the talent coordinator role in the Nashville branch of Hire Dynamics. When she passed away suddenly in 2018, Hire Dynamics sought to honor her memory while continuing her commitment to helping people build great futures.

The Hire Opportunity Scholarship in memory of Sherita Jackson-Gardner provides financial awards to Talent who want to gain career-advancing skills. Applicants need to be employed by HD and enrolled in training with a focus on one of Hire Dynamics business areas.

The inaugural recipients of the award are Latovia Myrick and Chana Montgomery. We asked them to share a bit about themselves and what it means to be the first winners.

Latovia Myrick

What is your role with Hire Dynamics?

I’m based in Augusta, and most recently worked in customer service for a leading electric energy provider, making payment arrangements for their customers. I’ve loved working with HD and it has been a great experience. I will always go to HD if I need a job.

Why did you apply for the Scholarship?

I’m currently earning my associate degree in business administration at Southern New Hampshire University. Because I’m attending school, I got an email from HD regarding the scholarship. It sounded like I would qualify, so I applied. I plan to use the funds to pay down student debt and be able to better manage the business I launched in 2021, Angel Glam Collection. The Collection includes beauty and hair products, and children’s clothing. I created this business in memory of my daughter, who passed away. This company celebrates her beautiful creation.

Did you learn skills through Hire Dynamics that transfer to entrepreneurship?

Yes, I learned professionalism and the importance of responding quickly to customers and partners. I mastered multi-tasking and learned how to maintain a business budget through my project training. I’m proud of how it is growing.

How will the Scholarship make a difference?

When I learned I was a recipient, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe it!

This is so meaningful not only because of the award itself. Because I received this scholarship, my school is offering me additional funds to earn my bachelor’s degree. The administration saw the investment HD made in me, and they want to help me get more scholarships. I’m paying down my debt and will be able to have more financial support for future college.

Chana Montgomery

What is your role with Hire Dynamics?

I am a collections representative on delinquent accounts for an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company. This is my first time working through an agency and I’ve really appreciated being part of HD. The difference in working with HD rather than directly for a company is that I feel like I have an ally. Someone has my back if I have an issue at the job site.

Why did you apply for the Scholarship?

I am a full-time employee and full-time student attending John Tyler Community College, working toward my associate degree in business administration. My next goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree in a human resources field.

This is my second time attending college. Due to financial hardship, I was unable to stay in school the first time. Then I enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for eight years. I wanted to return to finish my college degree, but life happened. I became a wife and mother of three. But I recently decided to show my children by example that it’s never too late to pursue your education.

Do any of the skills you learned in your military career help you in your civilian career?

I use a lot of what I learned in the military in my work and school life. My primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 92G, a food service specialist. I also cross trained into 92Y unit supply specialist. I apply evidence-based practices, doing things that are proven to work, rather than spending time trying to reinvent a process. I try to be systematic, yet flexible and use company procedures as my compass.

How will the Scholarship make a difference?

This scholarship will help my family and me by providing financial support for school and eliminate some of the stress of college expenses.

I feel honored to receive it because Sherita’s story is very touching. I never met her, but I feel like her legacy is living on through this program. It’s amazing to think that even though she is not here with us, she is still motivating us to do our best.

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Congratulations to Latovia and Chana.