CityScope Annual Business Issue 2025 Featuring Solara Sain

Solara Sain

From 1992 to 1995, the Bosnian War displaced more than 2 million people as they fled to seek safety from the violence - and Solara Sain was one of them. "I was granted the opportunity to move to the U.S. through a Lutheran Church refugee program," shares Sain. "I had little work experience, but I was determined to find a job that allowed me to earn a living."

At the time, Goodwill was opening a new store within walking distance of Sain's apartment, and she was hired as a store associate in January of 1997. Before the war, Sain never imagined she would live in America, so her English was very limited.

"When I arrived in the U.S., my English vocabulary consisted of about 200 words, shares Sain. "Every day presented a new challenge to learn something new."

Despite this obstacle, Sain persisted. She became a U.S. citizen in 2001, and from 1997 to 2005, Sain was promoted three separate times, eventually earning the title of store manager. But Sain's journey didn't stop there. She continued to participate in training programs and accept any opportunities for growth. From 2008 to 2020, Sain continued to advance in leadership roles at Goodwills across the country, from Oklahoma City to Dallas, Texas. "Today, I am proud to serve as vice president of retail operations at Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga area," says Sain.

"Goodwill is much more than a store. More than 85 cents from every dollar generated in stores by the sale of donated items is used to support our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity through edu-cation, training, and employment."

Throughout her career progression at Goodwill, Sain was inspired to persevere by her late father, and his influence still guides her journey today. "He never stopped learning, which is why I enrolled in college to pursue his dream of all of his children obtaining a college degree," finishes Sain. "In May of this year, I will graduate with my master's degree."

Josh and Steven's Success

By Lora B • January 26, 2026

Goodwill’s mission is to help people transform their potential into opportunity, and employees Josh and Steven are living proof of that. Both Josh and Steven began their careers at Goodwill as Material Handlers at the Goodwill Distribution Center in downtown Chattanooga. Each had a goal: to advance their skills and open doors to new opportunities. Steven came to Goodwill with forklift operating experience, but his certification had lapsed. Once he began working at Goodwill, he learned that Goodwill hosts a forklift operator training course at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus in Chattanooga. “I knew I was capable of doing more,” said Josh. “I needed my forklift certification in order to accomplish this.” “Steven and Josh entered the forklift program facing two very different challenges, yet both were determined to grow,” said Kai, Goodwill Distribution Center/Transportation Manager. “Steven was returning to the workforce and working to rebuild his confidence in operating heavy equipment. Josh had never driven heavy machinery and wanted to gain a new skill. The forklift class helped bridge those gaps. Their success shows how the right training can empower individuals and strengthen career opportunities.” The Goodwill’s forklift course, in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals and the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation, features American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community and invest in the lives of our coworkers," said Rachel Inman, Vice President of Mission Services. "At Goodwill, we are dedicated to offering resources that support individuals in their job search and future career growth." “I love working at Goodwill,” said Steven. “I wish I had started working here earlier in my life.” If you are interested in attending an upcoming forklift operator training course, contact Cornisha Espey at (423) 634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov.

Darren and Jodi's Success

By Michelle Turner • January 16, 2026

When Darren and Jodi made the decision to leave their longtime Florida home to help care for Jodi’s aging parents in Chattanooga, they never imagined how challenging the transition would be. They started their new adventure by buying a house in Chattanooga. Darren turned in his notice at his job at the United Way in Fort Myers, and Jodi resigned from her role as an Executive Vice President at a wealth management company. “We thought we would have no problem finding new jobs. We're both experienced in so many things,” said Jodi. Despite their impressive resumes and years of experience, weeks turned into months of job searching. The stress was mounting. Jodi shared her concerns with her friend in Florida, who reminded her that Goodwill offers free career assistance. Darren and Jodi visited the Goodwill Opportunity Center in East Brainerd. When they arrived, Opportunity Center Manager, Taryn, discussed their situation with them. She helped them update their resumes and connected them with resources and job leads tailored to their skills. Soon after, Darren accepted a job as Operations Manager at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and Jodi accepted a job as a Client Business Advisor with Unum. “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help the Phillips family,” said Taryn, Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager. “At Goodwill, we know that career transitions can be overwhelming, especially when relocating to a new city. Our goal is to provide personalized support, whether it’s resume assistance, job leads, or confidence-building, free of charge, so that each person we help can move forward with hope and opportunity.” Darren And Jodi's Success is a testament to how the right support at the right time can turn uncertainty into opportunity. “I am positive that all of the guidance we received at the Goodwill Opportunity Center is what made the difference,” said Jodi. “Now we tell people we know who are job hunting to go to Goodwill.”