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."

Goodwill Opportunity Center In Dalton To Host Multiple Hiring Events In July

July 22, 2026

Goodwill Opportunity Center In Dalton To Host Multiple Hiring Events In July

Goodwill Has Forklift Operator Training Course In July

July 15, 2026

Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area is hosting a forklift operator training course in conjunction with Sunbelt Rentals on Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30. The class will be held at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 6104 Preservation Dr. in Chattanooga. The three-day boot camp training is provided in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services/Vocational Rehabilitation. The course includes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) classes 1, 4, and 5 warehouse forklift operator certification and career readiness training. In addition to these types of training opportunities, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus and the two Opportunity Centers in Dalton and East Brainerd provide free employment services such as career assessments, job search support, employment readiness assistance, digital skills training, financial and nutritional education and resume and interview preparation. "Hosting these training events is just one way we contribute to our community," 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." Officials said, "Since 1923, Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has been helping people access the training and resources needed to secure competitive jobs. Goodwill Opportunity Centers are located in Dalton, East Brainerd and Chattanooga. The revenue generated from Goodwill’s 17 local stores directly funds education, training and employment services in the region, serving 23 counties across Georgia and Tennessee. Visit www.goodwillchatt.org to learn more. " The deadline to register is July 23. The cost for non-vocational rehabilitation participants is $186. For more information or to register, contact Cornisha Espey at 423-634-2935 or cornisha.m.espey@tn.gov. Read More Here .

Goodwill opens second store in Cleveland

July 8, 2026

From News 12: Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area has officially opened its newest retail store in southeast Cleveland. The new location is at 2010 Broomfield Road Southeast in the former Fresh ’N Low building. It includes a retail store, a Donation Xpress Center, and space for a future Goodwill Opportunity Center. The 15,000-square-foot facility created 20 new jobs and drew large crowds for Thursday’s grand opening. Revenue from the store helps fund workforce development programs that assist people facing barriers to employment. The future Opportunity Center will provide free career search assistance, employment readiness services, and workforce development resources for the community. Goodwill’s existing Cleveland store on Paul Huff Parkway will remain open. Read more here .