Nikki's Success

Nikki's Success Story

It was Nikki’s first day as a Goodwill employee. She always knew that she wanted a job centered on helping people, but she was still discovering exactly what kind of job that would be.

While attending orientation at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus that day, Nikki learned that Goodwill employs a team of mission integration specialists to support, equip, and empower Goodwill employees.

After she completed orientation, she met with Travis, her assigned Mission Integration Specialist. “During that meeting, I decided that I wanted to go to college to get a social work degree,” said Nikki. Travis shared information on how to apply for Tennessee Reconnect, a last-dollar scholarship that allows eligible adults to attend community or technical colleges tuition-free. Nikki completed the proper steps and received the scholarship. This fall, she began attending classes at Chattanooga State Community College!

“Nikki’s journey is a true example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve,” said Heather, Director of Retail Operations. “She began as a store associate at Goodwill in November of last year. Through her hard work, positivity, and commitment to excellence, she rose to a shift lead position and now serves as an assistant store manager. Nikki leads with heart, inspires those around her, and lives out Goodwill’s core values and guiding principles. Her story is just beginning, and her future is as bright as her impact on our mission.”

“Nikki is a determined and resilient individual who never stops striving to exceed expectations,” said Travis. “Her recent enrollment in college and advancement into a new management role are powerful milestones in her journey, and we’re excited to see what she’ll achieve next.”

Interested in working for Goodwill? Visit www.goodwillchatt.org/careers to view available positions.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.” “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.”