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.

By Lora B March 4, 2026
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By Michelle Turner February 27, 2026
Goodwill Opens New East Ridge Store and Donation Center A new Goodwill store and donation center opened in East Ridge on Thursday, Feb. 26. The location, at 3715 Ringgold Road in the former Food City building, is approximately significantly larger than the previous Goodwill location in East Ridge. The over 40,000-square-foot building will feature a Goodwill store, a Donation Xpress Center, and a dedicated space for a future Goodwill Opportunity Center. The previous Goodwill location in East Ridge, located at 5082 South Terrace, in front of the AMC movie theater, will remain open as a Goodwill Donation Xpress Center. After the opening of the new East Ridge store, the local nonprofit will operate 16 stores and three Goodwill Opportunity Centers in the region. Goodwill Opportunity Centers provide career search services and employment-readiness assistance at no charge to the community. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Goodwill accepts donations during regular store hours. “We’re proud to expand our presence and deepen our commitment to the community,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area. “Those who shop and donate join us in our mission to help people overcome barriers to employment, divert millions of pounds of items from local landfills, equip people with training to prepare for the future of work and make a real impact in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.” Those interested in learning about Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area can find more information at goodwillchatt.org.
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By Lora B February 16, 2026
A New Goodwill Store and Donation XPress Center in East Ridge is Opening on February 26, 2026!
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