Sheree's Career Development Success

“I was a stay-at-home mom for many years,” said Sheree. “When my children got older, my aunt, who worked at Goodwill, encouraged me to apply for a position as a part-time cashier at the Hixson Goodwill store.”
Sheree quickly rose through the ranks to Shift Lead, then Assistant Store Manager, and then Store Manager. Today, she is thriving as an Applied Jewelry Professional E-Commerce Associate in Goodwill’s E-Commerce Department.

Sheree’s passion for learning didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, as part of professional development discussions, Sheree asked our former Director of Office Administration, Heather Harris, if she could take courses from the Gemological Institute of America during her workday to enhance her abilities in her new role. Goodwill supported the request, and Sheree began taking classes while continuing her jewelry-processing duties. At Goodwill, we strive to live out our commitment to our employees by integrating our mission and supporting each employee’s desire to stay, grow, or go through education, training, and employment. Through Goodwill's support and Sheree's diligence and effort, she has now earned the following diploma and credentials:

Jewelry Essentials Certificate
Colored Stone Essentials Certificate
Diamond Essentials Certificate
Applied Jewelry Professional Diploma

“The funds that are obtained from the sale of donated items go to our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity,” said Sheree. “I’m thankful that Goodwill helped me earn these credentials and this diploma.”

Sheree desires a long future with Goodwill, where she can continue to build on Goodwill’s core value of continuous improvement while giving back to the community.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Goodwill Opportunity Center In Chattanooga To Host Hiring Event With Randstad

By Lora B • May 19, 2026

Goodwill Opportunity Center In Chattanooga To Host Hiring Event With Randstad

Katie's Success

By Lora B • May 18, 2026

“I identify with Goodwill’s guiding principle that says, ‘Every time we touch a donation, something good should happen,’” said Katie, Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator. For Katie, this “something good” is reflected not only in her own career growth, but in the success of the Goodwill team members she now trains. Before working at Goodwill, Katie earned a degree in animal science and worked in several industries, including food services. After she and her family moved from Kentucky to the Chattanooga area, she stayed at home to care for her two children for several years. When she decided to return to the workforce, she faced a familiar challenge that many caregivers encounter: a gap in employment and uncertainty about where to begin. “My mom is a store associate at a Goodwill in Kentucky, and she told me about all the wonderful opportunities there,” said Katie. “I thought since it is such a great thing, maybe I could be a part of it too.” Katie applied for a position at the Goodwill store and donation center in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Recognizing her potential, Christy, the Director of Retail Operations, offered her a shift lead position with clear opportunities for growth. Later, Katie was promoted to Assistant Manager and then she was promoted to the Store Manager position at our new, much larger Fort Oglethorpe store. While enjoying store leadership, Katie found herself drawn back to a skill she discovered earlier in her career, training others. “When I worked in food services, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and helping people grow. When I saw the Goodwill Learning and Development Training Coordinator job posting, it was truly an ‘aha’ moment.” Katie now serves as our Learning and Development Training Coordinator and says the role feels like a perfect fit. She shared, “I’ve found my passion again.” When you donate or shop at Goodwill, you’re doing more than decluttering or finding a great deal; you’re investing in people like Katie. Your support fuels career pathways and leadership development right here in our community. Our mission is to help people transform potential into opportunity, and our vision is a community where everyone can thrive. It’s more than Goodwill; it’s good work.