Finding Her Drive
For Washingtonian Nakia B., the program wasn’t just about a better job; it was about finding her true path. “My end goal is just to be an entrepreneur. That’s always been me since I was a kid. I always said, I’m gonna own my own business. I just didn’t know what business that was until now.”
Nakia describes herself as “very hands-on” and as someone who needs to move; she doesn’t like sitting at a desk. Though she used to watch her parents work on cars and learned basic home repair from her dad, she spent years being pushed toward interests deemed “girly,” struggling to be accepted as a tomboy. Finally, she decided, “I’m tired of doing what everybody wants me to do. I think it’s time to do what I want to do now.”
From Research to (Virtual) Reality
Determined to follow her own passion rather than the expectations of others, Nakia began researching career paths that would allow her to work with her hands. Her search led her online, where she discovered the innovative Virtual Reality Auto Tech Training Program at Martha’s Table. This discovery felt like the perfect alignment of her interests and her drive. Nakia quickly learned that the auto tech world, often seen as male-dominated, was surprisingly welcoming at Martha’s Table. “Everybody’s been so welcoming and helpful”.
While initially challenging to juggle using a virtual reality platform for much of the learning and note-taking, Nakia adjusted her learning style by completing the VR lesson, then returning to read the corresponding material. She also sought help from her instructor, who printed out terminologies and helped her work through her mistakes. Nakia credits the Martha’s Table team for recognizing and encouraging her drive. “I grew up with people doubting me,” she shared. Now those doubts fuel her drive.
“It just makes it so much better to push through things because you’ve got people who are saying that you can’t do it, but you know you can.” – Nakia B., VR Auto Tech Training participant
For other women interested in the field, Nakia advises, “Push for it. Don’t give up. Always strive to do better than what you did yesterday.”
A Full Spectrum of Support
After passing the ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Test, which assesses a technician’s knowledge of essential, entry-level service tasks. Nakia plans to work in a shop while saving up to achieve her ultimate goal: opening her own automotive business.
She is grateful for the holistic support she found at Martha’s Table, noting the organization’s wide diversity of offerings, from food assistance to diaper programs. She encourages all her neighbors and friends to stop by Martha’s Table to learn about all of the exciting programs.
Impact by the Numbers
By the end of the latest Auto Tech cohort, participants earned 38 credentials, a testament to the determination and growth that define this program. Nakia’s journey is a shining example: her drive to break barriers led her to earn every credential offered, joining seven other students who reached this accomplishment. Together, Nakia and her colleagues now proudly hold two additional credentials: Brakes and Steering & Suspension.
This impact is not just individual but collective. To date, participants have earned 26 out of 30 available credentials, representing an 87% credential attainment rate. Each success story, from Nakia’s entrepreneurial dreams to her peers’ career advancements, reflects the heart of Martha’s Table’s mission: to ensure every Washingtonian has the opportunity and support to thrive. These results show what’s possible when holistic support, community, and hard work come together.
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