At 34 years old, Carla’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community support.
Originally from Central America, Carla moved to the United States at the age of 10. From an early age, she developed a love for learning and a strong desire to build a better future—motivation that only deepened when she became a mother.
Eight years ago, after the birth of her first child, Carla connected with the programs offered by the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA). She enrolled her son in early childhood services, where he participated from ages 2 to 5. The program gave him a strong educational foundation while allowing Carla to work full-time.
Carla’s journey with SETA didn’t end there.
After being laid off from her job, she turned to a local job center for support. There, she received help applying for unemployment benefits and was connected with a career coach who helped guide her next steps. Through this support, Carla discovered adult education and scholarship opportunities available through SETA.
Determined to move forward, Carla enrolled in a Medical Assistant program at the Lemon Hill Center with the help of a scholarship. She also took advantage of on-site resources, including computer access and printing services, to stay on track with her studies.
Now a mother of two, Carla continues working toward her goals while her youngest child is also enrolled in the SETA program—once again giving her the flexibility to balance school, work, and family.
Carla credits SETA with making it possible to pursue her education while supporting her family.
“I would recommend SETA to any parent who wants to continue their education and go back to school. It gives you that flexibility. You can grow for yourself and grow for your kids. Your children are in a place where they can learn, grow, and become great little adults.”
She also shared a heartfelt message of gratitude:
“I want to give a special shout out to my job center and my career coach, Mr. Syed. Thank you so much for helping me with everything. You’ve truly opened a huge door for me to step into my future and positively impact my life and my kids’ lives.”
Today, Carla stands as a powerful example of how access to the right resources, support systems, and opportunities can transform lives—not just for individuals, but for entire families.
