A Team You Can Always Turn To: Tahyua Crowder’s Journey with Workforce Solutions East Texas

May 22, 2026

When Tahyua Crowder arrived in Tyler, she was searching for more than a job. She was searching for stability, hope, and a fresh start. After leaving a domestic violence situation, she found herself rebuilding her life in a new city, uncertain of what the future would hold. But one thing she did know was where to turn for support.


Having worked with Workforce Solutions programs from across the state of Texas since the age of 15, Tahyua understood the value of having a team that believed in her potential. “Every time I was in a bind, I knew I needed to go back to Workforce Solutions to tighten up,” she shared. “I was always able to go to Workforce.” Although Tahyua was in a new place with new people, she knew there was a Workforce Solutions office somewhere close. Eventually, she arrived at a Workforce Solutions East Texas office for assistance where she was able to access services through the CHOICES program for TANF recipients.


From the beginning, Tahyua stood out. She approached every step of the program with determination and professionalism, completing her job search logs correctly from day one. Her secret was simple but powerful: organization and discipline. “Take notes. Write everything down. Don’t rely on memory,” she advised. “Set personal deadlines before the actual due date.”


As she participated in the Keys to Success class, a webinar series designed to support and develop job readiness skills, Tahyua found encouragement not only from staff, but also from her peers. Listening to others share their experiences helped her reflect on her own growth and motivated her to keep moving forward. She described the Workforce Solutions team as “very loving, very caring, and warm,” adding that throughout her journey, staff ensured she had access to every available resource, from transportation assistance and gas cards to guidance in making career choices.


What impacted Tahyua the most was the unwavering support and dignity she received during one of the hardest seasons of her life. “I was so lost when I moved here,” she said. “Everyone was very encouraging. They were adamant that I get up and understood that I had the power to change my life.” That encouragement and support eventually paid off.


After completing program services and participating in mock interviews through WIOA, Tahyua impressed staff with her confidence and professionalism. Her success during those interviews opened new opportunities and strengthened her confidence in what she was capable of achieving. Tahyua was eventually offered a job on the CHOICES team. Her CHOICES Career Navigator, Jessica Vinson, remembers the moment well, stating that she just knew that Tahyua “would be a great addition to our already great CHOICES team!” Tahyua proudly served as a coworker alongside the very team that once supported her through crisis and transition. “Mount Everest had nothing on me,” she said when describing the transition from participant to employee. Unfortunately, restructuring happened in the program which caused Tahyua to begin job searching again. Although sad to leave her new team, she refused to let this event bring her down. So, Tahyua came through the doors of Workforce Solutions East Texas as a client once more. Not long after beginning job search, Tahyua found an exciting new career opportunity that was the perfect fit for her.


Tahyua began working at LHH as an Insurance Agency Specialty. Tahyua shared that her recruiter at the company said that the interviewing team had “nothing but to say but amazing things” about her interview and they were thoroughly impressed. Tahyua is now confident and thriving in her new role with a great salary.


“I felt accomplished,” she said. “This has been such an uphill battle. I was nervous and afraid I was going to lose everything. When I got that offer, I said I knew I could do this.”


Today, Tahyua continues building a future she once feared was out of reach. She says her experience taught her that perseverance truly pays off, and that success comes from learning to bloom where you are planted.


Now, Tahyua has even higher ambitions. “I want to go higher. Make management. Be over my own team and be in a position where I can treat others with the dignity and respect that I was given from my team at Workforce.”


Throughout her journey, Tahyua remained grateful to her Career Navigator and dedicated team at Workforce Solutions East Texas that supported her through her journey. To others beginning their own journey, Tahyua offers this advice: “Blow your ceiling. Don’t have limits. Erase everything you’ve been through and what you’re coming from.”



Her hope is that others facing difficult circumstances will see her story and realize that success is possible no matter where they begin. “I hope someone will see my story and understand that the distance from the bottom to the top is not as far as it seems.” Her journey, from participant to staff member to her new role as an Insurance Agency Specialty worker, represents perseverance, resilience, the power of a dedicated support network, and the importance of believing in yourself even during life’s hardest moments.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
Show More