Crowns & Courage: How One Mother Built a Stronger Future Through the WIOA Youth Program
December 16, 2025
When Princess Tyeskie first walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas, she carried a deep determination to build a better life for herself and her children. As a single mother with experience in fast food and retail, she was ready for something more—something stable, meaningful, and aligned with the future she dreamed of.
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program, Princess was placed at Dr. Willis Longview Footcare Clinic. It was a new environment, but she stepped into it with courage and purpose. Her professionalism, reliability, and warm spirit quickly stood out, and she soon became a trusted part of the team.
By the end of her work experience, Princess had gained more than new skills—she had earned a direct hire with the clinic as a Medical Administrative Assistant. It was a life-changing moment that reflected her determination and the power of the opportunities WIOA provides.
When asked about her experience, Princess shared:
“Through the Workforce Solutions East Texas Youth Program, I was given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the medical field—the area I aspire to specialize in.”
During her Work Experience at Dr. Willis Longview Footcare Clinic, Princess quickly demonstrated the professionalism, compassion, and determination that WSET staff always knew she had. She simply needed the opportunity to show it. The WIOA Work Experience program opened that door.
“My dedication and ability to adapt to the clinic’s environment led to me being directly hired after completing my work experience. This achievement reflects my commitment, my work ethic, and my passion for providing quality medical care,” Princess states.
Today, Princess stands in a career she once only dreamed about—one that brings stability, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her success is more than a job; it’s a foundation for her children to look up to and build upon. More than that, it’s an invitation—an invitation for others to dream bigger, take the first step, and trust that transformation begins with opportunity.
Princess’s journey serves as a reminder that even when life feels heavy, adjusting your crown and moving forward can lead to powerful new beginnings.
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.
CCS Business Industry Support staff Tonia & Aerial recently facilitated a successful Directors Connect session in Carthage, titled “Let’s Get Motivated.” This professional development training focused on empowering early childhood leaders with effective strategies to build motivated, engaged, and committed teams. Throughout the session, participants explored practical approaches to boosting staff morale, strengthening workplace relationships, and reducing employee turnover. The training highlighted how motivation, recognition, communication, and strong leadership practices directly influence staff performance and long-term retention. Directors also examined both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, gained insight into effective feedback practices, and engaged in reflective activities designed to support professional growth within their programs. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Directors particularly appreciated learning new and creative ways to celebrate and recognize their staff. Many also valued the training’s encouragement-focused approach, noting that it provided them with practical, actionable strategies to uplift and support their teams. This session reinforced the important role early childhood leaders play in fostering positive workplace cultures where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered—an essential foundation for strong, thriving programs.
Texas added 46,800 nonfarm jobs in March to reach a total of 14,403,500. Over the year, the state added 117,200 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.8 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,916,600 after decreasing by 25,200 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 82,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “The hard work of Texas employers—especially the 3.5 million small businesses across the state—is driving our economic strength and robust job creation,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “By supporting initiatives like the Governor’s Small Business Summits across the state, the Texas Workforce Commission is empowering these vital contributors to our economy and ensuring their continued success.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in March after adding 14,900 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 13,500 jobs over the month while Leisure and Hospitality added 6,800. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 20th month in a row at 2.4 percent in March. “New career opportunities are consistently emerging across the state, and we are committed to helping Texans access them,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through apprenticeship initiatives and comprehensive workforce development programs, we are helping people of all abilities and backgrounds—from foster youth to second chance individuals—find paths to meaningful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in March. It was followed by the Abilene, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, each of which registered at 3.2 percent. “Texas continues to be a powerhouse for job creation, adding more than 117,000 jobs over the year, thanks to the dynamic economy fostered by the Texas Workforce Commission and our many local partners,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “We are committed to bridging the gap between employers' needs and our incredibly skilled workforce, so we can take our talent to the next level.” 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 April is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
