Success Story: Cyndi McKinney Explores a New Path, Becomes Career Navigator

Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 30, 2025

For over 14 years, Cyndi McKinney built her career in staffing, recruitment, and human resources, earning respect as a strong leader and a results-driven professional. But in an instant, everything changed. She was unexpectedly let go—a moment that could have shattered her confidence and left her feeling lost.


Instead of giving up, Cyndi chose to rise. She walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas determined to find a new path, and that’s where her journey of rediscovery began. Through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, Career Navigator Korey Harrison helped her see the value in her experience, refine her resume, and uncover transferable skills she hadn’t even realized she had. With his guidance, she embraced skill-building opportunities, automated her job search with help of the Virtual Recruiter system through the Work In Texas website, and was introduced to the WIOA program for training and career advancement.


Through WIOA, Specialist Eileen Taylor showed Cyndi new possibilities—certifications, training programs, and job placement services. Cyndi stayed persistent, believing that the right door would open. One day, it did. Her Virtual Recruiter led her to a job posting for a WIOA Career Navigator role—right in the same office that had been walking beside her during her hardest days.


She applied for the position and just a week later, received the call she had hoped for—she was offered the job. On June 30, 2025, Cyndi stepped into her new role with Workforce Solutions East Texas, carrying not only her years of HR expertise but also the resilience of someone who has faced uncertainty and emerged stronger.


"The right help at the right moment doesn't just change your path — it rewrites your story,” Cyndi said as she reflected on her journey.


Today, her journey has come full circle. She’s on a mission to empower others—to be the voice that reminds job seekers they are capable, the steady hand guiding those who feel lost, and living proof that no setback is final. With courage and determination, Cyndi isn’t just building a career—she’s helping others discover their own path to rise higher than they ever imagined.

Build a Stronger Workforce with TWS-VRS

March 18, 2026
Finding and keeping great employees is one of the biggest challenges for any business. Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS) offers support to help employers do both. TWS-VRS partners with businesses to provide customized solutions for hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. These services are designed to save time, reduce costs, and strengthen your workforce. Hire with confidence TWS-VRS connects employers with qualified, pre-screened candidates. This helps reduce recruitment time and costs while giving businesses the chance to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Employers can also benefit from customized training opportunities that can be delivered directly at their worksite. This ensures new hires are prepared to succeed from day one. Access expert support at no cost Partnering with TWS-VRS gives businesses access to expert consultants who specialize in workplace accommodations and assistive technology. These professionals can help you find practical solutions to support your employees. Employers can also receive guidance on available tax credits and incentives, helping offset costs while improving workplace accessibility. Support and retain valued employees TWS-VRS also helps businesses retain employees whose performance may be affected by a physical, sensory, or mental impairment. Services include:  Counseling and guidance Skills and workplace assessments Accommodation consultations Referrals to community support resources These services are available to employees who are: Experiencing challenges due to a disability At risk of losing their job Returning from disability-related leave Seeking advancement but need additional support The benefits of job retention Keeping experienced employees benefits both the individual and the business. With support from TWS-VRS: Businesses retain trained and knowledgeable staff Employees maintain income, benefits, and seniority Recovery time can improve with continued engagement at work Long-term disability impacts may be reduced Partner for success TWS-VRS provides common-sense solutions that help businesses hire qualified candidates and support employees already on the job. Partner with TWS-VRS today to build a stronger, more inclusive workforce while saving time and resources.

Tyler Workforce Center Relocates to Midtown Centre on Beckham

March 17, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce the relocation of its workforce center to the Midtown Centre. The new Tyler workforce center location will open in mid-April and operate at the Midtown Centre shopping center at 1421 S. Beckham Avenue. The business hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workforce Solutions East Texas is a community partnership providing no-cost recruitment and employment services to businesses and job seekers in the East Texas area. The chief elected officials in the region, the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board, and the board's administrative agency, the East Texas Council of Governments, elected to lease the 28,500-square-foot facility. The boards approved entering a seven-year lease term with three three-year extension options. “We’re excited to offer employers and prospective employees a tremendous facility. It allows ample space for recruitment of skilled workers, interviewing, training, enhancing respected skills, and receiving the resources necessary to become valued, long-term assets to the Tyler business community and the surrounding area. I believe employers will see this facility as a force multiplier to ongoing work in building their businesses. Employees will see this as a critical link between their hard work in preparation and the job in which they’ll excel. Together, we’ll set the stage for the next generation in Tyler’s economic development,” said Workforce Solutions East Texas’ Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “Please bear with us as we will be opening in phases, as upgrades to the facility are underway.” The current Workforce Solutions East Texas—Tyler office at 4100 Troup Highway will be closed to the public beginning March 20th at 5:00 PM until mid-April to move. During this time, staff will serve customers virtually by calling 1-844-ETWORKS. What assistance can Job Seekers receive at a Workforce Solutions center? Job listings and referrals Resume assistance Veterans services Community resource information Child care information Copier, fax machine, telephone, and computer access Internet access Labor market information Career exploration and planning GED information & referral Job search workshops Occupational training information Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and other partners What assistance can Employers receive at a Workforce Solutions center? On-site recruiting Interviewing and hiring Job Fairs Internet-based job postings Assistance with customized skill training Wage and labor market information Employee layoff assistance Additional assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed at www.easttexasworkforce.org/locations.

Success Story: Dawson McElroy

March 17, 2026
When Dawson McElroy walked into Workforce Solutions East Texas, he was seeking more than a job—he was seeking a new direction in life. Fresh out of rehab, Dawson was determined to rebuild. “I was in a bad dip in my life, and I wasn’t doing too good,” he shared. “I had just gotten out of rehab and was looking for a job when I heard about the WIOA program.” Dawson had long dreamed of earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and becoming a truck driver, but the cost of training made it feel out of reach. Through the WIOA program at Workforce Solutions East Texas, he found the opportunity he needed to turn that dream into a plan. With support from the Workforce team, Dawson enrolled in CDL training at Texas State Technical College in Marshall, taking a major step toward a career that could offer stability, independence, and the chance to see the country. “The WIOA program is a very step-by-step process,” Dawson explained. “You keep timesheets, you stay in contact with your advisor, and it keeps you responsible. It kept my mindset in the game and helped keep me on track.” That structure, and the people behind it, made all the difference. Dawson worked closely with his advisors, including Sheila Godfrey, Leticia Hollins, Theressa Jackson, and Theresa Hoffer, who guided him through each step of the program. They checked in on his progress, helped him navigate challenges, and ensured he had the support needed to stay focused on his goals. “If I messed up on anything, I could always talk to my advisor, and they would help me fix it,” Dawson said. “They stayed in the loop with me about what I needed to do.” Beyond training support, the program also helped remove barriers that could have derailed his progress. Assistance, such as gas cards and transportation support, ensured Dawson could continue attending training and completing work requirements. “They are willing to go that far in the WIOA program,” Dawson said. “I’m thankful to the workforce team and everybody that helped me.” Thanks to the support and guidance of his team, Dawson overcame his barriers and achieved two milestones along his journey: earning his CDL license and landing a new job at Horizon Cables. Reflecting on how far he has come, Dawson speaks openly about the challenges of his past and the power of choosing a new path. “The past me was in a deep, deep rut. Rock bottom had a basement and I’ve seen that,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. If you give yourself the opportunity to get clean and move forward, there’s nothing stopping you from succeeding in this life.” Dawson’s journey is a powerful example of how the right support, structure, and opportunity can help individuals rebuild their lives—turning second chances into new careers and new beginnings.
Show More