Stanford Athletics Recognizes JobTrain Heroes

Sometimes you just have to take a moment and accept that who you are and what you do - really does make a difference.

On February 29^th, JobTrain Medical Office Assistant instructor Joy Martin-Spriggs and her student Lacole Phillips, took to the court at the Stanford women’s basketball game and were inducted into their Local Heroes program. The applause and cheer they received was unbelievable. In addition to the thousands of fans in Maples Pavilion, approximately (50) JobTrain students and staff attended the special occasion – compliments of coach Tara VanDerveer.

Each month, Stanford Athletics recognizes Bay Area residents that spend tireless hours serving their communities and striving to help others stand tall and stand proud.

For nearly six years, Joy has helped hundreds of students recognize their potential and exceed the wildest dreams. Because of her effective teaching style, Joy’s students have the best class attendance rate. Moreover, they graduate with marketable vocational skills and a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for what they can achieve.

Lacole credits Joy for giving her the confidence to believe in herself – something she struggled to do before enrolling in the MOA class. Despite battling a restrictive language disorder, Lacole maintains a positive “can-do” attitude. That which doesn’t come easily for Lacole, she compensates for with diligence, dedication to her studies and precise focus and determination to achieve her goals. Lacole’s upward trajectory is clear to see. In addition to being a stellar student of the Medical Office Assistant program, she received JobTrain’s coveted Trainee of the Month Award in February. Lacole intends to further her education after graduating from JobTrain in May.

Nowadays, everyone at JobTrain is standing a little more tall and definitely more proud – because of Lacole and Joy!

Stanford University's Basketball Coach Becomes ATHENA Goddess

Cardinal Women's Basketball Coach & JobTrain Board Member Tara VanDerveer, Receives Prestigious ATHENA Award!

On November 16, 2011, Stanford University women’s basketball coach and PROUD member of JobTrain’s Board of Directors, Tara VanDerveer – was honored by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce with the prestigious ATHENA award.

Each year, the body receives hundreds of recommendations and nominations for exemplary professional women that personify excellence in their professional and personal lives. Perhaps the hallmark of the ATHENA award is selecting a woman that achieves remarkable success in her own right and creates opportunities and trail blazes on behalf of other women to follow.

JobTrain’s Executive Director and 2001 ATHENA winner Sharon Williams, presented VanDerveer with the coveted award. Williams praised VanDerveer for her brilliant career on the court, her recent induction to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and for serving as a role model for many young women across the world, especially those at JobTrain.

VanDerveer accepted the award from Williams and humbly said, “I’ve been called a lot of things. But, I have to say, a goddess has never been one of them.” She further added that Athena was her favorite Greek mythological character.

VanDerveer credited her mother (not in attendance) for instilling the core values and humility that keeps her grounded today. According to VanDerveer, her mother once told her, “Tearing others down – doesn’t make you any better.” Words to live by indeed.

After the standing ovation and applause, VanDerveer was presented with a proclamation from Palo Alto Mayor Sid Espinosa along with his praise for being the instrument of change and inspiration for the community.

Despite her demanding schedule and need to return to hear team, VanDerveer graciously signed autographs and posed for pictures with her fans.

Tara VanDerveer & Richard Hanley join JobTrain's Board of Directors

Silicon Valley Leaders Take Pride in Supporting JobTrain

Tara VanDerveer and Richard Hanley have joined JobTrain’s Board of Directors. JobTrain is the premier vocational training and job placement program located on the Menlo Park/East Palo Alto border that helps nearly 7,000 clients annually.

Tara VanDerveer is the award winning Stanford University women’s basketball coach who was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in April 2011.

VanDerveer has coached at Stanford for 26 years and is legendary in both collegiate and international women’s basketball. She is one of the most well-respected and dynamic coaches in the country.

Richard Hanley is the Principal-in-Charge of KPMG’s Bay Area and Pacific Northwest Advisory Practices. Hanley has been with KPMG for more than twenty years and advises clients on domestic and cross border acquisitions and sales. Hanley has led assignments in the U.S., Asia and Europe and internal due diligence assignments for KPMG.

These board assignments reflect JobTrain's commitment to finding the very best of Silicon Valley to represent and lead the organization.