Danaya Brown
Age: 20
Hometown: Prince George, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 7/31/2018-3/22/2019
Training: CMA, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician, EKG Tech., Electronic Health Records

Growing up, Danaya Brown always knew that she wanted to help people, and she dreamed of being in the medical field. Upon graduating high school, she was kicked out of her home, and had to resort to sleeping on various friends’ couches. She made what money she could by working at a local pizza place. Danaya admits that she was in a really tough spot, but she vowed to climb her way out of it. She wanted to continue her education, but financially, she was low on options. Fortunately, she discovered the Job Corps program, finding that there was a free opportunity for her to earn her way into the medical field.
Once arriving at Blue Ridge, Danaya quickly got to work on reaching her goals. She took full advantage of the opportunities in the program, earning certifications in Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician, and Electronic Health Records Specialist. Danaya completed her internship at Meadowview Health Clinic, where she practiced her skills, and became even better prepared for her upcoming health care career.
Currently, Danaya is utilizing multiple certifications as she splits her time between two work sites. She works as a patient care technician at Chesapeake Regional Hospital and as a phlebotomist with Octapharma Plasma Center, both in Chesapeake, VA. Danaya states that she plans to return to school to become a surgical technician, and she is saving up to purchase her own home, after recently purchasing a car. Danaya advises current and future students to “stay motivated, and remember that positive attitudes cause positive outcomes.” She says that although it was not an easy journey, she is appreciative of her experience in Job Corps and for the opportunities that she now has because of the program.