Jahneazia Villar-Acevedo…….better known as “Yaya”

After many months of participating on a work-based learning assignment, Yaya scored a permanent placement at the Fitchburg Housing Authority in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  Originally from the Virgin Islands she arrived at Shriver Job Corps in September of 2018 and completed the trade of Carpentry in October, 2019.  Recently she was nominated for a “Boot Award” by her trade instructor, Duane Bastarache for “a successful woman in a non-traditional trade.”  “Taking advantage of a great opportunity” was a statement made by her supervisor, Mr. Doug Carpenter.  Mr. Bastarache stated “she was the only one worthy of a full time position, I wasn’t surprised in the least.  She was the first one I thought of.”  Yaya was asked what made her come to Job Corps and she responded, “the fact that you have a free education and I’m not a college person.”  She stated that she was going to go straight to work but preferred to “get a title” so she thought of Carpentry.  She found herself needing to get out of her comfort zone, but “I did it!” she stated.  Her advice for another female considering a non-traditional trade would be “don’t be scared to try.  You will have many buddies to help you through.”  In closing she advised, “don’t be afraid to do what guys do, because we’re strong too!”