Each year, The Goodwill Leadership team highlights the best of the best across our organization! Even though 2020 was a challenging year, we still had stand out team members, clients and partners that provided excellent service and overcame tremendous obstacles to achieve greatness. These individuals and teams were honored this past December for their dedication to Goodwill.
Congratulations to the 2020 Goodwill Award Winners:
Graduate of the Year: Robert Martin
Robert Martin was enrolled in our literacy and E-Squared programs and graduated in August. During his time in the E-Squared program Robert had excellent communication skills, attendance and work ethic. He currently has a full-time job at Goodwill’s Campus Drive Warehouse and plans to earn his CDL certification when he turns 21.
Achiever of the Year: Fabian Castillo
Fabian Castillo earned his forklift certification through E-Squared and graduated in March. In September he was hired by Absolute Pipeline Integrity and has been promoted to foreman.
Shining S.T.A.R. Award: Mae Smith
Mae Smith from our Fort Worth S.T.A.R.S. facility has made huge strides with her social skills and independence through her first year in the program. Mae tries to make everyone in the program feel welcome and loves helping others. She has gained job skills through our retail department and through Edgar’s Bath Goods.
Administration/Contracts Team Member of the Year: Kimberly Casarez
Kimberly Casarez goes above and beyond in everything she does and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Kimberly serves as our Director of Finance and Accounting and played a huge role in ensuring our annual single audit was clean. Her positive attitude and attention to detail makes her a critical part of our team.
Workforce Development Team Member of the Year: Theresa Lam
When in-person classes were disbanded for several month due to COVID-19, Theresa Lam worked hard to ensure that her students would not miss out on their classroom experience and earn their GED’s without delay. Her eagerness to learn and help her team members has earned her a promotion as Youth Programs Manager.
Donated Goods & Retail Team Member of the Year: Nate Bradford
Nate Bradford has been with Goodwill for more than three years and is the current key holder at our Cooper location. His bright personality has helped Cooper generate sales and his ability to fill in any position has made him a key player in our organization.
Administration/Contracts Team of the Year: Accounting
The Accounting team’s ongoing support during the unique financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic allowed Goodwill to continue services even during shutdown, and end the year strong.
Workforce Development Team of the Year: Digital Career Accelerator
The Digital Career Accelerator Team, Victoria Burk and Diana Monroe, worked tirelessly together to create brand new course content for DCA participants. Diana also translated these courses to Spanish, increasing the number of people served in our community.
Donated Goods & Retail Team of the Year: Transportation
This department came together and worked hard to maintain a level of steadfastness that allowed its team members to feel secure in this uncertain time. This departments dedication, creativity and resourcefulness allowed 41 locations to continue to support themselves and keep going.
Community Member of the Year: Tarrant County Master Gardener’s Association
Goodwill prides itself on creating lasting bonds with community organizations and partnerships. One organization that stands out time and time again is the Tarrant County Master Gardener’s Association. The Master Gardeners work very closely with our S.T.A.R.S. participants through horticulture therapy at the GreenWorks facility.
Thanks again to these Goodwill teams, clients and partners who truly make Goodwill, great!