For Pine Bluff, Arkansas native Karyette R. Simmons, determination has always been a guiding force. Raised with strong family values and big aspirations, she built an impressive career leading teams across the U.S. and Latin America. Her professional journey included roles with respected organizations such as Amazon, Price Waterhouse Cooper, Equifax, Hexaware, and Arkansas Blue Cross and BlueShield. As an AML Fraud Investigator, Call Center Operations Manager, and Global Director of Operations, she drove innovation, led diverse teams, and managed complex operations on a global scale.
Yet even with these accomplishments, Karyette faced challenges many minority women encounter while pursuing executive leadership. She often found herself navigating power structures and gender dynamics that demanded resilience and risk-taking. As she shared, those experiences strengthened her understanding of the barriers that exist and gave her the courage to push through them.
In April 2025, after completing a contract assignment, Karyette attended a career pivoting seminar where she first connected with Goodwill North Central Texas. That single introduction marked a turning point. She soon became a familiar face at Goodwill-sponsored job fairs, networking events, and workforce development sessions as she began exploring a new direction for her professional life.
Through the support of Goodwill’s workforce team, Karyette gained access to training resources that aligned with her goals. She earned certifications in Google Cloud, Google AI, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt. Each credential added new tools to her skill set and opened the door to opportunities centered on purpose, not just position.
After completing her training and attending graduation on August 21, she soon received an offer to join Goodwill as a full-time employee with benefits. For Karyette, the opportunity felt like clear affirmation that she was moving in the right direction.
“My heart is overflowing with joy,” she shared. “I feel a true sense of belonging here. This role aligns with both my passion and purpose and allows me to support others on their own journeys.” With dedication and the support of Goodwill North Central Texas, Karyette has created a new beginning for herself and stepped confidently into what comes next.