Carreras y Caminos / Careers & Pathways
Our Careers and Pathways department offers workforce training programs in high-demand fields, support for entrepreneurship, a business center for community use, individual career guidance and digital literacy classes for adults. The overall goal is to support immigrants, regardless of citizenship status, to pursue their work and career goals for economic mobility.
Programs
Digital Technology Programs
Classes start at the beginner level with topics such as internet basics, using a Chromebook, privacy and security, Gmail, Google Docs, shopping online and more. Classes are held weekly in:
Mt. Kisco: Mondays 6:30 – 8:00 PM and Tuesdays 10:00 -11:30 AM
Ossining: Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 AM and 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Yonkers: Fridays 10:00 – 11:30 AM
For more information, contact: Christine Garcia through WhatsApp or call (914) 527-5986.
Career Counseling
Individualized assistance is available for any part of the process of looking for a job or new career. We also can help connect people with resources related to transferring or recertifying credentials from home countries.
We can assist with consultations to provide support in your job search, technical assistance with resumes, interview preparation, and to connect you with resources needed to work in your field in the U.S. Assistance is available in all three centers upon appointment.
To schedule a consultation you can contact Stephanie Sanchez by sending a message through whatsapp or calling (914) 918-5525.
Business Center
Need a computer or a workspace? Come by our Mount Kisco center to use computers, internet and printers free of charge Monday – Friday between the hours of 9:00 am -5:00 pm Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
On-site support is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 – 5:00 pm. First time computer users will be asked to fill a brief intake.
Workforce Development
We offer a variety of training programs for workers to develop new skills and learn about gaining employment opportunities. Programs include Eco-Cleaning, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Child Care, First Aid/ CPR Training, Culinary, and others. Call for dates and programs.
Entrepreneurship
For community members who want to start and manage their own business, we offer education and support in partnership with local experts. You may receive announcements about an upcoming training or workshops by clicking this link and leaving your information.
Workforce Workshops
We offer many workshops for career development. Some topics include Resume Building, Finding a Job Online, Interview Preparation, and GED information. Call for dates and topics. You may also receive announcements about an upcoming training or workshops by entering this link and leaving your information.
Job Skills Trainings
Neighbors Links provides regular training on topics including construction, scaffolding, tree trimming, worker safety, wage theft, advocating for worker protections and more. Call for dates and programs.
Eco-Cleaning
The Eco-Cleaning Training Program at Neighbors Link has now trained and certified hundreds of people to clean homes and businesses using organic cleaning products that are not harmful or toxic to themselves or the environments in which they work. Eco-Cleaning students also learn effective work habits, customer service and business management skills. Graduates of this vital economic program are starting their own businesses and successfully finding work through our Job Bank. If you are interested in taking an Eco-Cleaning course or if you are interested in hiring an Eco-Cleaning graduate, please call 914-666-3410.
Careers and Pathways Staff
Kelly Martinez
Director of Workforce Development
Kelly Martinez is the Director of Workforce Development at Neighbors Link. She joined Neighbors Link in 2018. In her role, she drives innovative programs and partnerships to equip immigrant communities with the skills and resources needed to succeed in the workforce area. With her experience, she helped create partnerships and collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to create pathways that support immigrants and their families to pursue their work and career goals for economic mobility.
She also advocates for policies that support immigrants at the local, state and national level. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and her Master’s degree in Public Management from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA). Kelly worked in Social Work in a non-profit for three years. After receiving her Master’s Degree, she moved to a position in the private sector as a project manager and later a marketing manager. Kelly joined the Board of Directors of the Emergency Shelter Partnership, which provides short-term, emergency shelter for those who need shelter during the coldest five months of the winter. She is also part of the 2022-2023 Cohort from the Immigrant Civic Leadership Program. As an immigrant herself, from Venezuela, she understands the importance of the work of different organizations in New York State for the immigrant community and also the importance of advocating for immigrant rights.
Christine Garcia Rubin
Educational Technology Specialist
Christine Garcia is the Educational Technology Specialist at Neighbors Link. In her role, she teaches adults how to use computers and applications to gain the confidence and skills to find new career opportunities and to keep up with their children’s needs. Prior to joining Neighbors Link, she was the Director of Website Operations at a non-profit continuing legal education organization.
Stephanie Sanchez
Carreras y Caminos Manager
Stephanie Sanchez is the Carreras y Caminos Manager at Neighbors Link. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelors of Arts in Latin American Studies and Languages and Culture from SUNY Purchase College. It is through her time at the organization that Stephanie can support the immigrant community in achieving socioeconomic mobility through education and access. As a first generation Mexican American, her participation in the mission to continuously empower and uplift others is one that she is both passionate and enthusiastic about. In her current role, Stephanie supports immigrants in pursuit of upward mobility by providing career guidance through individual consultations. She also manages the workforce development programs where people can explore work and career options while gaining important skills in in-demand fields.