Tonya Walker is a manager at an insurance adjustment company in Birmingham, Ala., where she leads the company’s highest-performing team. The success she’s had in her career is a direct result of her hard work and the training she received at the Montgomery Job Corps Center.
A native of Daphne, Ala., she first heard about Job Corps from her cousin and knew she wanted to experience it for herself. “I messed up a lot in high school, so when I got to Job Corps, I said to myself, ‘Everything I didn’t do in high school, I am going to do here,’” Tonya said.
She earned her high school equivalency credential and trained in Office Administration, while also serving as SGA president. When she graduated, Tonya landed a job as the manager of a car dealership, then moved on to a managerial position at Best Buy, before finally becoming an insurance adjuster.
“Leading a team here is great for me because I know how to take people to success. I would not have been able to do that without Job Corps,” she continued. “Job Corps was an amazing experience for me because I was committed to putting my best foot forward so that I would be able to leave there ready for a career.”
Her career success has led her to reach high and higher, evidenced by her recent acceptance into law school.
When she talks with young adults, she always encourages them to take a serious look at Job Corps. “I tell them that, if they’re going down the wrong path like I was at their age, why not do something to turn your life around? Job Corps can get you to that next level.”
Hometown: Daphne, Ala.