Marty Harrison

Public Education Specialist, Neighborhood Services

City of Fort Worth

“Being an endorsed candidate with North Texas LEAD gave me direct access to companies and organizations that might, otherwise, overlook my resume. The endorsement definitely positively influenced my hiring manager’s decision to select me to fill the position in her department with the City of Fort Worth. I could not be happier!”

Sonja McGill

Senior Litigation Attorney

JCPenney Corporation

“Self-preservation and personal dignity caused me to continue to pursue a job irrespective of the number of rejections I received or the media accounts that told me that a job couldn’t be found.”

Oliver Wright

Manager, Data Center & IT Operations

American Airlines

“North Texas LEAD provided me with a pathway for my career. Being in IT for several years, LEAD provided a platform to showcase my skills and to introduce me to major companies within the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex. Attending a network session hosted through LEAD enabled me to begin my career with American Airlines. Today I participate in interview sessions and speak to potential candidates with LEAD. I want to give back to the organization that helped to springboard my career. Thanks North Texas LEAD!”

Dianna Garcia Hosford

Coordinator of Recruitment and Outreach, School of Public Health

UNT Health Science Center

“During the downturn in the economy and the loss of my job, I decided to focus on my strengths and use my network to its full advantage. I talked to former colleagues, friends and family and let them know what I enjoyed and what I was looking for. Through these contacts I eventually found a great position in higher education which eventually led me to my current position at UNT Health Science Center, which I love! In the end, losing my job in corporate America led me to a field I love and I couldn’t be happier.”

Staci Hill

Manager, Administrative Services

Freese and Nichols, Inc.

“North Texas LEAD allowed me the opportunity to meet the LEAD
Partners in an one-on-one environment at the DFW reception.  It was a
pivotal moment in my job search and certainly gave me an edge over others in
the job market, affording me the benefit of meeting Human Resources Executives across the area in a professional environment.  The North Texas LEAD office provided continual support and feedback while being an intermediary with my prospective target companies.  I’m thrilled to be able to leverage my talent with Freese and Nichols, Inc.  This has been an opportunity of a lifetime!”

Chris Chilton

Director of Marketing + PR

Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)

“The challenges that older executives face in these uncertain economic times are extremely daunting. North Texas LEAD is an organization that understands what it takes to reenter the workforce both from the applicant’s perspective and from the employers. Gyna Bivens’ tireless efforts in working with major DFW companies and corporations in helping match talent to jobs is nothing short of heroic.”

Bien Camungol

Manager, Enterprise Segment

CenturyLink

“I personally want to thank you for the excellent work you provide in promoting diversity in the workplace and helping with introducing us to potential opportunities. You all have been an immense help and an inspiration to me. I appreciate what you have done. I will continue to promote North Texas LEAD to my colleagues and tell them the value that the organization provides.”

Kenneth Tarango

Change Management Specialist

Bell Helicopter Textron

“The pursuit of work was filled with its share of disappointment and quiet periods where no activity was taking place. What helped me persevere was maintaining a positive attitude through the difficult stretches. Small victories, such as receiving e-mails of inquiry or requests for phone interviews, were a big help. It also helped to leverage former colleagues as sounding boards. They helped me internalize that selections of other candidates by hiring firms were for reasons beyond my control.”

Dresdene Flynn-White

Vice-President of Human Resources

JPS Health Network

“As a Human Resources professional, I know how critical it is to your success to appropriately match a person with an organization. The match needs to address mutual needs, values and vision. I am thankful that the expertise of North Texas LEAD was able to accomplish that for JPS Health Network and myself.”

Kenneth Buchanan

Executive Vice-President Revenue Management

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

“Looking for employment or making a career change is a daunting task. Joining the North Texas LEAD organization helped me to gain focus on my career goals and provided me an avenue to pursue those goals. The networking and coaching opportunities were extremely valuable to me and were the catalyst to opening the door for my new career at D/FW International Airport.”

Jennifer Trevino

Chief of Staff – Office of the President

University of North Texas Health Science Center

“Going through the process to become a North Texas LEAD candidate provided additional job opportunities, valuable exposure, and actionable interview feedback that helped me during my career change in 2006/2007. The whole process and experience gave me an advantage then and I believe that holds true today in an increasingly competitive job market. I would strongly recommend North Texas LEAD to professionals looking for career opportunities in organizations that value diverse talent.”

Gladstone ‘Stony’ Thomas

Director – F35 Forward

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

“The avenues to employment and career change/advancement are few in today’s economic climate. LEAD’s strategic approach helped me identify my perfect career avenue paving the way for me to meet corporate leaders who value bright talent. These leaders were also willing to expand their workforce beyond their borders. My family and I are proud TEXANS. The best part of my experience is LEAD staff will always be there for you.”

Kathy Novak-Johnson

Director, Customer Support

BNSF Railway Company

“I was introduced to North Texas LEAD through a co-worker’s acquaintance. LEAD opened my eyes to the organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area where I could utilize my leadership abilities and apply my career background. LEAD’s interview process was a great starting point in getting to know LEAD and what it brings to our community.”

William McCleave

Staff Engineer – Aircraft Training Devices Team Lead

Bell Helicopter Textron

“Through North Texas LEAD, I was given the awesome opportunity to meet face to face with key executives and decision makers from some of Dallas/Fort Worth’s top companies. It was a LEAD networking session that opened doors to a new career at Bell Helicopter, and gave me the strategic opportunity to present myself and my qualifications. LEAD is the bridge across the abyss of career searching.”

Konnie Espanet

Technology Services Manager – Engineering Applications

BNSF Railway Company

“I am both extremely impressed and grateful for the influence that North Texas LEAD has had on my career. They have provided numerous opportunities for me to network with senior executives from the companies that shape and make the Dallas/Fort Worth business area into what it is today. Just going through the interview process to receive the valuable feedback, was worth any efforts I made. In addition, they have provided opportunities for me to “make a difference” and give back in their efforts to grow the LEAD organization. Thank you North Texas LEAD!”

Debra Curry

Principal Engineer – Systems Engineering, Medium Helicopter Development

Bell Helicopter Textron

“When I decided to make a change in my career, LEAD was instrumental in assisting me identify companies within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex that were aligned with my career goals.  With LEAD’s assistance, I was able to identify a company where I believe future growth opportunities are available.”

Jarred Howard

Manager, Consumer Products

BNSF Railway Company

“While education and experience are critical components in any job search, securing employment in the modern-era requires job candidates to build a brand for themselves. The LEAD process helped me establish the platform of credibility that was the catalyst to the launch of my career at BNSF.”