Update 7/29/2014: Ebony no longer works at the D2 Center. Good luck in your new endeavors, Ebony!
This week, we continue our Meet the Staff series with an interview with Ebony Hawkins, Project Coordinator for our Careers & Community Engagement Program. Read previous Meet the Staff posts on the Meet the Staff page.
What’s your role at the D2 Center?
My role at the D2 Center is to encourage students to earn their diploma in relation to their future career. I then assist students with discovering and pursuing their career goals.
How long have you worked at the D2 Center?
I have only been at the D2 Center for 1 month but it feels like home!
Tell me about your education.
I am a proud graduate of Omaha North High School, Go Vikings! I earned my B.S. in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of NE-Omaha and my Master of Arts in Teaching from the College of Saint Mary. I plan to one day earn a doctorate degree.
What is your professional background?
I have worked in several different career fields; however, I have worked with at-risk youth in education for the past 7 years. I was the supervisor for the Student Opportunities for Success (SOS) program at North High School. After working with the students in the SOS program, I decided that I wanted to earn my teaching certificate. I enrolled in the College of Saint Mary and then became the Sr. Vice President of Operations for The Institute for Student Empowerment where we taught an original curriculum created specifically to engage youth in the education process by helping them to connect the dots between completing their education and their future financial well being.
Why were you interested in working at the D2 Center?
I believe that my passion and purpose is to work with, teach, and reach young people and provide them with tools, skills, and strategies to create a personal pathway to success in education and careers.
What’s your favorite thing about working at the D2 Center?
My favorite things about the D2 Center are: the D2 Center was created to assist students who may not otherwise earn a diploma with an opportunity to earn one, working with the students, and having a great team of co-workers. Seeing how proud students are when they realize they are headed in the right direction and to see them achieve their goal of earning a diploma is priceless!
Tell me about your family.
I am the proud mom of 2 beautiful young ladies. My oldest daughter is in her second year as a student at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. She dreams of one day being a Broadway star. My other daughter is a junior at an Omaha high school and would like to one day become a professional fashion stylist and consultant.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Even though I don’t have very much free time, I like to cook, fellowship with family and friends, and watch funny movies or action packed suspense thrillers! I also like to watch several shows on HGTV and the Food Network.
