By Elizabeth Coss
Communications Coordinator
The Oak Hill Collaborative in Youngstown, Ohio, is an adaptive company that fits my life schedule and that of the community, with a variety of class times to meet instructor and student needs.
They’ve allowed me to grow into a position that matches my degree, network and volunteer with other agencies, and cultivate partnerships around the Mahoning Valley.
The collaborative has allowed me to design computer classes and create digital projects to expand its reach on social media, while learning new technology at the same time. That shows a doubling down on what the organization is – a champion for digital skills learning and acquisition for a better future.
I cannot recommend this organization any higher to educators and creatives at heart, as well as the tech-inclined residents who enjoy being online while connecting with others.
When I first began working at OHC, I was fearful living in Warren and commuting to Youngstown would be problematic until I was able to move closer. Upon hiring me, they created a position for me that allowed me to work across Trumbull County as a part-time digital navigator, which encouraged me to stay with the organization, providing me flexibility with my work/life/school/moving situation.
The staff empowered my studies, even assisting in my capstones’ completion, recommending sources to speak with, introducing me to critical research, and allowing me office space and time to conduct my studies, which I am proud to say have been published by The Business Journal.
I cannot thank Pat Kerrigan and Sarah Russell enough for allowing me to grow and learn on the job, while creating a position the company has never offered before – just for me. The work this organization accomplishes cannot be done without them.
Pictured at top: Pictured are TCTC education coordinator Koula Glaros-Ross, and Oak Hill Collaborative team members Elizabeth Coss, Nimra Siddiqui, Patrick Kerrigan, Sarah Russell and William Zayas.