On August 19, more than 50 Dwyer Scholars crossed the stage as cheers from loved ones filled the auditorium at Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
After completing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training programs through Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD), the graduates are one step closer to landing rewarding careers in healthcare. DWD provides accessible training programs, resources, and support services to individuals nationwide and partnered with itWorks Learning Center and Pressly Ridge nonprofit to serve Scholars across Maryland for this graduation.
Keynote speakers featured Kathy Sawmmal and Maraina Phillips, two Dwyer Scholar graduates now working in Maryland, who delivered heartfelt remarks, sharing stories of their journeys and the importance of making a difference in healthcare.
Sawmmal currently holds the position of Lead Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) at Towson Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Baltimore County. She recently earned her Certified Medication Aide license in Maryland and plans to become a registered nurse.
“My journey began when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. When someone you love receives a diagnosis like that, your whole life can change in an instant,” Sawmmal shares. “I became one of my dad’s caregivers.”
“What started as a daughter caring for her father became part of the reason why I chose healthcare — it gave me the desire to take the compassion I had for my dad and use it to care for others, and that journey eventually brought me to Dwyer.”
Phillips is currently working as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) at Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s oncology department. Since completing the PCT program, she now plans to continue her education through a nursing program. She also shared her story of stumbling into the healthcare industry.
“My mother was sick and I was at a standstill in my life — some of us are lucky to know what we want to do as soon as we reach this earth, but others like myself take on life as it comes,” Phillips says.
“Dwyer is an essential resource for people like us — maybe no support, no help, no true guidance other than our ambition and curiosity,” she adds. “Dwyer has allowed me to pursue my healthcare career and feel confident to take the next step.”
Following the graduation ceremony, Scholars stepped into the Healthcare Career Fair for a chance to directly connect with local employers including University of Maryland Medical System, Autumn Lake Healthcare, Oak Crest by Erickson Senior Living, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Bunny’s Homecare, North Oaks Senior Living, The Lisa Vogel Agency, Maryland Wellness, and itWorks Learning Center.
The next Maryland graduation at Southern Baptist Church will take place this November while DWD continues to host graduation ceremonies nationwide, celebrating moments filled with pride, possibility, and promise for the future.