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Bay Area Program Builds Pathways to Strong Careers

PUBLISHED: Mar 11, 2025

Tipping Point grantee JobTrain builds pathways to jobs in high-demand fields for workers throughout the Bay Area. Their unique program equips participants with the skills, resources, and support to open the door to jobs with economic opportunity.

When she became pregnant with her first baby Annabelle, Adriana Pedrazas knew that she needed to take the next step in her career and build a strong foundation for her growing family. Adriana heard about JobTrain and joined her friend for a site tour. That tour helped her realize what she needed to take that next step in her career.

Eager to launch her career, Adriana started on the Medical Assistant program at JobTrain. She stayed late after class, motivated to learn and supported by her teacher, Ms. Geetika. She would help Adriana prepare resumes, rehearse for interviews, and practice what she learned from class that day.

“With JobTrain, it’s so affordable and so accessible. It’s like, ‘You want a tour? Let’s go. You want to apply? We’re ready for ya.’ It’s small, one to one. It felt doable to me, like I can make something happen with this.”

After completing an externship at a Stanford gynecology practice, Adriana landed a job medical assisting at Stanford. When she became pregnant with her second child, she started exploring job opportunities that offered more flexibility.

Now, she works as an interventional platform scheduler at Stanford. The role provides a flexible schedule that allows her to spend more quality time with her children and a wage that provides financial stability for her family.

“It’s amazing how the right opportunity can open up so many doors. Today, I have great coworkers, full benefits, and a retirement plan. This year, with overtime, I’m on track to earn over six figures.”

When she first found out she was pregnant with Annabelle, Adriana had promised to give her a good life. With JobTrain connecting her to new opportunities and a fiery determination fueling her hard work, Adriana is now fulfilling that promise.

“Had it not been for JobTrain, I don’t know where I would be… Little by little, I know we’re making it.”

Adriana spoke at Tipping Point’s annual Breakfast on December 6, 2024 to honor JobTrain’s work in the community. The Tipping Point Breakfast is an opportunity for our grantee community to share their exemplary work that builds a better Bay Area for us all. We are honored to share Adriana’s story and highlight JobTrain’s success expanding pathways to quality careers in the region. Learn more about Tipping Point’s work in the employment space, and view additional stories highlighted at the Breakfast, including Booker T. Washington Community Service Center and Kidango.

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