Growing up in Richmond, Diego Aguilar learned the value of hard work from his parents. His father spent 25 years working at a parking garage in San Francisco, and his mother woke up before dawn to help open the In-N-Out where she worked for over twenty years.
Motivated by a desire to help others, Diego planned to become a police officer. But shortly after graduating high school, he was the victim of a random shooting on Interstate 80. This caused him to spend seven months in rehabilitation, relearning how to walk, talk, and eat.
The future he had envisioned for himself was no longer in reach.
As he began rebuilding his life, Diego enrolled at Laney College. There he met Mario, a career coach from JVS, one of Tipping Point’s employment grantees.
As he began rebuilding his life, Diego enrolled at Laney College. There he met Mario, a career coach from JVS, one of Tipping Point’s employment grantees.
Mario told him, “Hey, we’re helping students land machine tech jobs. We can help you build a resume. We can help you get your certifications. If you need a bus pass to get around, we can help with that.”
At first, Diego was skeptical. But with Mario’s encouragement and hands-on support, he got an apprenticeship at East Bay Municipal Utility District, gaining valuable learning opportunities and hands-on experience.
Five years later, he is a journeyman machinist, helping maintain the infrastructure that delivers clean drinking water to East Bay communities. He earns a six-figure salary and receives full benefits with a retirement savings plan. Recently, he bought his first home, where he was able to bring in his parents after their retirement.
JVS helps people facing barriers to employment access training, coaching, credentials, and career pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages. Tipping Point invests in workforce development strategies like JVS because a good job is more than just a paycheck— it’s stability, dignity, and the ability to build the life you want.
