After years of climbing the ranks in life insurance sales, Danita’s qualifications were undeniable. Still, she found herself at a dead end. While connecting with clients came naturally, the isolation of the work left her feeling empty. After years of building a stable, comfortable life for her daughters, she realized it was time to pour into herself, too.

Now that her daughters were older, she was ready for a shift that would bring more than the success she already knew. She was seeking an opportunity that would bring her community. Yet after applying to hundreds of jobs, she was starting to feel stuck.

One day while running errands, she bumped into a Skills team member at her local takeout spot and started networking straightaway.

“I sent Skills my resume, built my profile, and interviewed at Blue Cross Blue Shield. The people I started with—we formed a bond. I love what we do!”

That same boldness is now opening even doors for Danita. She’s taking advantage of her employer’s tuition reimbursement to pursue her Bachelor’s while also giving back to the community she serves by volunteering with her team whenever she can.

“The important thing to know is that Skills didn’t try to ‘save me.’ Skills didn’t hand me power like some gift. I already had that. What they did was stand with me. They gave me solidarity and people in my corner. They reminded me of what I already knew deep down: I had everything it takes. I just needed a chance to show it.”

But don’t take our word for it. As one of our featured speakers for the 2025 Employment Champions Breakfast, she tells the story best. Listen to it in full below: