Jack Curtis
For Jack Curtis, finding a rewarding career meant overcoming the twin hurdles of high tuition and rigid school schedules. As a high school graduate working full-time to pay the bills, Jack wanted a deeper intellectual challenge but felt aimless until he discovered the Water Quality Management program at Emily Griffith Technical College. Drawn to the industry's focus on public health, environmental protection, chemistry, and microbiology, he was able to pursue his passion using affordable night classes and an interest-free payment plan. Completing his program in July 2026 and with plans to move from an apprenticeship with the City of Englewood into a full-time operator role, Jack’s story is a powerful example of how low tuition and manageable payment structures empowers working students to pursue a meaningful trade, transform their worldviews, and protect our community's resources.
Nina Marie Crihfield
For Nina Marie Crihfield, healthcare is not just a career path—it is a lifelong calling rooted in deep human connection. From graduating high school two years early to launching her own sole proprietor home care company, Nina has consistently demonstrated the grit and compassion required to serve others. Now pursuing her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credentials at Emily Griffith Technical College while balancing the responsibilities of homeownership and family caregiving, her journey highlights the profound impact of donor-supported financial aid. By easing the burden of everyday living expenses during challenging times, this vital support has allowed Nina to maintain her academic focus, keep her entrepreneurial dreams alive, and continue building a future dedicated to making patients feel seen, safe, and valued.
Daniella Carlos
For Daniella Carlos, Emily Griffith Technical College is more than a school—it is a family legacy. Inspired by her grandfather, who has taught at the institution for over 23 years, Daniella made the bold decision to pivot from her background in pre-school education to pursue her lifelong aptitude for technology. Now on the verge of completing her Computer Networking program this July, her journey highlights how flexible schedules and accelerated programs allow adult students to work while transforming their careers. Supported by vital financial aid, including a scholarship from the Women's Foundation, Daniella’s story proves that donor generosity provides the exact hope and opportunity needed for determined students to break into the IT field.
Cam Clarke
For Colorado native Cam Clarke, visual storytelling has always been a powerful escape and a profound calling. Growing up with a hearing challenge made traditional, textbook-heavy schooling a constant struggle, leading Cam to connect deeply with the characters in movies and television. Guided by advice from his father, a 40-year video production veteran, Cam decided to step behind the camera and enroll in the 11-month Multimedia and Video Production program at Emily Griffith Technical College. Supported by grants and scholarships that covered his entire tuition, Cam has thrived in a tactile environment built on hands-on instruction and physical practice. Scheduled to graduate in July 2026 with multiple screenplays already in development, Cam’s journey highlights how donor generosity empowers creative students to master their craft, build confidence, and launch meaningful careers in the film industry.
Isac Carrilo-Bravo
For Denver native and first-generation college graduate Isac Carrillo-Bravo, storytelling is a lifelong purpose designed to bring people together. Growing up with a mother who earned her GED at Emily Griffith Technical College, Isac naturally placed the Multimedia and Video Production program at the top of his list when it came time to acquire the professional tools needed to elevate his creative vision. Drawing from his background in social work and his experiences as a Mexican-American, Isac crafts documentaries that highlight our deeply shared human journeys. Supported by vital scholarships that relieved the burden of payment plans, he has been able to fully immerse himself in his coursework. Set to graduate in July, Isac’s journey demonstrates how donor investments create a full-circle impact, empowering community-minded creators to perfect their craft, focus on creative freedom, and give back to the city they call home.
April Souther
Apprentice Electrician April Souther spent nearly a decade bartending before discovering a new career pathway while helping remodel her workplace. With no prior experience and no mentors in the field, she jumped right in, powered through a steep learning curve, and is now on track to earn her journeyman license. Her inspiring story shows how taking a chance on something new can open the door to a career with real momentum. April proves that curiosity coupled with effort can reshape an entire future.
Aimee Cruz
During her senior year of high school, Aimee Cruz finished her graduation credits early and began exploring opportunities at Emily Griffith Technical College. Initially drawn to cosmetology, a casual visit to the Dental Assisting classroom sparked a brand new passion. Now fully enrolled in the program and set to graduate, Aimee plans to continue her higher education studies to become a certified dental hygienist. Her journey proves that keeping an open mind can lead to unexpected, deeply rewarding career pathways.
Yusif Sardarzade
Yusif Sardarzade is a political asylee from Azerbaijan who peacefully fights for the rights of the Talysh people, an indigenous ethnic minority. His dedicated activism eventually put him at odds with the Azerbaijani government. Fearing for his personal safety, Yusif sought asylum in the United States to rebuild his life. Discover how his vibrant passion for multimedia arts, combined with vital support from Emily Griffith Technical College, has helped shape his future as a storyteller, advocate, and professional in a new country.
SAIFURAHMAN AYAR LEMAR
Saifurahman Ayar Lemar survived four assassination attempts by the Taliban, but his resolve to expose their brutality led him to courageous journalism and supporting U.S. forces. After finding safe refuge in Denver, he enrolled in foundational English classes to adapt to his new home, and then enrolled in the Multimedia and Video Production program at Emily Griffith Technical College. Saifurahman’s incredible journey highlights how resilience and specialized technical training can empower a dedicated storyteller to reclaim his voice and build a powerful career in media.
Rachel Amodeo
Meet Rachel Amodeo, a barbering student breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Inspired by a friend's positive experience at Emily Griffith Technical College, Rachel transitioned from a disillusioning traditional college experience to a highly supportive and affordable vocational education. As she actively prepares to graduate this July, Rachel is eager to make her professional mark as a skilled, creative barber. Her story proves that pivoting toward a hands-on trade can lead directly to a truly fulfilling, empowering, and purposeful career path.
ESTHER PINALES
Esther Pinales completed Emily Griffith Technical College’s Massage Therapy program, deeply driven by her lifelong passion for helping others heal. With financial support through Emily Griffith Foundation scholarships, Esther is poised to embark on a new career. Her journey showcases the truly transformative power of career-technical education combined with dedicated community support, proving that the right resources can empower determined individuals to turn their natural empathy into a successful, community-focused professional practice.
Janice Mañalac
After years managing coffee shops, Janice Mañalac took a leap into the skilled trades. She is now an Inside Wireman apprentice with the Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee. A simple Google search led her to a union apprenticeship offering hands-on work, stability, and purpose. Janice is on track to become a journey-level wireman and hopes to mentor other women entering the field, proving there is space in the trades for anyone willing to work hard and learn.
Sarita Garcia
After two decades working in hospitals as a surgical and sterile processing tech, Denver native Sarita Garcia’s career was derailed when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare nerve disorder. Her grueling experience as a patient ultimately reignited her passion for helping others in need. This setback led her back to Emily Griffith Technical College, where she is currently pursuing a Medical Assisting degree. Sarita is turning her personal health adversity into a powerful catalyst for serving her community.
STERLING WALKER
Sterling Walker is a passionate, dedicated welder whose personal journey showcases the truly transformative power of career education and strong community support. Overcoming numerous complex obstacles along the way, he successfully found his true professional path through the Emily Griffith Technical College Welding program. Sterling’s inspiring story is a clear testament to the profound, lasting impact of investing in an individual's potential, proving that determination and training can open doors to lifelong career success.
Rommina Watson
Rommina Watson's journey is truly inspiring, moving from cleaning hotel rooms to excelling as a successful Relationship Manager at KeyBank. With incredible determination, vital support from Emily Griffith Technical College, and relentless hard work, she successfully transitioned from an immigrant learning English to a thriving professional in the banking industry. A graduate of the Accounting program, Rommina’s story perfectly illustrates how adult education programs can bridge the gap between starting over in a new country and achieving corporate success through pure drive.
Omid Rawaan
When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Omid Rawaan was forced to flee for his life, leaving behind his wife and three young daughters. Now bravely rebuilding his future in Denver, Omid works hard as a security guard while studying English Language Acquisition at Emily Griffith Technical College. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience and sacrifice, showcasing how access to essential language programs helps international refugees lay down new roots, gain stability, and build a brighter tomorrow for their families.
Joshua Moore
Joshua Moore graduated from Emily Griffith Technical College’s comprehensive Multimedia and Video Production program, a creative path he specifically chose because it perfectly aligned with his technical communications experience in the United States Army. Utilizing his newly refined digital skills, Josh produced an engaging video capturing his personal Emily Griffith educational journey. Click below to read more about his inspiring transition from military service to media professional and watch his compelling story come to life on screen!
Yovette Gilbert
Yovette Gilbert returned to Emily Griffith Technical College to pursue barbering, a craft that blends her creativity, passion for helping others, and deep commitment to community. Supported by scholarships made possible in part through the Prosperity Denver Fund, she has stayed focused on her goals through graduation. Yovette plans to open her own inclusive barber studio next, turning her talent, determination, and technical training into a welcoming, successful business space that truly uplifts others around her.
Itzel Martinez
Itzel Martinez is forging a bright future for herself. Itzel graduated with a formal certificate in Welding, and she is fully prepared to take her technical skills from the classroom straight to the job site. But Itzel’s journey is about much more than just learning to weld; it is about breaking historic barriers and defying societal expectations in a traditionally male-dominated field. She stands as a proud example of how young women are redefining the modern skilled trades.
Camila Sanchez
Camila Sanchez has accomplished an incredible amount since moving to Colorado from Bogota, Colombia. Camila completed the Emily Griffith Technical College Cosmetology program. In this hands-on training environment, she found a fulfilling way to combine her lifelong passion for the beauty industry with the excellent professional opportunities the college provides. Her journey highlights how specialized education can help international newcomers turn their creative talents into thriving local business careers.
Issariana Chafino
Issariana Chafino’s rewarding journey into the healthcare field began with small, determined steps. In 2021, she successfully graduated from Emily Griffith Technical College's Medical Assisting program, establishing a strong foundation. Now, she is preparing to graduate from the college's rigorous Practical Nursing program to further advance her clinical career. Her educational story is a direct reflection of the continuous upward mobility and opportunities Emily Griffith offers to dedicated students who are completely willing to pursue their professional dreams through hard work.
Suleiman Kayita
Suleiman Kayita fled Tanzania due to severe political strife and experienced immense hardships upon arriving alone in Denver. Overcoming homelessness and extreme financial adversity, Suleiman successfully learned English and graduated from the rigorous HVAC program at Emily Griffith Technical College. Currently working in the field, his ultimate goal is to someday start his own business. Suleiman’s story highlights how perseverance, paired with targeted technical training, can completely transform a person's life and unlock the American dream of entrepreneurship.
Eleni Fikremariam
Eleni Fikremariam moved from Ethiopia to Denver and found her personal confidence through Emily Griffith Technical College's English classes. Backed by scholarships through Emily Griffith Foundation, Eleni confidently overcame significant language barriers and then earned her professional Nurse Assisting certificate. She is now happily and stably employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant, demonstrating how targeted language support and healthcare training can help New Americans build rewarding, vital careers in medicine.
Olena Dmytrychenko
Olena Dmytrychenko fled Kyiv with her two dogs after the 2022 invasion and settled in Colorado, where she enrolled at Emily Griffith Technical College to rebuild her life. Supported by scholarships and vital donor-funded aid, she pursued her lifelong passion for massage therapy. Olena is now preparing to graduate and open her own holistic wellness practice. Her journey reflects incredible resilience, proving that fresh starts and meaningful new careers are entirely possible even in the face of profound adversity.
Paris M. Di Tommaso
For Paris, the hum of an engine isn’t just background noise—it’s a true calling. She grew up hearing stories about Emily Griffith Technical College from her father, who built a successful career as an HVAC technician after training here. That strong family legacy planted an early seed: skilled trades change lives. Today, Paris is forging her own path in the Automotive Service industry, determined to prove that the garage can be a welcoming and successful place for everyone.
Zuhra Momin
Since moving to the United States from Afghanistan, Zuhra Momin has made every major life decision with clear purpose, driven by a deep commitment to continuous learning and building a meaningful career. While still in high school, Zuhra proactively sought out real-world experience that would give her a competitive edge in the medical field. She discovered the rewarding Nurse Assisting program at Emily Griffith Technical College and recognized an ideal opportunity to start strong, gain essential skills, and launch her health profession.
Daniela Ponce Schaefer
Daniela Ponce Schaefer, a determined immigrant from Argentina, strategically transitioned from the fine arts to healthcare to better support her family. Daniela's unwavering focus, bolstered by crucial scholarships and donor-funded financial support, led her to quickly complete the intensive Nurse Assisting program. She successfully secured a fulfilling, stable job as a Certified Nurse Assistant right after finishing her studies. Her quick transition proves how targeted career training can rapidly transform a passion for helping others into a secure livelihood.
Franscelia Tineo
Before enrolling in English classes at Emily Griffith Technical College, Venezuelan immigrant Franscelia Tineo was driving for Instacart to support her family. After rapidly improving her English skills and gaining immense confidence through the program, she successfully landed a higher-paying job as a professional graphic designer in Denver. Franscelia's career breakthrough beautifully demonstrates how language education can serve as the ultimate bridge, allowing talented immigrants to unlock their past professional expertise and thrive in local industries.
Diana Dmytrychenko
When Diana Dmytrychenko moved from Ukraine, she set her sights on her lifelong dream of becoming a professional hairdresser. She started by enrolling in English Language Acquisition classes at Emily Griffith Technical College to build essential communication skills. With the help of generous scholarships, Diana successfully completed both her English and barbering programs. Today, she owns her own thriving salon, Tame It Curl Haus, specializing in advanced care for curly and textured hair.