Veronica Folks, Automotive Collision Repair Student, Emily Griffith Technical College

For Veronica, the spark for a career in the trades was lit at just five years old, spent handing tools to her father as he worked on cars. Today, that childhood curiosity has evolved into a professional pursuit. Veronica is currently a student in the level 2 Automotive Collision Repair program at Emily Griffith Technical College, where she is on track to graduate in July 2026.

Choosing Emily Griffith was a family tradition; her father, a former student, recommended the school for its high-quality instruction. Veronica has found that advice to be spot on, thriving in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where instructors push students to master every detail. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Veronica is a firm believer that there are no limits to what women can achieve professionally. She credits the unbiased, supportive environment at Emily Griffith for helping her step out of her comfort zone and build her confidence.

A recent scholarship recipient through Prosperity Denver Fund’s partnership with Emily Griffith Foundation, Veronica emphasizes that financial support is a vital bridge for students working to finalize their education. Her journey won't stop at graduation this summer; she plans to re-enroll at Emily Griffith in the Automotive Service program to further round out her expertise, ensuring she can provide top-tier service to her future customers and build a lasting, successful career.

Megan Robinson, LPN, Practical Nursing Alumna, Emily Griffith Technical College

For Megan, the decision to transition from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) was about more than just a career move—it was about proving that it is never too late to chase a dream. A 2024 graduate of Emily Griffith Technical College, Megan chose the program for the flexibility it offered, allowing her to balance the high-intensity demands of nursing school with a full-time job and the everyday responsibilities of being a mother.

Navigating the rigors of healthcare education wasn't always easy, but Megan found a lifeline in the supportive community at Emily Griffith. From the dean’s office to her clinical instructors, she felt heard and encouraged during the moments she felt most challenged. With the help of grants that covered her tuition, Megan was able to set aside financial stress and pour her energy into mastering her clinical skills and building the confidence needed for the bedside.

Today, Megan serves as a school nurse at a facility for autistic children, where she provides essential care to a specialized student population. While she has already achieved her goal of becoming an LPN, her journey is far from over; she is currently looking for the right "bridge" program to earn her RN. Above all, Megan is most proud of the example she has set for her children, showing them firsthand that growth is a lifelong pursuit.

Grace Malouff, Water Quality Management Graduate, Emily Griffith Technical College

For Grace, the path to a fulfilling career meant stepping away from the traditional college route in search of a path that challenged her both mentally and physically. A 2025 graduate of the Water Quality Management program at Emily Griffith Technical College, Grace found her calling in an industry that blends environmental science with hands-on technical operation.

Grace partially credits her success to the passion of her instructor, whose dedication to the water industry inspired her own career goals. Today, she works for the City of Englewood at South Platte Renew, where she serves as a "D" Operator. In this role, Grace manages heavy machinery, collects vital samples, and ensures complex biological and chemical processes successfully treat wastewater for the Englewood and Littleton communities before it is safely discharged into the South Platte River.

A recipient of a scholarship through Emily Griffith Foundation’s partnership with the Alliance of Professional Women, Grace emphasizes that having the support of other women was just as impactful as the financial relief. Currently advancing toward her 'C' license, Grace is most proud of the confidence she has built in her technical abilities and her skill in navigating the rigorous science of water management. As a champion for women in the trades, she believes that no matter the field, women have a unique and vital role to play in shaping the future.

April Souther, Apprentice Electrician, Montgomery Electric & IECRM

April’s path to the trades began not on a job site, but behind a bar in Thornton, Colorado. After nine years of managing late-night rushes, a restaurant remodel sparked a new curiosity in her: she wanted to understand exactly how the building’s electricity worked. With no prior technical background or connections in the industry, April took a leap of faith, using a simple Google search to find her way to the apprenticeship program at Emily Griffith Technical College.

Now an Apprentice Electrician with Montgomery Electric through Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM), April’s transition was defined by a steep learning curve. Having never picked up a power tool before starting, she is most proud of the vast technical knowledge she has gained from the ground up. Her company’s support of her education has been a vital part of her success, fueling her belief that investing in apprentices is the key to building a strong future workforce.

April has found her place in a male-dominated field, noting that while the work is challenging, it has been incredibly rewarding and inclusive. On track to earn her journeyman license in May 2026, April isn't stopping there—she has her sights set on continuing her education to one day become a Project Manager.