Akron Children’s celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Career Launch program with a special graduation celebration on July 30. The milestone marked a significant achievement for the program, which has successfully helped 81 individuals pursue health care careers. This year’s ceremony honored 27 graduates, Career Launch’s largest class to date.
“Career Launch has been instrumental in nurturing talent and cultivating a skilled workforce within Akron Children’s,” said Patrice Russell, director of talent acquisition and workforce pipelines. “By providing tuition assistance, mentorship and hands-on experience, the program empowers aspiring health care professionals to reach their full potential.”
The 2024 graduating class is a testament to the program’s success, boasting a diverse range of health care roles including four registered nurses, six licensed practical nurses, three medical assistants, two mental health therapists, one police officer, nine respiratory therapists, one sonographer and one surgical technician. These graduates hail from nine different schools, demonstrating the program’s reach and impact across the community.
Family members, as well as past and present mentors and graduates of the Career Launch program, were invited to the celebration.
“We are incredibly proud of our Career Launch graduates and the remarkable journeys they have embarked upon,” said Patrice. “Their dedication, combined with the support of our mentors and donors, has created a powerful force for positive change in health care.”
Amber Sopczak, a recent graduate of Career Launch, learned about the program from a fellow respiratory therapy student.
“I joined Career Launch because I was very close to taking out another student loan,” she said. “The support and mentorship offered through the program seemed like the best route to go, and I’m so glad I did.”
Having just graduated from the University of Akron with her bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy, Amber is working as a respiratory tech while studying to take her last board exam.
“I’m grateful for this program. I wasn’t sure if I could finish this last year out financially or mentally, and they helped me in both areas with encouragement and support,” Amber said. “Career Launch helped support my transportation costs to clinical sites as well as costs associated with my TMC exam and now the CSE exam. I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point without their help.”
Mary Rachel Schneider was one of nine registered respiratory therapists in this year’s graduating class.
Megan Swanson, the program’s first cardiac sonographer graduate, was working at Akron Children’s as an EKG tech while attending school with the support of Career Launch.
“Having Career Launch really helped smooth out the work/school balance,” she said. “Their team was able to communicate with my managers to make sure I was able to be successful in both my job and in school, working on a flexible schedule to accommodate my needs.”
Megan said her mentor, Ally Bachmann, was also instrumental to her success in the program. Ally began mentoring in Career Launch two years ago and said her favorite part of the role is connecting with her mentee.
Kovian McDonald recently graduated from Portage Lakes Career Center’s LPN program. She joined the Home Care team as a private duty nurse.
“When I was in graduate school, we had a mentorship program built into our curriculum. I remember how valuable it was to have someone to talk to who had already been through my situation, or just someone who could brighten my day and help me work out solutions to problems,” she said.
“I don’t often get to connect with others outside my area and it has been so fulfilling to see Megan grow and thrive even when facing really tough challenges,” Ally added. “She is a strong person, and I’m lucky to know her.”
Bonnie Powell, quality initiative specialist and former manager of respiratory care, said becoming a Career Launch mentor was her way of paying back Akron Children’s for supporting her when she returned to school to get her master’s in respiratory care
“I wanted to have the opportunity to share what I have learned over the 25 years that I have been an RRT. I’ve walked the same path my respiratory care students are in,” she said. “I think it helps to have someone to talk to who just gets it.
This year’s graduates hailed from nine different schools, demonstrating the program’s reach and impact across the community.
“I help to support my mentee’s goals by reminding them when times get hard to remember why they started this and that they are strong enough to finish,” she added. “I’ve enjoyed seeing my profession through the fresh eyes and excitement that students and new grads bring to the field.”
Marena Frasher, a school medical assistant (MA), remembers how crucial her own mentors were to her success. Their encouragement inspired her to become a mentor so she could support others.
“After my mentee finished her medical assistant program, she began working as a MA at the same office as me. It was such a proud moment,” she said. “I get to see her grow and begin her career as a MA, and I got to keep helping to train and advise her as she completed her orientation and got comfortable in her role.”
As Career Launch enters its sixth year, the program remains committed to empowering aspiring health care professionals and strengthening the workforce at Akron Children’s.
“The upcoming graduation and anniversary celebration is a testament to the program’s success and the bright future of its graduates,” said Patrice.
Interested in learning about Career Launch? Visit careers.akronchildrens.org/career-launch.
