For the past two and a half years, Shaquania Pressley has helped participants pursue their career goals as a career counselor in The Father Center of New Jersey’s Westampton office.
What inspired her to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector? “I’ve always had a natural desire to help people, and I believe I get that from my parents, who both have careers centered on services,” she notes. Shaquania grew up watching her father mentor, coach and “adopt” youth, teens and adults who needed guidance.
For Shaquania, the most rewarding part of her work at The Father Center of New Jersey is helping people from all walks of life navigate their individual challenges and achieve their goals. “When participants reach their goals and tell me about it, it’s like a win for me, too!”
One participant’s success remains especially meaningful. Shaquania helped him earn his commercial driver’s license despite the barriers he faced. He is now successfully employed, married and able to provide for his daughter.
“He was the first participant I helped obtain a CDL-B, so his story will always be special to me,” she says.
Outside of work, Shaquania enjoys spending time with family and friends and reading. One fact that may surprise her colleagues? She is “slightly obsessed” with horror and psychological thriller books and video games.
Congratulations to Shaquania Pressley, TFCNJ’s Employee of the Month!
