2025 Scholar of the Year

Briana V.

When Briana first connected with Goodwill’s Re-Entry Services program, her life was at a crossroads. She was incarcerated, on Drug Court supervision, and was raising her young son. During that period, she became pregnant with her daughter, adding to the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Through her probation officer, Briana learned about Goodwill’s program and decided to join.

She balanced motherhood, probation requirements, life skills courses, and classes at WSU Tech, all while working multiple jobs to provide for her children. Her dedication extended to her recovery, even leading a Narcotics Anonymous meeting to support others. While in our program, she attended a Textron Aviation presentation and was inspired to apply for a position. Today, she works as a sheet metal assembler at Textron Aviation, building a stable future for her family. Briana says that joining the program was one of the best decisions she has ever made. From incarceration at 18 to becoming a role model, her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

Watch Briana’s story here.