GARY, Ind. — In celebration of the 20th Annual Workforce Development Month, the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is proud to spotlight the growing success of Work B.I.G. (Beauty In Gary). This two-year, industry-driven workforce development initiative is transforming lives and neighborhoods across the City of Gary.
The project was initiated by Mayor Eddie Melton in his first year in office, leveraging the final allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to invest directly in the people of Gary. Mayor Melton partnered with Lisa Daugherty, President and CEO of CWI, to bring together key workforce and education partners to build a training program to help clean up the city while building up its workforce. This thought leadership included training city-lead staff to be mentors, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
In collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, and WorkOne Northwest Indiana, Work B.I.G. was developed to offer 8+ weeks of paid, hands-on training in high-demand skills while preparing participants for long-term career success. The work-based learning program began training its first cohort in April 2025, graduating 19 participants in June 2025. A second cohort followed in July, with 28 trainees graduating from the program on August 29, 2025.
What makes Work B.I.G. unique is its community-driven design. The training curriculum was developed with input from local leaders, educators, faith-based organizations, and workforce experts to ensure it reflected the real needs and aspirations of Gary residents in concert with the city’s Public Works Department.
Community Stakeholders, Ambassadors & Mentors
- Pastor Dexter Harris Flourish Church
- Steve Lane The Response Growth Collective
- Dr. Vanessa McCloud Urban League of NWI
- Carolyn McCrady Retired Educator & Community Activist
- Natalie McDaniel-Hicks WDS
- Dr. Vanessa Nichols Gary Area Career Center
- Karen Orosz DriveCo
- Dr. Steve Simpson Legendary Pediatrician
- Dr. Yvonne Stokes Gary Community School Corporation
- Emmanuel Turner Indiana Plan
- Pastor Dennis Walton Faith Community Center / Computer Skills Training Center
- Travis Williams Central Midwest Carpenters Union
“This program is a reflection of Gary’s spirit—resilient, collaborative, and forward-thinking,” said Daugherty. “By listening to our community, we’ve built a training model that prepares people not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers.”
A Growing Model for Workforce Success
Work B.I.G. is structured to evolve over time, with each cohort building on the success of the last. To date, the program has:
- Received 600+ inquiries
- Screened 100+ individuals
- Enrolled 55 participants
- Graduated 47 trainees
- Delivered 20 training sessions
- Engaged 25 employers across five key industries
- Placed 14 trainees in full-time positions
Training includes certifications in OSHA 10-Hour General Industry, HAZMAT, and the regional work ethic certificate, along with instruction in:
- Work Ethic & Professional Etiquette
- Financial & Digital Literacy
- Safety & Environmental Awareness
- Tree Abatement & Vegetation Management
- Mental Wellness
- Demolition & Deconstruction Awareness
- Career Discovery, Coaching & Skill Pathway Planning
- Mentor & Mentee Matching
Skill trainers included:
- Jim Arendas Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF)
- Patrick Barry Uthiverse Incorporated
- Bennie Kennedy Authorized OSHA Instructor
- Steve Lane The Response Growth Collective, Inc.
- Allen Smith Ivy Tech Community College — Lake County
- Zach Thompson Tech Credit Union
28 employers and sector professionals participated in Work B.I.G. recruitment, career discovery sessions, and hiring events, including:
- Alliance Steel
- Balemaster
- BMO
- Center of Workforce Innovations
- City of Gary
- C.O.A.T.E.S.
- Commercial Group Lifting Products
- Cute As A Cupcake
- Daifuku
- Edsal Manufacturing Company
- Gary Police Department
- Gary Sanitary District
- Goodwill Industries of Michiana
- Hard Rock Casino
- Helping Hands Residential
- Hixon Home Improvement
- Ivy Tech Community College — Lake County
- Methodist Hospitals
- Lake County Clerk
- Lansing Sport Shop
- Schneider National
- Service Doctor
- The Finishing Trades Institute
- The Pangere Corporation
- Titus & Sons
- We Are the Village
- World Furniture
Industries Represented at Hiring Events:
- Construction & Skilled Trades
- Healthcare & Human Services
- Manufacturing
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
- Business & Administrative Support
Career Support That Extends Beyond the Classroom
Graduates of Work B.I.G. continue their journey with dedicated Career Advisors at WorkOne Gary, who provide personalized support for:
- Job placement with local employers
- Enrollment in additional training or education
- Career pathway planning aligned with individual goals
This wraparound support ensures that participants like program graduate Shaneka Mayfield are trained and connected to sustainable career opportunities within the city. It is this commitment that is bringing real change to the community.
“I started the Work B.I.G. program because I needed help finding employment. I was getting frequent rejection, and it was starting to make me want to give up,” explained Mayfield, who recently accepted a Heavy Equipment Operator position with the Gary Sanitation District. “From our very first day, I have been inspired by everyone in my class and the awesome administrators who put this program together. Work B.I.G. has helped me to let my light shine.”
Inclusive Outreach and Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Integration
Importantly, residents who were not selected for the program were not left behind. CWI and its partners provided these individuals with job search resources, career guidance, and access to adult education and training opportunities. This inclusive approach has helped CWI identify, connect, and refer WIOA-eligible adults and youth into WorkOne performance-related programs, strengthening the region’s workforce pipeline and expanding access to opportunity.
A Vision for Community Transformation
“Work B.I.G. is a living example of how workforce development can be both strategic and compassionate,” said Lisa Daugherty. “We’re proud to celebrate Workforce Development Month by sharing the impact of this program and the lives it continues to uplift.”
“Each participant in the Work B.I.G. program plays a crucial role in transforming our neighborhoods and restoring hope among residents,” added Gary Mayor Eddie Melton. “Not only are they enhancing their skills and preparing for important roles in the public works sector, but they are also demonstrating how we can build a stronger and more vibrant Gary.”
As CWI continues to champion industry-driven strategies, Work B.I.G. stands as a model for how workforce development can be a catalyst for community transformation. As Workforce Development Month continues, CWI will highlight additional success stories from its portfolio of industry-driven strategies, showcasing how workforce innovation is shaping the future of Northwest Indiana.
For more information about Center of Workforce Innovations, visit cwicorp.com.
