April 25, 2025
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,
This March, at our annual Celebration of Achievements, we had the honor of recognizing over one hundred graduates—students who have persevered with dedication, passion, and purpose to achieve their dreams. These extraordinary individuals embarked on paths across 20 career fields, from healthcare and IT to trades and advanced manufacturing. Their determination to balance school, work, family, and finances—while overcoming life’s inevitable challenges—has been nothing short of inspiring.
Among last year’s graduates, two remarkable individuals were honored with an award for their perseverance and leadership as they became registered nurses. Josefina and Victoria’s stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and I encourage you to read about their journeys (see pages 5 and 6) and the profound impact of their achievements.
As we reflect on 2024—Capital IDEA’s 25th year of empowering Central Texans to secure living-wage careers—it’s clear that our mission is as essential today as it was in 1998. With over 2,400 individuals placed into meaningful careers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making prosperity accessible for all in one of the best places to live. Our work has evolved as our community has evolved, welcoming new collaborations and innovative strategies to meet community needs, such as our new 8-week co-req pilot for TSI completion in partnership with Austin Community College (see page 7). A big thank you to our incredible staff team, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning, for a dedication that inspires me every day.
Our mission serves two critical community needs: providing low-income adults with the training needed to enter high-demand careers and providing Central Texas businesses with access to a skilled and local workforce. Thanks to you—our donors, supporters, and partners—we’re making strides toward meeting these needs and creating a brighter future for all.
Your support fuels every success story we celebrate. As we look ahead, we invite you to continue being an integral part of this journey. Together, we are transforming lives, strengthening our community, and building a legacy of opportunity.
With deepest gratitude,
Alyssia Palacios-Woods
Executive Director
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