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Loring Job Corps Graduate Wins Wiseman Award
At the Jan. 21 NAHB Joint Executive Board Meeting during the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Shianne Valenzuela, a 2002 graduate of the Home Builder’s Institute's Loring Job Corps Center, was presented with the Shirley McVay Wiseman Award for Exceptional Promise.
The award is presented annually by former NAHB President Shirley McVay Wiseman to an outstanding female Job Corps graduate who has gone on to achieve success in the home building industry.
Before enrolling in Job Corps, Valenzuela struggled to find a career. She eventually landed a job as a “water girl” for the California Conservation Corps. Demonstrating the work ethic that would win her the Wiseman award, she quickly moved up the ranks to the position of crew supervisor. By the time she left, she was the only employee licensed to operate the Skill 66 Saw, which is used to log California’s largest trees.
Following in the footsteps of her grandfather and other relatives, Valenzuela decided to pursue training in the electrical field. She moved to Maine and enrolled in HBI instructor Otis May’s electrical class. May recognized Valenzuela as “a model student who demonstrated she had the skills to be a successful electrician from the first day she walked into class.”
Valenzuela refers to her enrollment in Job Corps as a major turning point in her life. “Job Corps and my instructor, Otis May, gave me the skills I needed to pursue the career of my choosing, which has ultimately led to my happiness.” Valenzuela is currently a member of the IBEW in Maine and thinks of one day emulating her instructor by making an impact on the lives of young people.
At the ceremony, Wiseman presented Valenzuela with a $1,000 check from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, which sponsors the award. Valenzuela received a standing ovation.
Valenzuela also received more than $1,400 worth of tools from Lowe’s Home Improvement.
For more information, e-mail Maria McIntyre at HBI, or call her at 800-795-7955 x8912.
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