Today we’d like to introduce you to Romania Johnson.
Hi Romania, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Seven years ago, I lost part of my eyesight, which pushed me out of the workforce for years. Before I lost my vision, I was a successful phone pro, and I had more than 30 years of office experience. I was devastated when I learned I was no longer able to provide for myself. I lost everything. But in 2018 I was ready to get my foot back in the door.
Vision problems run in my family due to diabetes, so my relatives suggested that I connect with the Commission for the Blind but unfortunately, Texas doesn’t have this Commission in the state. I was lucky to find the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), which runs a program for people with disabilities to re-enter the workforce. Through the TWC, I found a program that would help fund and facilitate my education at Dallas College. So, in 2019 I enrolled to receive my associate’s degree in information technology.
To truly set me up for success on the job hunt, I knew I needed to get some hands-on work experience. In 2021, Dallas College reached out to me about an opportunity with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Fellows, a workforce development program that connects community college students to local small businesses through fully-funded internships.
At the time, I didn’t think I had a real possibility of getting into the program, but I took my chances and applied. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to be accepted into the program and paired with Front Porch Marketing, a Dallas-based branding and marketing firm owned by Julie Porter.
Through the internship, I honed my skills in administrative work, data collection, information technology, and so much more. Julie also served as a phenomenal mentor. She was always very kind and patient with me. She even helped me to re-vamp my resume and LinkedIn profile so that I can have a competitive edge after completing the internship. Through the Goldman Sachs program, I was also introduced to other Fellows and small business owners. This professional network was essential to garnering information on my industry and tips on different ways that I can leverage my degree.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At 58 years old, I haven’t been in the classroom for almost 40 years. Going back to school at Dallas College was daunting, to say the least. I have tunnel vision in my right eye and I have lost complete vision in my left eye, so I had to overcome many obstacles to learning in traditional classrooms.
In the midst of many surgeries and facing the reality of losing partial eyesight, the pandemic hit. If I had thought learning in the classroom was hard, it was nothing compared to remote education. I was left alone to navigate the entire education experience on my own. This required discipline and devoting seven days a week to be able to provide for myself again, which was my ultimate goal.
It was a challenge, but I’m not a quitter. I preserved, and I am proud to say that I received my diploma in information technology in May and completed my internship with Front Porch Marketing through the Goldman Sachs program.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love computers, and my primary experience is with them. I have many years of experience in administrative support and telemarketing. Because of my strong problem-solving and analytical skills, I have thrived in these professions.
At Front Porch Marketing, I conducted data entry, maintained software programs, and supported Julie at business meetings. Now that everything has moved online, having remote work experience has been vital to my professional development. I’m more prepared to work virtually.
All of these skills are absolutely necessary in my field. But what I think really sets me apart is my experience with a small business. At a small business, you need to know how to do everything – accounting, administration, IT, marketing, business development, and more. This exposure has taught me how to be quick on my feet and allowed me to understand different aspects of working in a company. I really look forward to bringing my background and skills to the table at my next job.
I am most proud that I completed this challenge and prestigious program while also earning my degree.
What matters most to you?
My family is everything to me. What matters most to me is that my daughters, granddaughter, and great-granddaughters understand the importance of continued education and never giving up, and to always give back.
I want to ensure my daughters and granddaughters can see that they can do anything they set their minds to, no matter the obstacles they may face. And of course, I’d like to be able to support myself and my family. I’m so happy that through this experience, I’ve set myself up to do just that.
My newfound confidence has helped me in my professional life, as well as in my personal life. Now that I have completed my degree and my internship, I’m looking forward to taking some much-needed time to recharge before diving into the job search. I’m planning a trip to the Dominican Republic with my siblings – something that I would have never done before. I used to shy away from traveling and moving around, but my newfound self-assurance is helping me step out of my comfort zone in all aspects of life.
