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Our Blog

Sharing his Story: Meet Jimmy

When Jimmy started his journey with StepUp Wilmington, he knew that he had the opportunity to not only change his…

Sharing his Story: Meet JimmyRead More

Best Foot Forward: Meet Brooke

In 2019, Brooke came to StepUp Wilmington looking for support in her job search. Now two years later, when she…

Best Foot Forward: Meet BrookeRead More

Know Yourself: Meet Alyssa

When Alyssa graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in International Studies and a minor in…

Know Yourself: Meet AlyssaRead More

Confidence is Key: Meet Kyava

For Kyava, earning her Medical Assistant degree from Miller-Motte College was a great accomplishment. But when difficulties with her post-graduate…

Confidence is Key: Meet KyavaRead More

StepUp Wilmington Launches Beyond Talent

Wilmington, NC – June 15, 2021 – StepUp Wilmington is excited to announce another step forward in its mission with…

StepUp Wilmington Launches Beyond TalentRead More

Never Stop Learning: Meet Vanessa

The early months of 2020 were a rude awakening to the challenges that the next year would bring for everyone,…

Never Stop Learning: Meet VanessaRead More

Where Purpose and Passion Intersect: Revisiting Lauren

Did you know that only 27% of people who obtain a college degree actually have a job related to their…

Where Purpose and Passion Intersect: Revisiting LaurenRead More

A Call to Action: A Chat with Deborah Dicks Maxwell of the New Hanover County NAACP

“Whatever I do, I take it to heart and put all the knowledge I have into it,” says Deborah Dicks…

A Call to Action: A Chat with Deborah Dicks Maxwell of the New Hanover County NAACPRead More

Better than We Found It: A Chat with Councilman Kevin Spears

When Kevin Spears was elected to the Wilmington City Council in 2019, he brought to the role not only his…

Better than We Found It: A Chat with Councilman Kevin SpearsRead More

Where Grace Flows: A Chat with Frankie Roberts of LINC, Inc.

“This agency was born out of my own experience,” says Frankie Roberts, who has served as the Executive Director of…

Where Grace Flows: A Chat with Frankie Roberts of LINC, Inc.Read More

Pursuing a Higher Purpose: A Chat with Owen Metts of Owen Metts Realty and The Benefit Connection

Owen Metts, Sr. is a jack-of-all-trades who prefers to keep a low profile and let his work and actions speak…

Pursuing a Higher Purpose: A Chat with Owen Metts of Owen Metts Realty and The Benefit ConnectionRead More

Breathing New Life: A Chat with Sean Palmer of UNCW’s Upperman Center and of Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church

When Sean Palmer moved his family to Wilmington in 2016 to become the director of UNC Wilmington’s Upperman African American…

Breathing New Life: A Chat with Sean Palmer of UNCW’s Upperman Center and of Chestnut Street Presbyterian ChurchRead More

Black Business Spotlight: A Chat with Brian Dickey of Gifted Hands Services and Sweet D’s Cuisine

Wilmington native Brian Dickey is a confident believer in the merits of hard work and perseverance. “I know what it’s…

Black Business Spotlight: A Chat with Brian Dickey of Gifted Hands Services and Sweet D’s CuisineRead More

More than a Motto: Sean Bynum on StepUp’s Commitment to Racial Equity

Since 2021 began, StepUp Wilmington has been given numerous reasons to reaffirm our commitment to viewing our work through the…

More than a Motto: Sean Bynum on StepUp’s Commitment to Racial EquityRead More

Translating Your Skill Set: Meet Hugh

“We have a saying in the film industry,” Hugh began. “Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back…

Translating Your Skill Set: Meet HughRead More

How the Coup of 1898 Is Still Affecting Wilmingtonians Today

Stay tuned this month as StepUp Wilmington shares conversations held with local Black business owners and community leaders about the…

How the Coup of 1898 Is Still Affecting Wilmingtonians TodayRead More

Knowing Your Worth: Meet Kevin

Kevin is a jack-of-all-trades. Whether it’s welding, construction, barbering, or any other number of things, if you’ve got a job…

Knowing Your Worth: Meet KevinRead More

It Takes a Village: Meet Maureen

Maureen will be the first one to tell you that she owes her recent successes to a number of individuals…

It Takes a Village: Meet MaureenRead More

Finding the Right Fit: Meet Ashley

For six years, Ashley worked as a Certified Medical Assistant at Wilmington Health. But after years of working there, she…

Finding the Right Fit: Meet AshleyRead More

Working Towards Perfection: Meet Morghann

“I am a worker. I love to work,” said Morghann, a past candidate of StepUp Wilmington. Since graduating from the…

Working Towards Perfection: Meet MorghannRead More

Felisha’s StepUp Story

If you’re someone who gets nervous when it comes to interviewing for a job, don’t worry, you’re far from alone.…

Felisha’s StepUp StoryRead More

COVID-19 Update from Leadership

Learn how StepUp ILM has pivoted to address economic development during COVID-19. stepupwilmington.org/for-participants/get-started-2/

COVID-19 Update from LeadershipRead More

Why StepUp Advocates for More than the Bare Minimum

An important service of StepUp Wilmington is education.  We work hard to correct misconceptions, inform employers, and advocate for equitable practices. A…

Why StepUp Advocates for More than the Bare MinimumRead More

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet Sean

In July 2018, StepUp Wilmington decided to bring in their first ever Operations Director and Sean Bynum was the man…

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet SeanRead More

Stepping Up to the Challenge

Will you stand with us? StepUp Wilmington 2020 Virtual Fundraiser.

Stepping Up to the ChallengeRead More

I Am Marvelous Marvette

I am Marvelous Marvette. Motivated, capable and able to be whomever I want to be. Free and not bound to…

I Am Marvelous MarvetteRead More

Know Your Rights: Updated NC Expungement Laws

North Carolina has unanimously passed new criminal justice reform laws as part of the Second Chance Act that grants additional…

Know Your Rights: Updated NC Expungement LawsRead More

Frontline Worker Highlight: Meet Steve

“I was really unhappy and knew that I needed something new, so I came to StepUp.” When Steve arrived for…

Frontline Worker Highlight: Meet SteveRead More

A Letter From a NextUp Graduate

Dear Friends, Although I have a Bachelors Degree and have been a working professional for 6+ years, I experienced lull…

A Letter From a NextUp GraduateRead More

Know Your Rights: FMLA & FFCRA

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a halt and has left no individual or family untouched. To meet…

Know Your Rights: FMLA & FFCRARead More

Care + Prepare | Keep Our Community Safe

African American’s make up only 22% of North Carolina’s population yet hold 39% of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases and…

Care + Prepare | Keep Our Community SafeRead More

StepUp Wilmington Prepares for Economic Impact by COVID-19

Will Rikard, Executive Director of StepUp Wilmington, shares the organization’s response to COVID-19’s impact on jobs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBFnySb0XmE&t=3s

StepUp Wilmington Prepares for Economic Impact by COVID-19Read More

The Power of Networking: Meet Lauren

Did you know  that 70% of jobs are found through networking? Lauren found this to be true during her experience…

The Power of Networking: Meet LaurenRead More

Executive Director, Will Rikard, Talks “Jobs” on the Collective Voice Podcast

StepUp Wilmington’s Executive Director, Will Rikard, sits down with Kevin Mauer to talk jobs on the Collective Voice podcast. Listen…

Executive Director, Will Rikard, Talks “Jobs” on the Collective Voice PodcastRead More

What Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Really Looks Like

You’ve probably heard the terms “Diversity and Inclusion” in the workplace, as many companies in Corporate America have begun implementing…

What Diverse and Inclusive Hiring Really Looks LikeRead More

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet Tameka

“This process is not microwavable. If you come to StepUp Wilmington looking for an instant meal, it’s going to be…

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet TamekaRead More

The Will to Succeed: Meet Oliver

Your surroundings don’t determine your future. Oliver, a StepUp Wilmington graduate, is proof. He grew up in an environment that…

The Will to Succeed: Meet OliverRead More

Tackling the Opportunity Gap

What is the Opportunity Gap?  The Opportunity Gap is the lack of access to resources and quality education needed to…

Tackling the Opportunity GapRead More

Employer Partner Highlight: NHRMC

StepUp Wilmington’s mission is all about getting members of our community into good jobs with fair wages. To make this…

Employer Partner Highlight: NHRMCRead More

Young Professional Spotlight: Meet Rebecca

A North Carolina native, Rebecca was first introduced to Wilmington upon enrolling into UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. “My time…

Young Professional Spotlight: Meet RebeccaRead More

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet Ashanti Gibbs

Six years ago, Ashanti was unemployed and searching for work. A staffing agency recommended StepUp Wilmington and she decided to…

A Step Behind the Scenes: Meet Ashanti GibbsRead More

What It Means to Be Successful: Meet Nikkie

Nikkie came to StepUp Wilmington after a long and unsuccessful job search that left her wondering, “what am I doing…

What It Means to Be Successful: Meet NikkieRead More

Dressing Our Community for Success: Partner Spotlight

“Come on in and welcome home. We’re here for you.” This is the tried and true phrase that Philippians 3…

Dressing Our Community for Success: Partner SpotlightRead More

BYP Spotlight: Meet Robert

StepUp Wilmington’s Board of Young Professionals is comprised of diverse individuals with a variety of backgrounds and unique experience. Board…

BYP Spotlight: Meet RobertRead More

StepUp Wilmington Behind the Scenes: Meet Claus

A non-profit is nothing without the help of its volunteers and supporters. Thankfully, we found both in Claus. Claus was…

StepUp Wilmington Behind the Scenes: Meet ClausRead More

From Unemployed to Community Education Advocate: Meet Buc

Shortly after arriving in Wilmington in 2016, Buc was let go from his position and found himself unemployed. During his…

From Unemployed to Community Education Advocate: Meet BucRead More

Why a Job is Sometimes Not Enough

We’ve all seen the reports covering the “lowest unemployment rate in years”. What we’re also seeing is the increase in…

Why a Job is Sometimes Not EnoughRead More

Be Prepared: Hurricane Dorian Preparedness Resources

As Hurricane Dorian makes it’s way up the coast, it is important to prepare for the unknown. Here are a…

Be Prepared: Hurricane Dorian Preparedness ResourcesRead More

Young Professional Spotlight: Meet Amanda

Two years ago, Amanda decided to settle down in Wilmington, NC after living in 6 different countries. Her passion for…

Young Professional Spotlight: Meet AmandaRead More

Addressing the “Parent Work Gap”: Meet Anita

20 years after ending her medical management career to stay home and raise her children, Anita was ready to get…

Addressing the “Parent Work Gap”: Meet AnitaRead More

StepUp Wilmington Names Anthony Parnell as Board Chair

StepUp Wilmington has elected Anthony Parnell to succeed Melissa Pressley as Chair on its Board of Directors. Rising from his…

StepUp Wilmington Names Anthony Parnell as Board ChairRead More

SUW Behind the Scenes: Meet Bruce

29 years. At the young age of 16, Bruce was handed two charges that landed him in prison for 29…

SUW Behind the Scenes: Meet BruceRead More

Employer Shout-Out: Hollingsworth Cabinetry

StepUp Wilmington has relationships with over 100 employers in the Cape Fear Region. Through these relationships, graduates are placed into…

Employer Shout-Out: Hollingsworth CabinetryRead More

How Does 1,000 Jobs Impact 10,000 Lives?

Did you know that 1 in 4 members of our community are living below the poverty line? To be exact,…

How Does 1,000 Jobs Impact 10,000 Lives?Read More

BYP Spotlight: Meet Elizabeth

Wilmington native, Elizabeth Barfield, was always drawn to bringing awareness and helping form solutions for the disparities in her community.…

BYP Spotlight: Meet ElizabethRead More

Taking the Next Step: Meet April

Like many beginnings at StepUp Wilmington, April’s was a precarious one back in June 2017. After having recently lost her…

Taking the Next Step: Meet AprilRead More

SUW Behind the Scenes: Meet Bethany

The true definition of StepUp Wilmington Behind the Scenes, Bethany Leighton is the one-woman show behind the organization’s fundraising initiatives.…

SUW Behind the Scenes: Meet BethanyRead More

Don’t Let Your Criminal Background Count You Out of a Job

Each year, nearly 700,000 individuals are released from prison with only 30% of that number being able to secure work…

Don’t Let Your Criminal Background Count You Out of a JobRead More

Volunteer Shout-Out: Meet Sylvia!

It’s time to celebrate another employer partner! Say hello to Sylvia from WAVE Transit. Sylvia started her journey with StepUp…

Volunteer Shout-Out: Meet Sylvia!Read More

BYP Spotlight: Meet Dalvonte!

Meet Dalvonte! Originally from Chicago, Dalvonte has lived in Wilmington, NC for three years and was immediately drawn to serving…

BYP Spotlight: Meet Dalvonte!Read More

Employer Shout-Out: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity

StepUp Wilmington loves to celebrate its employer and community partners! Without them, we would not be able to assist nearly…

Employer Shout-Out: Cape Fear Habitat for HumanityRead More

Participant Spotlight: Meet Kamisha

In May of 2018, Kamisha relocated to Wilmington from New York City to care for her mother. While she was…

Participant Spotlight: Meet KamishaRead More

Participant Spotlight: Maureen

Maureen didn’t know what to expect coming to StepUp Wilmington. In the last year, Maureen’s life had completely upended: “In…

Participant Spotlight: MaureenRead More

Do you know your local living wage?

Do you know your local living wage? At StepUp Wilmington, we urge employers in New Hanover County and beyond to…

Do you know your local living wage?Read More

Welcome Andrew Cooke to StepUp’s Board of Directors!

Welcome Andrew Cooke to StepUp’s Board of Directors! Andrew began his journey with StepUp Wilmington in 2016 when current Board…

Welcome Andrew Cooke to StepUp’s Board of Directors!Read More

Participant Spotlight: Meet Tara

Two years ago, Tara’s life changed in an instant. Pulling down a 125lb gate at work, she turned her head,…

Participant Spotlight: Meet TaraRead More

Participant Spotlight: Meet Gabriel

Gabriel gave StepUp Wilmington a chance on a referral last fall when Hurricane Florence cost him his job. During Jobs…

Participant Spotlight: Meet GabrielRead More

Employer Spotlight: Verizon Wireless

StepUp Wilmington works with over 100 employer partners who are an integral part of our process. These local businesses in…

Employer Spotlight: Verizon WirelessRead More

Welcome Meghan Cowan to SUW’s Board of Directors!

Meet Meghan Cowan: our new addition to StepUp Wilmington’s Board of Directors. As a graduate of UNCW and her 8+…

Welcome Meghan Cowan to SUW’s Board of Directors!Read More

Participant Spotlight: Meet Magnolia

StepUp Wilmington works to break barriers of employment, one of them being age. Magnolia defeated society’s odds by getting a…

Participant Spotlight: Meet MagnoliaRead More

Displaced By the Hurricane? Know Your Voting Options

Hurricane Florence’s aftermath resulted in thousands of North Carolina residents being displaced from their homes. This sudden change of address…

Displaced By the Hurricane? Know Your Voting OptionsRead More

Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Resources

New Hanover County Public Information Hotline: (910) 798-6800 Residential debris removal for NHC has begun. Click here for more information.…

Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief ResourcesRead More

In the Wake of Florence: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

In the wake of Florence, even those who have jobs may be experiencing unemployment, unable to get to work or…

In the Wake of Florence: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)Read More

Meet Keisha, StepUp Wilmington’s New Employment Coordinator

A Wilmington native and mother of two beautiful boys, Keisha Hudson joined us on Monday, August 20. She loved her…

Meet Keisha, StepUp Wilmington’s New Employment CoordinatorRead More

Sal’s Journey from Prison, to StepUp, to a New Career

“My experience with StepUp has been a powerful one,” Sal shared with us in an email, just one month after…

Sal’s Journey from Prison, to StepUp, to a New CareerRead More

Phoenix Hometown Hires Reaches Next Level

Organization rebrands as StepUp Wilmington; Announces 1,000 Job Goal Wilmington, N.C. – On Jan. 31, Phoenix Hometown Hires will update…

Phoenix Hometown Hires Reaches Next LevelRead More

Spring Life Skills Graduation

On June 28th eleven adults and two children graduated from the 9 month Life Skills Program. It was an evening…

Spring Life Skills GraduationRead More

Phoenix Provides Job Training to Youth

In 2017 Phoenix Hometown Hires partnered with the Blue Ribbon Commission to provide job readiness training to 47 students ages…

Phoenix Provides Job Training to YouthRead More

Gino Graduates from Cape Fear Community College

Every day Gino wakes at 5:30am. After getting ready and eating breakfast he hops on his bike and starts the…

Gino Graduates from Cape Fear Community CollegeRead More

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Sharing his Story: Meet Jimmy

Sharing his Story: Meet Jimmy

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Best Foot Forward: Meet Brooke

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