“Twenty years ago, I was doing things I shouldn’t have been doing – but it all led me here,” Tina says, reflecting on the path that brought her to Connections to Success. After serving over four years in a federal prison, she walked into our Kansas City office wearing prison greys, unsure if anyone would understand her experience. That all changed when a staff member, who had also previously been incarcerated, welcomed her in and made an instant connection. For the first time in years, she felt seen and ready for a fresh start.
Determined to create a new life for herself and her children, Tina enrolled in our Pathways to Success program, building confidence and skills through the personal and professional development training. From there, she discovered a path into the trades, going on to complete her heavy equipment training in Oklahoma and returning to Kansas City to begin her career.
Tina quickly excelled, working on major construction projects and even meeting her husband through work. But when childcare challenges forced her to step back from the field, Tina turned that obstacle into a mission. Partnering with Heartland Women in Trades, she helped create Unions United Childcare, a first-of-its-kind program providing affordable, 24/7 childcare for union families. Her advocacy has had a far-reaching impact, contributing to legislative changes and expanding opportunities for working parents across the trades.
Today, Tina remains close with Connections to Success while driving real change in her community. Her powerful journey and continued commitment to helping others were major factors in her being recognized at the organization’s 2026 Tribute to Success in Kansas City, where she received the Honored Inspiration Award. Tina is living proof that transformation doesn’t stop at personal success; it has the power to reshape entire communities.