A Childhood Goal Becomes Reachable
As a child, Taylor Love watched the television drama “Grey’s Anatomy” in rapt attention. So much so that the show became a guidepost for her career aspirations. “I enjoyed watching the show and the difference the medical teams made in the patients’ lives they saved. Originally, I wanted to be a surgeon; but all the time I would have to spend in school made me look for other careers in healthcare where I could achieve the same goal without as much time in school,” Taylor recounted. “That’s how I decided to be a registered nurse then become a doctor of nursing.” But in a tough job market, Taylor knew that she needed experience or certifications or licenses to break into the field. Fortunately, Taylor didn’t have to search far to find out about the healthcare career programs the Urban League of Greater Atlanta operates. Her mother, who works at the League, encouraged Taylor to sign up for guidance with a career counselor. “My experience was nothing short of amazing. The staff set me up with great opportunities to help me advance toward my career goals,” she said. For starters, Taylor took courses and earned CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and Phlebotomy certificates. Now, she is using her CNA certificate as a patient care tech. “My goal is to be a Family Nurse Practitioner, and my CNA certificate has opened doors for me in a hospital setting with many shadow and work opportunities,” she added. “I collaborate with other NPs and doctors daily, and they give me tips and tricks to remember. Also, some of the things I’ve seen at work, the textbooks could never do justice to in terms of how small and sometimes big our anatomy is.” Taylor is enthusiastic about her journey. “From day one, I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere. I learned that even in small acts, I am still helping and making a difference. I performed CPR with an actual code team just like Grey’s Anatomy, and everything I used to watch as a kid was right in front of me. I LOVED IT!” Taylor said she’d encourage anyone interested in the healthcare field – and other sectors – to explore pathways available at the Urban League. “The Urban League has great opportunities to help you advance; you just have to want it,” she said. “The instructors go out of their way to care for you, which helps the class environment. If you can’t pick yourself up some days, they lift a hand to help.”
Following a proven course toward financial stability
C. Berry came to the Urban League seeking pathways toward his goal ofestablishinga career in the IT field and moving toward financial independence. After an initial introduction to our Pathways to Empowerment (P2E) program, the 21-year-old signed up for two IT training opportunities: the City of Refuge Cybersecurity program and Per Scholas’ CompTIA A+ certification. At the same time, he entered our At Promise at Work January 2026 cohort, which provides workforce training along with a stipend of $180-a week. Through these services, he is strengthening his workforce skills and expanding access to IT positions with potential earnings of $40,000–$60,000 annually early in his career. C. Berry recently notched a milestone in his journey toward financial stability: On January 30, 2026, he began a full-time job with BP Gas Company as a cashier/customer service attendant, earning $17 per hour. He expects to gain essential experience in customer relations, using this first job as a springboard toward his long-term career goals. The League is here as a dependable resource to help him succeed in his new job and advance his IT career aspirations with the skills and experience needed for upward mobility and economic empowerment.
A Day at the Capitol Inspires the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
In partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals and the Urban League of River Valley, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta hosted its Annual Day at the Capitol. The event brought more than 70 scholars from across the Atlanta Metro Area to the Georgia State Capitol for an immersive civic learning experience. The program combined participants in Project Ready, supported by the Young Professionals, with those in the At Promise At Work Program, supported by ULGA’s Youth and Young Adult Services Team. The young scholars explored the legislative process in-depth firsthand and gained insight into how decisions made at the Capitol directly affect their schools, neighborhoods, and futures. Distinguished leaders elevated the experience, including: Nancy Flake Johnson, President & CEO, Urban League of Greater Atlanta. John H. Moye, Director of Legislative Policy, Social Justice & Civic Engagement. Tracey Mosley, President & CEO, Urban League of the River Valley. Christopher E. Bruce, Deputy Executive Director, ACLU of Georgia. A special acknowledgement goes to Khadijah Ameen of the Young Professionals. Her dedication and leadership ensured a seamless, engaging, and truly memorable experience for everyone involved. Through guided tours, interactive dialogue, and direct engagement with state leaders, scholars deepened their understanding of civic engagement, public policy, and advocacy. The day also strengthened connections between young adult professionals and youth in Urban League programs, cultivating the next generation of informed voters and community leaders. Highlights overview 70+ youth engaged in real-time civic education. Hands-on exposure to policy, advocacy, and legislative processes. Leadership pipeline connecting young professionals with high school scholars. Cross-regional collaboration between Urban League affiliates. ULGA’s Young Professionals Day at the Capitol demonstrates the transformative power of strategic investment in youth leadership. It builds the knowledge and confidence to inspire high school teens to play a direct role in shaping the future of their communities.