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.
An aspiring young entrepreneur gains the knowledge, experience, and confidence to aim for the stars
An aspiring young entrepreneur gains the knowledge, experience, and confidence to aim for the stars. An aspiring entrepreneur, Michael Ware entered his sophomore year of college at Clark Atlanta University feeling both excited and nervous. The financial burden of tuition and cost of living in Atlanta threatened to drive his fledgling dreams out of reach. But a cousin introduced him to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, and now Michael regards the sky as his limit. Of all the programs he explored at the League, the Young CEOs captured his interest most. Along with his major in business administration, Michael saw Young CEOs as the perfect opportunity to acquire the knowledge, connections, and hands-on experience to run his own business. In the program, a 12-week entrepreneur course for youth and young adults aged 16-24, he tapped into services that directly contributed to his personal and professional growth. The program offers entrepreneurial mentorship, business strategy, leadership, and tips on navigating the startup landscape. Michael also took financial literacy workshops and plugged into a network of like-minded peers and industry professionals, making the kinds of lasting connections that are essential for a future entrepreneur. He came in second in the program’s pitch contest and won $1,000. “I joined the Young CEOs program at age 19, knowing I wanted to own a business, but I lacked structure. Adjusting to life in Atlanta and managing my responsibilities as a student at Clark Atlanta University made it even more challenging to focus on how I wanted to achieve my goals,” Michael said. “When I connected with the Urban League, I was looking for scholarship opportunities, but I found so much more. I developed communication skills, built strong connections with both peers and mentors, and learned how to explain my entrepreneurial vision.” In the early stages of development, Michael secured product samples and registered his business in the state of Georgia. With a newfound confidence and self-assurance, he also applied for and earned multiple academic scholarships and internships, including participating in Disney on the Yard, a summer mentorship and professional development program offered by The Walt Disney Company. “This journey has not only shaped my entrepreneurial mindset but also positioned me for multiple opportunities such as internships. I am excited to grow further and continue developing as a leader in my field,” Michael said. “I want to use what I’ve learned to build LEGACY, helping to inspire and create opportunities for under-resourced teens in inner city communities. The Young CEOs program has given me the foundation, network, and confidence to make that vision a reality.