LaTionna Russell, 2020 woman of Courage Awardee

Being a single mom to a three-year-old son, a full-time student, and working to help pay for her education, LaTionna knows the definition of hard work. After receiving her associate's degree in Accounting from CCAC, LaTionna was gearing up for another stressful year of juggling it all as she prepared to start her bachelor’s degree.

LaTionna heard about 3 Cups of Coffee GRAD during one of her CCAC classes. “I honestly didn’t give it much thought at first,” LaTionna remembered. “But after speaking to the staff at Pennsylvania Women Work, I decided to give it a try.”

When she met her mentor Melissa Stephens Williamson, SVP Finance & Operations at HM Health Solutions, LaTionna was primarily focused on becoming a better communicator and professional. Melissa was instantly impressed by LaTionna and interested in helping further her career.

“LaTionna and I met over Zoom, and I was immediately impressed by her go-getter attitude and style,” Melissa recalled. She helped LaTionna with networking tips and tricks but had a bigger plan in mind for her. Melissa wanted her to pursue job opportunities at Highmark.

“I was struggling – doing it all by myself. Melissa helped me navigate to the right people and taught me the skills to put my best foot forward,” LaTioanna explained.

“When I received my job offer from Highmark, I was ecstatic,” she said. “I had always worked at entry-level jobs, earning minimum wage or a little more. When I saw my offer letter, I was awestruck.”

LaTionna’s career is just getting started with room to grow within Highmark.

“The sky is the limit. I am going back to school for my bachelor’s degree. Highmark has a tuition reimbursement program,” LaTioanna explained. “I won’t owe anything, it’s going to be paid off.”

LaTionna said that Melissa is like her angel. She helped her find her confidence, break out of her shell and find a career she loves.

“I feel hopeful,” Melissa said about LaTionna’s future. “With her perseverance, her dedication and her clarity on what it is she wants, I am extremely hopeful that the world is her oyster.”

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