Congratulations to the December BankWork$ Graduates!
In partnership with Employ Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) is proud to bring the nationwide BankWork$ program to Wisconsin. BankWork$ is a free, eight-week training program to prepare participants — primarily individuals from under-resourced communities — for retail banking careers. Upon graduation, each class then takes part in a hiring event featuring BankWork$ employer partners.
In December, a class of 12 students — including Emilia Blackwell- Brewer, Joseph Bump, Jarell Bustos, Courtlyn Ellis, Tytiana Harris, Sravanthi Kakarla, Dennis Lara, Edwin Martinez Dolores, Elizabeth Miller, Umika Miller, LeAnn Shields, and Lily Smith — graduated from the program. WBA’s Rose Oswald Poels attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

Standing, back row (left to right) are: Oscar Delgado, Employ Milwaukee career navigator; Jarell Bustos; Emilia Blackwell-Brewer; and Dennis Lara. Standing, middle row (left to right) are: Adriene Wright, BankWork$ instructor; Sravanthi Kakarla; Umika Miller; Elizabeth Miller; Edwin Martinez Dolores; Rose Oswald Poels, WBA president and CEO; and Jovo Potkonjak, BankWork$ program manager. Seated, front row (left to right) are: Courtlyn Ellis; Lily Smith; Joseph Bump; Tytiana Harris; and LeAnn Shields.
Over the course of the eight-week program, students learned the heard and soft skills necessary for entry-level retail and operations positions. Beginning in 2019, the program has now provided over 130 individuals in the Milwaukee area with the opportunity to begin a career in banking.
To learn more about the program, or how your bank can get involved, please visit employmilwaukee.org/BankWorks.htm.