In 2006, Brandies lost her job. With only three weeks of unemployment left and unable to find work, it was a stressful time for her. She had nowhere to turn and even considered going back to a telemarketing job she loathed. She was on her own and unable to rely on her family for support.

Then one day, Brandies happened to see a TV news story about i.c.stars. Even though she wasn’t a techy person, she was drawn to the leadership development component and knew she was smart enough to learn about technology. Within weeks she completed the i.c.stars interviewing process and began the program.

“My training through i.c.stars has changed my life in ways I never dreamed of,” declared Brandies. “With the leadership skills I acquired, I now can think past the day-to-day chore of working to make ends meet, and instead create opportunities for others and make the community a little better each day.”

Read the full story of how Brandies uses her i.c.starts training to create real impact in the lives of youth looking for the same opportunities.

Barkada Circle is very fortunate to have Brandies on our upcoming social media storytelling panel, Who is the Face (and Voice) of Your Mission? on May 16. She will be moderating the discussion that includes our friends from the Arthritis Foundation and Big Shoulders Fund.

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