Scholar Spotlight: Cassandra Johnson

HVAC: A new field for women

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 1.5% of HVAC technicians and installers are women. Cassandra Johnson aims to be one of them. This 36-year-old mother of three, ages 16, 11 and two, says it’s her responsibility to provide what’s best for her children. Her new career will enable her to do so. It also sets a good example for her kids who witness her going to school every day, then quiz her when she gets home about what she learned.

Not long ago Cassandra found herself unemployed after a massive layoff at her longtime employer where she worked in a clerical position. As often happens, losing that job may be the best thing that ever happened to her. “I was stuck. I didn’t know what to do.” But when a random email about going back to school caught her eye, Cassandra realized that with education, a better paying job (HVAC pays about $28 an hour to start) would provide the income she needs to support herself and her family.

Meeting the financial challenges of education

Southern Ohio Technical Institute “aligned with so many of the things I was looking for,” says Cassandra who decided that despite the 30-minute drive to the school’s Amelia campus, it was the place for her. “My finances were the big hurdle. I met with the financial person at Southern Ohio Tech, and we worked out a payment plan for some of the tuition. They suggested I reach out to The Chatfield Edge for additional support.”

Cassandra can’t say enough about her meeting with David Hesson, Chatfield’s Director of Programs. “We met at the public library near my home. It was supposed to be a brief meeting, but we ended up talking for an hour. He was so inspiring. He gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue the HVAC program at Southern Ohio Tech. He also arranged for Chatfield Edge to pay the $2,500 that I wasn’t able to cover.”

Charting a new path forward

Today Cassandra is a full-time student in the 10-week program. She reflects on her journey with wisdom and gratitude. “When I had my first child, I lost track of who I was. I put my kids first with everything. But now I am motivated. I don’t just want to learn the job. I want to be the best electrician out there. I also want to prove to Chatfield that the money they provided was worth it! I am extremely grateful, and I mean that from the bottom of my soul.”

If you need support on your educational journey, reach out to us today on our website (chatfieldedge.org) or by calling us at 513-875-3344. We look forward to bringing you into our Chatfield community!