Age: 18
Position: Lead Cashier
Employer: Old Navy -NorthBrook
Employed: August 2020

Mashelle is a current Senior at Niles North High School and had her first encounter with the Youth Job Center when she received an email from her school’s Counselor regarding an employment opportunity at Old Navy during the beginning of the pandemic. The new “Virtual” process for finding work plus learning all the needed skills for being successful at getting a job presented a new challenge to everyone involved as YJC’s Work Readiness Trainings were only being offered in remote/virtual settings in an effort to adhere to health and safety protocol because of Covid restrictions.

Nevertheless, Mashell was up for the challenge and attended the Old Navy customized Virtual Trainings/Interview were she learned the importance of being Customer “Centric” and new Old Navy lingo terms like BOPIS(Buy Online Pick Up in Store) which is a very valuable service that Old Navy now has for its patrons. Mashell learned the art of how to “Smize” along with the importance of ensuring that you are using the right Non Verbal body cues as you greet customers that come into the Brand Stores.

Just recently, Mashell was invited to attend Old Navy’s Store Kick Off Event for 2021. She shared her story and journey starting off as an Old Navy Brand Associate, receiving Employee of the Month, getting a promotion to a Lead Cashier, and now being accepted into Illinois Institute of Technology-Go Hawks!!!

The Youth Job Center is so excited for Mashell as she continues to make great strides and gain opportunities to enhance her professional development by receiving ongoing support not only by the Youth Job Center but also being able to be a part of the Old Navy’s Talent Accelerator Program where she gets mentoring and upskilling knowledge from Old Navy’s Upper Field and Leaders.

We see you Mashell & so excited to watch you reaching great heights on your Career Pathway!