U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor an Inspiring Keynote Speaker at OIC of Broward County Graduation Ceremony

Oakland Park, FL, February 11, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Broward County, a non-profit workforce development, training and job placement center that services people with obstacles to employment and youth and family entities that need improved skill sets in order to compete in the job market celebrated their annual graduation January 26th, 2012 with keynote speaker Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. The ceremony, which has held in the Broward Center of the Performing Arts-Amaturo Theater, was attended by families, friends and many business leaders of South Florida. Jane Oates gave an inspirational speech, telling the graduates that she brought greetings from President Obama and that he would be so proud. “Each one of you…has overcome so many obstacles to get into that cap and gown tonight,” stated Jane Oates; “You are our countries future! You are the American dream!”

Nominated by President Barack Obama to join Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis’ leadership team at the Department of Labor in April 2009, Ms. Oates was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training on June 19, 2009, she now leads the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in its mission to design and deliver high-quality training and employment programs for our nation’s workers.

With over ten years of service to the Broward County community, OIC of Broward County was honored to have Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training in attendance as they presented these graduates to their family, friends and community at large. OIC graduates are a diverse group including the skilled-employed looking for certification; and those that previously had barriers to employment such as the unemployed and underemployed, and persons with previous transgressions who want and deserve a second chance. As the graduates crossed the stage, each one had their own unique story but the evening was best summed up by Angelo Negron, a 19 year old graduate who gave an inspirational speech about his continuing journey. “I am here today to say,” stated Negron, “that my dreams are now my reality…because of OIC.” “I would like to share some of the goals I have achieved with OIC. My dream back then was to graduate high school; I did that. My dream back then was to have my own place and a steady source of income: I did that. My dream back then was to purchase my own vehicle, the right way; I did that. My greatest dream of all…was to attend college and I am doing that now!” He concluded his speech over thunderous applause as he told the crowd that he just got a job at Broward College. He is currently working and attending college.

OIC of Broward County wishes to congratulate this year’s class and thank Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, Jane Oates and the business leaders of the community for their tireless effort to develop and assist these outstanding citizens to lead the lives that we all strive for.

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