Annie Hatchett – Baltimore County Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Liberty American Job Center – Testimonial - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

When I think about African American History, I’m reminded of the struggles of our ancestors as they were enslaved seeking freedom. I’m also reminded of the strength, courage, sacrifice, and most of all resiliency in the face of just wanting to be considered humans. I look at that legacy and I think about the kind of legacy I want to leave behind in a world where there are still challenges for African Americans - just fewer, thanks to our ancestors.

I also think about some of the leaders in those times, such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, who worked tirelessly to help people to freedom each in their own way. I’ve worked in the helping professions my entire working career from Adult Education, Teen and Young Adult Health Care, and the last 17 years in Workforce Development. I want my legacy to be that I was committed to helping people find their own power to overcome any barriers that they might face to achieve their greatness however that looks for them. I have often used my own personal struggles as a young divorced single parent growing up in Baltimore City as an example of accomplishing what might seem insurmountable. I’ve had the joy of witnessing those great moments in my customers’ lives, whether it’s getting their high school diploma (via GED®), skilled training, a license or certification, or setting goals and achieving even those smallest short-term goals that fuel the larger ones.

I feel the best way for me to pay homage to my ancestors’ resiliency, perseverance, strength, and courage is to continue to help others find their own greatness no matter where they start, challenges they face, or how it looks - and even when they can’t see it!