We believe our relationship with God is our primary relationship in life through the work of Jesus Christ in us. Because of such, we seek to honor Him with our thoughts, words, and actions by sharing His transformational love with our neighbors.
About
Our Team, Mission, Values, and History
OUR MISSION
CareerConnect exists to help the whole person escape the hopelessness of poverty through the transformative love of Jesus Christ.
Our Team
Marianne has spent her professional career in Middle Tennessee bringing decades of experience in partnership and business development across both non-profit and for-profit sectors, with a focus on healthcare, hospitality and higher ed.
With over 30 years of expertise in building strategic partnerships and creating connections and professional opportunities, Marianne considers it a thrill and a privilege to leverage her own experience to help others. She is passionate about empowering individuals to develop skills, confidence and relationships that set them on the path to successful and fulfilling careers.
Marianne has actively contributed as a board member and volunteer with numerous civic and professional organizations that help enhance the lives of Middle Tennesseans. She holds a BA from University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Lipscomb University.
Outside of work, Marianne most enjoys planning get-togethers with family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and disc golf, listening to great music, embarking on off-the beaten path adventures, and nurturing her backyard garden oasis. Married to her college sweetheart for over 35 years, she and her husband had a ball raising their three sons and are now completely smitten with their new baby granddaughter.
Patricia is a career administrative professional with expertise in economic development, workforce development and higher education. She has a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Journalism as well as a Master's of Education in Adult Education and Training. What gets her up every day is the opportunity to pour into others so they may transform their lives. Through this work, she has the opportunity to propel her neighbors from the jobs they have to the careers they deserve. She is passionate about empowering others and grateful for the opportunity to do work that will outlive her.
Jasmine is a native of Oxford, MS, and a 2019 graduate of the University of Mississippi, where she majored in African American Studies. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a Certified Circle Facilitator, demonstrating her commitment to community and leadership. Experienced in workforce development admissions, Jasmine has a unique ability to make others feel seen and heard. She has been actively involved in professional ministries since 2020 bringing her expertise and passion to various initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys attending church, crafting, reading books, and watching movies. Jasmine’s guiding scripture is Matthew 22:37-39.
Board of Directors
- Leilani Boulware, President
- April Blalock
- LeToia Crozier
- Fernando Munoz
- Ashley Sain
- Sid Stanley
- Kimberly Young
Our Values
Believing In God
Empowering Sustainability
We believe that all people are created in God’s image. Honoring this truth, we encourage the alleviation of poverty, whether spiritual, relational, or financial, by empowering and helping people recognize, develop, and use the gifts God gives them.
Fostering Community
We believe that people thrive in healthy, joyful community. We cultivate a nurturing environment where those who gather will experience connection, love, encouragement, and accountability.
Restoring Relationships
We believe that poverty is a result of broken relationships. We help to restore those relationships by pointing people toward Jesus Christ who heals and makes all things new including relationships with God, others, and ourselves.
Engaging the Church
We believe in God’s call for the local church to respond to the complexities of poverty. In partnership, we provide opportunities for the local church to fulfill its call to equip and empower the congregation by offering spaces to form meaningful relationships with those living in poverty.
Equipping the Whole Person
We believe that to flourish at work, home, and their community, people thrive from access to whole-person development and education. We provide Biblically supported curriculum, coaching, and other resources leading to ongoing life change for all.
Our story
From Flood to Flourish: Empowering Lives Through Faith and Community
Our beginnings can be traced back to the Nashville flood of 2010.
Seeing the devastating impacts on their community, a group of East Nashville neighbors responded by organizing volunteers from the community and from churches to bring help and healing to those affected by the rising waters. Inviting people into their home for meals and holding classes at various churches, little did they know this would be the birth of Project Connect in 2013.
Through prayer, discernment, and input from the community, Project Connect opened its doors and began reaching out to the vulnerable in Madison to offer hope and healing through relationship, education and resources.
As always, God was in the details and soon brought to Project Connect financial and volunteer resources through area churches.
A grant from First Baptist Church Nashville allowed us to establish our Madison location and hire staff so we could begin offering our 4 day a week Work Life class. Our Woodbine campus was opened as a result of a grant from Brentwood Baptist Church.
Other churches have been instrumental in our growth through funding and volunteering. We have seen first-hand the value in developing partnerships with other compassionate and like-minded faith-based organizations and community partners to serve our participants.
The Launch of Career Connect
In 2024, Project Connect began doing business as CareerConnect as our primary program and entryway as we focus our efforts on providing a pathway from financial poverty to financial security.
As the first phase of our three-phase model, our introductory two-week Leap Camps will be hosted by churches and non-profit partners in particular neighborhoods around Nashville.
OUR PROGRAM
Equipping you for success
- Free Career Training
- Free Tuition
- Training Stipend
At CareerConnect, we’re here to help you launch into success! With personalized guidance and dedicated support, we make sure you have all the tools you need to achieve your professional goals.
GET STARTED
Ready to take the next step in your career journey?
At CareerConnect, we're here to help you launch into success! With personalized guidance and dedicated support, we make sure you have all the tools you need to achieve your professional goals.