Aspire Cuts the Ribbon to the Employment Training Program with Government Officials!

State and Local Leaders Help to Cut the Ribbon to the Employment Training Program

Aspire celebrated the official ribbon cutting of our new Employment Training Program Warehouse, a first-of-its-kind space creating pathways to meaningful employment for people with disabilities. We were honored to welcome Tran Nguyen, Chicago Director, Office of United States Senator Dick Durbin, Will Shih, Director of Economic Development, Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth, Rahnee Patrick, Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services at the Illinois Departmant of Human Services, IL Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, IL Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, Senator Adriane Johnson, Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, IL Representative Laura Faver-Dias, IL Representative Diane Blair-Sherlock, Mayor of Hillside Joseph Tamburino, and Mayor for the Village of Bellwood Andre Harvey.

People with disabilities often face barriers to accessing meaningful employment, not because of a lack of talent or potential, but because opportunities and training spaces have not always been designed with everyone in mind. We are working to change that by creating pathways that support skill-building, confidence, and long-term career success.

The official ribbon cutting of our new Employment Training Program Warehouse marked an important milestone in this work. State and local leaders, community partners, and supporters came together to celebrate a first-of-its-kind space intentionally designed to prepare people with disabilities for careers in the warehouse and distribution industry.

Through the Employment Training Program, trainees receive hands-on job training, career-readiness coaching, and valuable real-world experience in a supportive setting that mirrors the workforce they will be entering. The program is designed to help people build practical skills, explore career pathways, and take meaningful steps toward competitive employment.

This new training space reflects the power of collaboration and shared commitment. By bringing together public leaders, community partners, and Aspire’s expertise, we are expanding access to brighter futures and are helping people with disabilities build futures rooted in purpose, stability, and possibility.

About our local leaders whoa re partnering to create a more inclusive future:

• Tran Nguyen, Chicago Director, Office of United States Senator Dick Durbin, supports Senator Durbin’s work across Chicago, strengthening relationships with community organizations and advancing policies that expand opportunity, access, and support for constituents.
• Will Shih, Director of Economic Development, Office of Senator Tammy Duckworth, works to advance inclusive economic growth and workforce development initiatives that help communities thrive and ensure access to meaningful employment opportunities.
• Rahnee Patrick, Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, oversees statewide programs and is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and achieve their goals.
• The Honorable Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Illinois Speaker of the House, has served the 7th District since 2013 and is committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring government works for all Illinois residents.
• The Honorable Kimberly Lightford, Illinois Senate Majority Leader, is a dedicated advocate for education, workforce development, and community investment, working to create pathways that support stability and success for families across Illinois.
• The Honorable Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Senator, is committed to improving transportation and access so individuals of all abilities can better connect to opportunity, employment, and community life.
• The Honorable Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Illinois State Senator, focuses on policies that support working families, economic development, and community well-being throughout her district.
• The Honorable Laura Faver-Dias, Illinois State Representative, is dedicated to advancing legislation that strengthens communities, supports families, and expands access to opportunity for her constituents.
• The Honorable Diane Blair-Sherlock, Illinois State Representative, is a strong advocate for community investment and public policy that supports stability, access, and opportunity across Illinois.
• Joseph Tamburino, Mayor of Hillside, is committed to fostering a strong, connected community through local partnerships, economic growth, and initiatives that support residents and families.
• Andre Harvey, Mayor of the Village of Bellwood, works to promote community development, civic engagement, and opportunities that enhance quality of life for residents throughout the village.