Empowered Pathways is proud to celebrate the successful completion of the first Spring 2026 WERCshop Series through the Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC).

Held across six sessions on April 20, April 22, April 27, April 29, May 4, and May 6, the series provided participants with practical workforce readiness skills, hands-on learning opportunities, and individualized support designed to help women build confidence and prepare for employment opportunities.

Six women successfully completed the full WERCshop series, including participation in the organization’s Empower 360 programming.

The WERCshop curriculum focused on foundational job readiness and career development skills, including:

  • resume building,
  • interview preparation,
  • computer literacy,
  • Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools,
  • email navigation,
  • workplace communication,
  • soft skills development,
  • and hands-on interactive activities.

Through the Empower 360 component, participants also explored emerging workplace technology and creative tools, including practical uses of artificial intelligence in the workplace and introductory Canva design training.

Lunch was provided during sessions to help create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for participants actively navigating employment and career transitions.

The Spring 2026 series also marked the first WERCshop cohort led under the leadership of WERC Director Karizma Wadsworth.

“Our goal is not simply to provide a checklist of workforce skills,” said WERC Director Karizma Wadsworth. “We want to recognize the whole person and understand the unique barriers and experiences each participant may face. WERCshop is designed to provide individualized support, practical tools, and encouragement that helps women move forward with confidence.”

The Women’s Employment & Resource Center takes a holistic approach to workforce development, focusing not only on employment readiness, but also on empowerment, confidence-building, personal growth, and long-term success.

Empowered Pathways looks forward to continuing and expanding WERCshop programming throughout 2026 while creating additional opportunities for women throughout the Mohawk Valley to access workforce development support, technology training, and community connection.