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Foundational Skills Program Celebrates First Class of Graduates

Six Duke employees complete 310 hours of training for administrative roles

(Left to right) Imer Ramadanovic, Lamecka Wilkerson, Nicole Smith, LaShaunda Freeman, Marquita Mangum and George Johnson. Photo by Jonathan Black.
(Left to right) Imer Ramadanovic, Lamecka Wilkerson, Nicole Smith, LaShaunda Freeman, Marquita Mangum and George Johnson. Photo by Jonathan Black.

For the Duke employees participating in the Foundational Skills Program, last week’s graduation was a time to ask themselves what’s next.    

After nearly nine months of training, the six graduates of the new career-development program now have the skills to seek administrative jobs in the University and Health System.  

“Duke believed in us and gave us the ability to achieve our goals,” said Imer Ramadanovic, a food production associate at Hock Family Pavilion and one of the Foundational Skills participants. “I used to talk the talk about achieving my dreams. Now I can walk the walk.” 

Foundational Skills is a redesigned approach to career development programs within Duke’s Professional Development Academy. The program is designed to give employees in service areas the office skills to open up new career horizons.

The 37-week program includes instructor-led classroom training, 60 hours of job shadowing and 90 hours of on-the-job training. Participants were also matched with mentors in the University and Health System to discuss career goals and polish the skills needed to achieve them. 

The participants, who were nominated by their supervisors, chose between University and Health System tracks to prepare them for entry-level administrative support positions. 

“This is the just the beginning of the graduates’ journey,” said Gina Rogers, a consultant with Duke Learning & Organization Development and director of Foundational Skills. “There are no limits to what someone can do at Duke.”

LaShaunda Freeman, a housekeeping specialist for Duke Medical Center, completed the University track. She participated in the program to inspire her 8-year-old son, Antonio. 

“I wanted to show him that he never had to limit himself,” Freeman said. “This program allowed me to move forward with my career. It’s an exciting chapter in my life.” 

The Foundational Skills 2018 Class:

  • LaShaunda Freeman, housekeeping specialist for Duke Medical Center
  • George Johnson, utility worker for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
  • Marquita Mangum, housekeeper specialist for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
  • Nicole Smith, utility worker for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life
  • Imer Ramadanovic, food production associate for Hock Family Pavilion
  • Lamecka Wilkerson, housekeeper specialist for Housing Operations in Housing & Residence Life

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