Meet Training Facilitator, Mary Carole Zaworski
Mary Carole Zaworski is one of the newest members of the Maryland New Directions team. She joined our organization as a Training Facilitator in early 2022 and is currently leading our Maritime, Transportation, Logistics and Distribution (MTDL) program. Mary Carole can relate to what many of our clients are feeling when they walk through our doors, as she knows first-hand what it’s like to need a new career direction. After 28 years with her former employer, she was laid off due to the pandemic. But as fate would have it, she found her way to MND.
We interviewed her to learn about her background and her experience with MND so far.
What inspired you to join the MND team as a Training Facilitator?
I love doing live trainings and working with people. I also love developing content. Most importantly, I love making a difference in the lives of the people I’m doing it for. So, when I came across this position, I scrolled through the MND website to see all of what MND does and who they serve and I was really intrigued. As a Baltimore native, I know that we need to make some improvements in the county and the city, and I saw this as an opportunity to give back and do something.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from working with MND clients?
We have a diverse group of clients, and when I first started I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to connect or relate with them. But I’ve realized that despite our diverse backgrounds and challenges, we also have many similarities. We all have a story, we all have been through tough times, and we all are trying to build a better future for ourselves, our families, and our community.
What part of your story have you shared with clients?
After losing my job, I was on unemployment which wasn’t enough to pay my mortgage, which ultimately led to me losing my home of 26 years. I was heartbroken. On top of that, a few months into my unemployment, I had an accident while walking my son’s dog and ended up seriously injuring both of my legs. So, after losing my job, and losing my home, I was now in need of surgery and months of rehabilitation. Thankfully, my son moved me in with him until I was able to get on my feet—literally and figuratively. In fact, when I came in for my interview at MND I was walking with a cane. I’m still in the process of recovery, but I am healing well. I shared my story with my clients to empathize with them and encourage them. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but it’s important to keep pushing and keep fighting to reach your goals.
MND is known for making a substantial impact in its clients’ lives. Is there anyone whose transformation sticks out to you?
In one of the first cohorts I led, one gentleman expressed to me that he was very uncomfortable giving presentations and speaking in public. I encouraged him and let him know that MND would work with him and help him get more comfortable with public speaking and by the end of the program he’d be full of confidence. I told him that every time you take one step out of your comfort zone, your comfort zone gets bigger. When the program ended, each student had the opportunity to share a few words of gratitude to the MND staff and encouragement to their fellow students. I noticed some of the students were egging on the shy gentleman because they knew he had something to share. He walked to the front of the room and before he said anything I whispered to him “Step out of your comfort zone,” and he did! For me it was such a proud moment, but beyond that, you could see this look on his face that said, “I did it!” Those little moments make such a big difference in who these individuals become and how they continue to develop. I find it inspiring and for me, personally, it’s why I get up every morning and do what I do.
You clearly enjoy your work with MND. With all the twists and turns that led you here, it sounds like you also found your new direction.
I really did. A few clients have come up to me after our training sessions and said “This is your calling. You’re good at this. You need to keep doing this.” I went home with the biggest smile on my face feeling like all the challenges I’ve faced recently have pushed me into a new direction. No pun intended.
What should people know about MND as an organization?
My experience has been very motivating and rewarding. The work we’re doing here matters. You can see it. You’re making a difference in someone’s life. You’re helping them overcome barriers and you can see it. We give people hope and instill confidence. We watch them continue to grow and develop beyond the training because we keep in touch with them after the cohort ends. I think MND is a great organization that helps people overcome their challenges and take the next step to create the life and career they want and be able to provide for their families.
