Marquia Wooten Shares Her Success Story With ANEW and The Seattle Office of Economic Development

“I never thought in a million years this is how my career path would go,” said Marquia Wooten, Director of the ANEW Rise Up Program.

Wooten shared her journey as a single mother searching for a career which would allow her to build a legacy and the lifestyle she desired. She said she found ANEW’s pre-apprenticeship program through a friend, and initially doubted whether she could do construction. Now, Wooten has created an impactful career—from operating heavy equipment on construction sites, and inspecting some of the largest construction projects in the city, to using her leadership role as a mentor and Director of the Rise up Program to inspire others to step outside of their comfort zone in pursuit of a more fulfilling life.

In a growing city like Seattle, The Seattle Office of Economic Development’s Strategic Advisor Stella Wayman agreed, saying that people like Wooten in key industries such as construction, are critical to the growth of the Seattle community and local economy.

“We need folks that look like and understand a diverse workforce so that they know and understand that they have power and belonging,” Wayman said. “This is a great pathway to take care of your family, start your career, and build lifelong skills.”

Watch the video above to learn more about Wooten’s journey, opportunities the construction industry provides for the city, and how you can get involved.