Daniela Grimes, a 19 year old, African-American, City of Santa Monica “opportunity youth” and Santa Monica High School graduate, was unemployed and living in a CCSM affordable housing unit. She learned about the Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) program from her mother who attended a presentation by HTA staff at a holiday event at her building. Upon enrolling with the HTA, Daniella immediately underwent a series of trainings that included everything from resume writing and interviewing skills to dressing for success and customer service skills training. Excelling in the program and eager to embark on an exciting new career in the hospitality sector, Daniela had the opportunity to interview for a position at LAX Airport where she was quickly hired by Areas USA to work as a Cashier at Sammy’s Woodfire Grill, in Terminal 4 where she sells on average $10,000-$13,000 in product per week and has earned the title of “Top Seller”. Having passed her probation period at work, Daniella is now a proud member of the union, UNITE HERE Local 11, and has a bright future – working a job with a good starting wage and a trajectory for career growth, built in salary increases and full benefits including medical and dental.