|
Get to Know Tashawn Ward, Customer Solutions Associate at Center Groton
 One of the coaches at Tashawn’s boxing gym was Chris Soto, the Founding Director of Higher Edge, a non-profit organization that guides low-income and first-generation students through enrollment, retention, and graduation from college. Since Chris founded Higher Edge several years ago, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation have supported the organization through grant donations and sponsorships, as well as employee volunteerism.
During workouts, Chris would talk to Tashawn about Higher Edge and the opportunities college could afford him. Tashawn hadn’t really considered college before, but Chris spoke passionately about Higher Edge and how “a college degree is the fastest way to positively change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
Tashawn decided to apply to Higher Edge and was accepted. The organization assisted him in applying to colleges and securing financial aid. After he enrolled at Eastern Connecticut State University, a Higher Edge advisor regularly checked in to see how classes were going.
Through the Higher Edge program, Tashawn learned about an internship opportunity with Atlantic Broadband. After a successful internship, Tashawn was thinking about next steps. His mentor at Atlantic Broadband reached out to one of Chelsea Groton’s business bankers, Harry Colonis, a longtime supporter of Higher Edge. Harry met with Tashawn to discuss his career aspirations. He talked to Tashawn about the banking world, job opportunities and how to apply for jobs on Chelsea Groton’s website.
Following his college graduation, Harry encouraged Tashawn to get his foot in the door with an internship as a bank teller. He followed Harry’s advice and performed extremely well in his job. His managers encouraged Tashawn to apply for a position in Center Groton, and he was offered the job. He is now a full-time Customer Solutions Associate, and a student working towards his MBA. He immediately took to supporting teammates and customers during Center Groton’s reinvention.
“When we first met Tashawn, we knew he was something special,” said Anne Wilkinson, SVP, Director of Human Resources at Chelsea Groton Bank. “He had drive and ambition. He wanted to use his knowledge and experiences to help others achieve great things.”
“Tashawn exemplifies what the updated Center Groton branch is all about. It’s a place where people can talk about their goals, and make real plans for how to achieve them,” explained Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank. “Tashawn has taken the steps to achieve many milestones – big and small – along the way. We’re honored to be a part of his journey, and to have so many wonderful partners in the community to support Tashawn along the way.”
Be sure to stop in to Center Groton to meet Tashawn, discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.
|
