Success Story

Mikal joined Conservation Corps North Bay in March 2020 after hearing how the program helped his brothers earn their high school diplomas and start their career journeys four years ago. After interning on the Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps crew and learning by working alongside Sonoma Water, he was excited to join the Zero Waste crew in Sonoma. Mikal says that the two best parts of working at CCNB are the fact that the work is always mentally stimulating, and that he can see the benefit CCNB has for the community. Before, working at a call center, Mikal did not feel fulfilled. Mikal ennjoyed the work of measuring, sorting, and organizing the various materials that CCNB collects for recycling—even in slower periods of work, there is always something to do.

Mikal also enjoyed going out on collection routes in the regional and state parks and beaches around Sonoma County and seeing park visitors take advantage of the recycling bins at trailheads and parking lots. As an Assistant Crew Leader, Mikal was confident in his leadership abilities and planned to look for a warehouse job after he completed our program. To make this goal a reality he polished up his interviewing skills, perfected his resume, and completed OSHA certification to make himself the best possible candidate for future jobs. His hard work and planning paid off, and Mikal is now working at Clean Harbors earning a living wage.