The N Street Village Marj and Mak Vocational Center (MMVC) recently partnered with our Flagship staff and Village champion Stephanie Linnartz to bring representatives from Home Depot and Marriott International to speak with clients about job readiness.
A key goal of the MMVC is to increase housing stability by supporting women in their goals related to education and employment. For many clients, the event was an important step as they endeavor to improve their overall financial health.
Stephanie Linnartz was introduced to the Village several years ago through N Street Village Board Vice Chair Ruth Sorenson and her late husband, Arne Sorenson, with whom she worked closely at Marriott International. Stephanie and her husband, Daren, have also previously supported the Village by attending the annual winter fundraiser.
“Stephanie has always had a strong will to serve and has natural instincts and insight to make thoughtful connections,” shared Sorenson. “Her recent involvement with the Village brought practical, actionable advice to the women we partner with as they explore new pathways to employment,” she added.
Linnartz is a highly accomplished executive. She currently serves on the board of Home Depot and has held positions such as President of Marriott International and CEO of Under Armour.
“Throughout my career, the most meaningful moments have not been tied to the next promotion or professional accolade. What most energizes me is seeing first-hand the real difference we can make in the lives of the people in our community, Linnartz said.
During her tenure at Marriott International, Linnartz worked alongside Bridgett Price, who served as Global Human Resources Officer. Linnartz and Price spent months collaborating with Village staff on the “Meet the Employers” event which featured knowledgeable employees who shared relatable career information with more than two dozen women at the Village.
Linnartz is a highly accomplished executive. She currently serves on the board of Home Depot and has held positions such as President of Marriott International and CEO of Under Armour.
“Throughout my career, the most meaningful moments have not been tied to the next promotion or professional accolade. What most energizes me is seeing first-hand the real difference we can make in the lives of the people in our community,” Linnartz said.
During her tenure at Marriott International, Linnartz worked alongside Bridgett Price, who served as Global Human Resources Officer. Linnartz and Price spent months collaborating with Village staff on the “Meet the Employers” event which featured knowledgeable employees who shared relatable career information with more than two dozen women at the Village.
Bridgett Price and Stephanie Linnartz
As the event kicked off, clients arrived prepared, curious, and ready to engage — their focus on the future shining through in their attentiveness. What unfolded was a genuine exchange between the women and leaders from two globally recognized and respected companies.
First, the panelists shared valuable insights on career growth, navigating workplace dynamics, and the skills companies are eager to invest in.
“It was inspiring to watch our clients look beyond the barriers they are facing. Having direct access to these executives — hearing their stories and seeing the outcomes of investing in yourself — created a sense of real, long-term possibility,” said Zorka Cordova, an Economic Empowerment Specialist at the Village.
After the panel discussion, which was skillfully moderated by a client, the women had the opportunity to speak directly to the panelists about job-seeking skills and strategies.
Residents report that these interactive moments were especially meaningful. Not only did they have the opportunity to ask questions about real-life issues, but they were also able to share their own stories and receive real-time guidance that met them exactly where they were on their employment journeys.
“The women expressed that having direct access to leaders from two globally respected companies made them feel seen, valued, and motivated,” said Charlene Wilson, a program manager at Sharon’s Place, the Village’s nine-month transitional housing program for women who are working or actively job-hunting.
This is one of the many partnerships N Street Village is building through the Marj and Mak Vocational Center as we work with women to make meaningful gains in their education and employment goals. We are excited to continue developing these important collaborations and advancing opportunities for the women we serve.