Transforming Lives through WRTP | BIG STEP In 2006, Noel McChristian's life took a significant turn when he joined the WRTP | BIG STEP program. Before this, Noel faced various challenges but was determined to build a better future. His journey began when he met John Anderson, the Southeast Director at WRTP | BIG
Jonathon Barba-Lopez was 16 when he found out he was having a baby—and made a decision that changed his life. “I was in high school but walking a bad path,” he says. “I was depressed. I was skipping school. I was 16, about to be a father, and I needed a job.” Jonathon enrolled
I am thrilled to share the inspiring success story of one of our former students, Derrick Powe. With our support, he overcame significant personal challenges and is now flourishing in his second year of the sheet metal apprenticeship program. Derrick is a justice-impacted individual who participated in our Entry-Level Construction Skills program. He quickly
At WRTP | BIGSTEP, our WANTO (Women in Nontraditional Occupations) program is transforming lives and careers right here in Milwaukee. Through tailored training, case management, and supportive services, we’re breaking down barriers and empowering women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields. One shining example of success in the WANTO program is Carshella Porter, a determined
Robert Artley and Zacharias Smith have similar stories: Both came to WRTP | BIG STEP as veterans after falling on hard times, and both found themselves job-hopping with little success, lacking confidence, and looking for support that could lead them back to family-supporting careers. They got the support they needed when the Center for
Isaias Cisneros is a second-generation Mexican American born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys music, art, physical activity, and practicing his faith. Before enrolling in WRTP | BIG STEP, Isaias worked at Kwik Trip but felt unfulfilled in his job. Isaias learned about WRTP | BIG
Jessica Lazo Figueroa, 17 years old and a senior at Madison East High School, is a Youth Apprentice through the Madison Metropolitan School District. Growing up, she always wanted a career in construction, but did not have much knowledge about it or know where to begin. She heard about WRTP | BIG STEP through
José Garcia is a union journey worker carpenter and the father of nine children. His journey to and through the skilled trades held many challenges, but it ultimately fulfilled his dreams. When José first learned of WRTP | BIG STEP, he had recently returned from incarceration and was struggling to find a job due
My name is Justin Hirsch. I’m 31 years old and a father of three beautiful children. I enjoy spending time with family, fishing, boating, and camping. In my early teenage years, I struggled on and off with drug addiction; this led to me being a felon in my early twenties, which made it hard
Gabriel Gniot graduated from WRTP | BIG STEP’s Entry Level Construction Skills (ELCS) program in 2022 and is currently a carpenter apprentice with Selzer-Ornst. From a young age, he always had a passion for working with his hands and creating things. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming a civil engineer, but later discovered
