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The Career Power program, an initiative by Good Shepherd Housing, aims to support high
school students living in subsidized housing by providing educational and career guidance. This
report evaluates the program’s effectiveness based on interviews with participants and their
parents, focusing on three key questions: what is working well, areas for improvement, and the
connection between stable housing and educational/career advancement. The findings highlight
the program’s strengths in providing support and guidance, boosting confidence and motivation,
and underscore the importance of stable housing as a foundation for success.
Career Power was launched to complement the housing support provided by Good Shepherd
Housing. Recognizing that stable housing alone is not enough to ensure long-term success. The program focuses on equipping youth with the necessary tools and resources to pursue post-
secondary education and career opportunities. This report draws on qualitative insights from
interviews with participants and their parents, alongside program data and key performance
indicators (KPIs).
Career Power is a partnership program between youth, their families, and Good Shepherd Housing to promote economic mobility and help students establish and achieve their education, career, and personal goals.
Career Power counselors work with youth and families to ensure success by providing one-on-one coaching, preparation, and guidance to apply to college or any post-secondary educational program and employment counseling. Counselors advise and guide youth through the necessary steps to achieve success.
We empower youth aged 16-24 and families in Good Shepherd’s and partners’ affordable housing communities to achieve long-term economic mobility through education, career readiness, and sustained support.
“Career Power helped me with resume preparation and finding job shadowing opportunities.”
“I was lost. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Career Power gave me a trusted path.”
Nobiana Dodi, Career Counselor
Nobiana Dodi joined GSH as the Career Counselor in November 2024, bringing nearly 10 years of experience in the workforce development field. She is dedicated to helping youth achieve their educational and employment goals. Nobiana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational & Technical Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from Florida International University. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of roles, including Job Coach for individuals with disabilities, Career Services Specialist, Admissions Representative, and most recently, Workforce Development Manager at Cornerstones.
Outside of work, Nobiana enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her two sons, and has a passion for baking and traveling.
Kevin Gonzalez,Career Counselor
Kevin U. Gonzalez is the career counselor for our Career Power program. Kevin has over 18 years experience working in public service. Before joining GSH, Kevin worked in the DC and Virginia public schools as a high school and college counselor. Kevin has a graduate degree from Northeastern University in Education, focusing on school and community counseling. Kevin is passionate about helping others succeed and improve their quality of life. He believes in the human power of collaboration, compassion, and being able to join forces to make a better tomorrow for everyone.
Kevin enjoys playing and coaching soccer, mountain biking, and spending time in El Salvador.
Raquel Sands, Career Counselor
Raquel Sands joined GSH in December 2025 as a Career Counselor bringing over 10 years as a communications and career strategist supporting individuals, teams, and organizations across nonprofit, government, and private sectors navigating work transitions.
She has a Bachelor’s in English from George Mason University and a certification in School of Embodied Leadership from the Strozzi Institute. Raquel has held all worker classifications, employee, consultant, contractor and freelancer and brings a wealth of knowledge in navigating the trade, corporate, and traditional work structures. As a first generation person, she understands the struggles of identity and access to resources in education and career mobility and is dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth so they can be self sufficient and successful in their life. Raquel enjoys hiking with her husband and two dogs, reading a good book, and watercolor painting.
We offer free coaching, career development, and education support to empower youth aged 16-24 and families in affordable housing communities within Good Shepherd or our partners.