A Second Act for Kate



Creation Date: 05/10/2022


Name: Katherine Sullivan
Career Pathway: Manufacturing
Location of Service: 60901-7179
Program: Dislocated Worker Services
Organization: Kankakee County Services, ETC
Credentials Earned: Business, Mini Certificate

Program Details

Impacted Geographical Area: City or ZIP Code


After over 30 years in the beauty industry, my life came to a crossroads when I decided to change careers. Working in a salon for ten years encouraged me to get my teaching license in cosmetology. A fantastic opportunity to teach for Paul Mitchell Schools came along, and I found it rewarding. While working on my career path at Paul Mitchell, I achieved the role of Education Leader, which was a management position. But, when I lost my passion and love for the beauty industry, I was not sure what I wanted to do next. I needed to find a job, but I was lacking the college degree needed to apply for the jobs in which I was interested. After a year without any luck finding a job, I decided to go back to college and finish my education.

My journey or let’s just say second act was to go back to school at forty-nine years old. I was not sure how I going to afford college, but when I was doing research at the KCC website I came across the WIOA program. It was a scholarship program to help with the cost of your education for people who may have struggled financially, and an opportunity to get an education as well as job opportunities after graduation.

My experience with the WIOA program and KCC was amazing! I will definitely say going back to college late in life was not easy, but I learned a lot and found it rewarding. I do not have any regrets, just more knowledge and experience needed to find the right job fit for me.

I received two Associate degrees from KCC within 2½ years: Applied Science-Office Professional and Business. In addition, I received the Microsoft Office Certificate. I am currently working on my Microsoft Certification and will become a Microsoft expert within the next year.

After graduation, a recruiter for Kensing Solutions in Kankakee found me on LinkedIn, and it led to a job offer for the role of Administrative Logistic Specialist. I want to thank all the professors who taught me over the last two years as well as my family and friends who supported me in my new journey for my second half of my life. Sending out love and gratitude to everyone I crossed paths with.