"Unfortunately, when people stumble, we often get labeled -- bad student, high school drop-out, criminal. Those labels stick and doors to opportunities start to close. Sometimes we begin to believe those labels ourselves and we stop trying. We lose our way. Fortunately, people are finding their second chances at community colleges and at community organizations like Goodwill."

That was the message recently delivered by William Rogers, our President and CEO, at the San Jose Evergreen Community College District Deans' Academy. Inspired by William’s personal story and his recent UC Berkeley commencement speech, Dr. Maniphone S. Dickerson invited William to share his community college journey.

William, who also chairs the California Council of Goodwills, facilitated a lively conversation about opportunities for collaboration between community colleges and Goodwill affiliates.