From Navigation to New Horizons: Blessing’s Journey of Empowerment
Meet Blessing Tate — a mother, a Veteran, and an absolute powerhouse. Blessing is a woman who embodies resilience and a relentless pursuit of her passions. In 2020, she completed her undergraduate studies in Earth & Environmental Science at Brooklyn College. She's now earning her master's degree in Earth & Environmental Policy from Johns Hopkins University.
Originally from New York City, Blessing was no stranger to the Dress for Success network. After her military service, she leveraged the New York affiliate's resources. Now, as a new resident of Austin, she's already connected with Dress for Success Austin, utilizing our professional styling services and planning to dive into career development programs as well.
Charting a New Course: Childhood Dreams to Environmental Science
As a child, Blessing harbored dreams of becoming a marine biologist. She's now woven that early passion into her post-military career, landing in the expansive field of Earth and Environmental Science. Blessing recognized that this overarching field offered a wealth of opportunities, from ecology and sustainability to geology and environmental health and safety (EHS). It's a testament to her strategic thinking and adaptability.
As a mother to two daughters, aged 23 and 11, Blessing has always instilled in them the importance of pursuing their dreams. "I’ve raised them in such a way that I want them to just be happy doing whatever they like to do, what they love to do," she shares. "If they do that, it’s the age-old saying: you’ll never work a day in your life.”
A Veteran's Perspective: Prioritizing Well-being
During her time in the Navy, Blessing served as a Quartermaster, a vital role responsible for safe ship navigation. She worked directly with officers and the navigation team, even providing training. This experience undoubtedly honed her leadership and problem-solving skills.
A topic deeply important to Blessing is mental health. As a veteran who retired in 2001, she prioritizes her mental well-being and approaches her job search with a keen self-awareness, deliberately avoiding roles that might trigger PTSD. Blessing emphasizes the importance of finding a company that truly supports the health and well-being of veterans. She understands firsthand that hiring a veteran goes beyond just a job offer; it's about fostering healthy and safe work environments.
Embracing New Opportunities: The Semiconductor Industry
Currently, Blessing is participating in Merit America, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating fast, flexible pathways to family-sustaining careers for individuals in low-wage work. Through this 15-week program, she's discovered a strong interest in the semiconductor and manufacturing industry, a career path she's now actively pursuing.
Blessing's advice to others seeking guidance and support: "If you have the opportunity and you get the time and energy to sit with a volunteer and work with them for an hour – it’s a plus. Grab this opportunity and take advantage of it. It certainly will work for you.”
Blessing Tate's career journey is a powerful reminder that with dedication and the right support, you can navigate new challenges and build a fulfilling career on your own terms. We're excited to see where her path takes her next! In the meantime, thank you for your time and service.
Readers: If you’re a Veteran who is currently seeking resources, visit here.