Makayla Kayhill-Walton always knew that she wanted to help people. After working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for five years and garnering a reputation for excellent customer service skills, Makayla decided she wanted to enter the financial services industry. When she found the BankWork$ program at Goodwill of Colorado in September of 2020, she felt like the program was made for her, and describes signing up as one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“Helping people is my greatest passion,” says Makayla. “However, as I’ve gotten older, being on the healthcare front lines was no longer the right fit for me, and I wanted to find a role more on the administrative side. When I first discovered BankWork$, I knew nothing about banking, but learning financial skills came easily to me. What surprised me about the program was learning how to stand out in interviews and make my resume memorable. I learned how to do an elevator pitch, which has helped me to present the best version of myself, and I still use it today! I wouldn’t have learned that without this program.” All BankWork$ and CareerWork$ Medical participants learn how to present themselves in an elevator pitch, where they give a 30-second testimonial showcasing their abilities and personality.
Makayla attended Candice Sporhase-White and Barbara Colwell’s BankWork$ class from September to November 2020 and feels sentimental when reflecting on her class experience. “I had personal issues that could have prevented me from getting a job, and they helped me overcome those obstacles. They were a shoulder to cry on, and I’ll forever be grateful,” says Makayla.
Instructor Candice describes Makayla as an exceptional participant who always went the extra mile to help others. “Makayla took all she had learned while in BankWork$ to become a successful team member and leader within US Bank,” says Candice. “Her journey is both inspiring and so genuine, as is her passion to help others like her find success in the financial services industry. She was an inspirational alumni speaker at one of our graduations earlier this year, and expressed to our graduates that if they put into practice all that they have learned and believe in themselves, that their futures know no bounds.”
After graduating from BankWork$, Makayla, like all CareerWork$ graduates, interviewed with local financial institutions looking to hire immediately. She accepted an offer from US Bank as a Client Relationship Consultant. “I felt like I connected so much with the district managers at US Bank,” says Makayla. “I’ve been here a year and a half now, and have already been promoted twice! In my current role, I work in a combined teller and banker position. I get to do basic things like notarizing documents, creating accounts, making deposits, and selling business credit cards. However, my favorite part of my job is helping elderly clients who often have difficulties with online banking. It reminds me of my nursing days, and it’s so refreshing to see how much they value a human relationship.”
At US Bank, Makayla has had many opportunities to grow professionally. “I was able to participate in a US Bank LEAD group (Leadership Education Agility and Development), which is a five week program to meet my peers with different goals. My district manager also added me to the McKinsey Black Leadership Academy Experience, which has taught me so much about my influence and leadership as a Black woman.”
Makayla encourages anyone considering BankWork$ to give it a shot. “You can continue doing what you’re doing now, or you can take that step and see what it’ll do for you. It may change your life as it did mine.”
With an 83% career placement rate, Goodwill of Colorado has helped place hundreds of BankWork$ graduates into stable, lasting careers. To learn more about BankWork$ and our partnership with Goodwill of Colorado, click here.
Goodwill of Colorado BankWork$ is hosting an online information session on Monday, Sept. 12, beginning at 12 PM/Noon: Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85442152820?pwd=SE45SkRpVUFjZmM5MHd1dzhiWEt2QT09
(Meeting ID: 854 4215 2820 Passcode: 457735)
