Goodwill of North Georgia celebrated more than 1,200 graduates of its career training and workforce development programs at its annual graduation ceremony, held at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. 

The ceremony, themed “Waves of Impact,” brought together 270 graduates in person, along with family members, community partners, and sponsors, to mark a milestone for those who enrolled in Goodwill’s no-cost career programs.  

The Class of 2026 ranged in age from 15 to 74 and completed training in fields including phlebotomy, welding, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), medical billing and coding, supply chain management, heat pump technology, and other high-demand professions.

“For 100 years, Goodwill of North Georgia has believed that every person, regardless of their background or barriers, deserves access to meaningful work and a pathway to a better life,” said Keith T. Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia. “This graduation is proof of that mission. Each graduate chose to invest in themselves, and we are honored to have walked alongside them on that journey. As we close out our centennial year, we are more committed than ever to the next 100 years of impact.”

For the seventh consecutive year, Goodwill of North Georgia has been recognized as the #1 Goodwill in the nation for placing job seekers in meaningful employment, out of 150 Goodwill regions across the country, a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to workforce development and long-term career success. The keynote address was delivered by Birgit Smith Burton, CEO of the African American Development Officers Network.

“For a lot of you, this will be your first graduation, but the moment is bigger than you; as others see you graduate, they find and discover their own courage to achieve their dreams. Sometimes belief is borrowed before it becomes your own. The power isn’t in the diploma, it’s in you!”

Among those celebrated was George Hand II, named Graduate of the Year and a graduate of the Supply Chain Management program at Goodwill’s Old National Career Center. In July 2025, he was referred through the SNAP Works program and arrived determined to build a sustainable career and create stability for his family, overcoming barriers including limited formal education and reliance on food assistance.

“Goodwill gave me more than skills; they gave me belief in myself,” said George Hand II. “I came in not knowing what was possible, and I left knowing exactly what I was capable of. I am grateful every day for the staff at the Old National Career Center who never stopped pushing me toward my potential.”

George completed job-readiness training and Supply Chain Management coursework through Georgia Tech’s LEAP program, and earned certifications in OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, and Forklift Operation. In November 2025, he was hired by Traincroft, Inc. as a T2 Pick-and-Pack Associate. In December 2025, he was promoted to Manager of Operations with the City of Atlanta.

“What we witness at this graduation every year is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services at Goodwill of North Georgia.

“These graduates walked through our doors at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and they leave here with certifications, careers, and a renewed sense of purpose. That transformation is what Goodwill of North Georgia has been about for 100 years, and it is what will carry us into the next century.”

The 2026 graduation carries special significance as Goodwill of North Georgia
approaches the official close of its centennial year on June 19, 2026. Since its founding, the organization has served more than 835,000 people and placed more than 340,000 individuals in meaningful employment.

Goodwill of North Georgia has set a bold strategic goal: to serve an additional 155,000 job seekers by 2030.