West Georgia Technical College hosted a Non-Traditional Career Tech Leadership Forum at its Douglas Campus, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community leaders for an academic and motivational event focused on leadership and non-traditional career pathways.
Designed for students pursuing careers in fields where individuals are underrepresented, the forum emphasized the many forms leadership can take and encouraged participants to prepare for leadership roles throughout their academic journeys and future careers, while supporting workforce development and community engagement.
The event was coordinated by WGTC Special Populations Coordinator Donna Boyd-Gomez and included recognition of WGTC employees working in non-traditional career fields. Breakfast and refreshments were provided by WGTC’s Culinary Arts program.
“This forum was designed to help students recognize and overcome the challenges and barriers they may face as they pursue leadership in non-traditional career fields,” Boyd-Gomez said. “Our hope is that students leave feeling inspired to see themselves as leaders throughout their education and as they move forward into their careers.”
Employees recognized during the forum included James Williamson, a WGTC nursing instructor with more than 33 years of experience in professional practice and leadership, and Misty Lang, Manager of Student Engagement and former WGTC Athletic Director, who shared insights on leadership development and student engagement.
WGTC also recognized Sgt. Jennifer Turner with the Outstanding Service in a Non-Traditional Career Field Award. Turner has served in law enforcement for 21 years and has been with WGTC for 11 years. In an interview, Turner encouraged students pursuing non-traditional careers to focus on preparation, perseverance, and confidence.
“Seek solid training, don’t be afraid to push against barriers, and be willing to demonstrate that you are capable and the best choice for a job or position,” Turner said.
The forum highlighted leadership within non-traditional career pathways—defined as fields with less than 25% representation by gender—including females pursuing careers in areas such as welding, HVAC, CDL, engineering technology, and electrical construction and maintenance, as well as males pursuing careers in nursing, early childhood education, and health-related fields.
Douglasville Mayor Rochelle Robinson served as the keynote speaker, sharing her personal journey as a trailblazer in public service and leadership. Robinson was elected mayor in 2015, making history as the first African American and first female mayor in Douglasville’s 140-year history, and is currently serving her third term. She brings extensive leadership experience across federal, state, and local government, including service in the U.S. Army National Guard and a career that included work with the Central Intelligence Agency. Robinson also served six years on the West Georgia Technical College Board of Directors and remains actively engaged in workforce development and community advancement throughout the region.
“Continue to move forward and be a forever learner,” Robinson said. “You can be a regular person and do great things if you have some courage and just step out on faith. You can fall sometimes, but it’s not how many times you fall; it’s how many times you get up and keep going.”
Through events like the Non-Traditional Career Tech Leadership Forum, West Georgia Technical College continues to support students as they prepare for meaningful careers and leadership roles in their communities.
For more information about WGTC’s Special Populations department, visit westgatech.edu/special-populations.