Blog by Candace Rotolo
Gabby Arbeene always knew she had a heart for helping others. When her mother became bedridden for several months with an illness, Gabby stepped in to care for her. That act of compassion revealed a calling—and on May 30, Gabby officially stepped into that calling by graduating from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program supported by United Way Suncoast in partnership with Dwyer Workforce Development.
“I love helping people,” said the 26-year-old Riverview resident. “This program helped me reach my goal.”
Gabby’s journey has not gone without challenges. She has a learning disability and previously struggled in another CNA course. But the hands-on instruction and strong support system of the United Way Suncoast’s program made all the difference. Now a Certified Nursing Assistant, she hopes to secure employment at one of the two hospitals near her home and eventually continue her education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
Grit, Heart And Determination
Gabby joined seven other women who completed the most recent CNA class offered through United Way Suncoast. Class members, along with their family and friends celebrated at a ceremony on May 30 at the North Tampa Community Center in Sulphur Springs. UWS offers the selective, eight-week program free of charge. It reflects a collaborative effort to address workforce shortages in healthcare while supporting individuals eager to change their lives and communities.
“We are intentional about who we choose for this program,” said United Way Suncoast’s Kimberly Miller, who runs the program as part of her role as Senior Manager for Financial Stability. “These women have shown grit, heart and the kind of determination that changes lives.”
This year’s graduates come from varied backgrounds. One student recently moved to Florida from Pennsylvania in search of a new start. Another balanced the CNA coursework with classes at the University of South Florida—while also joining a sorority. The youngest graduate, just 18, looks forward to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Support, Encouragement Bolster The Students
Throughout the program, United Way Suncoast provides academic support and personal encouragement. Upon graduation, students 
transition to Dwyer Workforce Development, which continues to walk alongside them, offering resources like job placement assistance, case management, child care assistance, transportation, and career counseling.
Jada McMillon from Positive Spin, a United Way Suncoast partner agency that helps families meet basic needs, praised the graduates for their resilience.
“You took advantage of this opportunity and invested in yourself,” she told them. “As you move forward, there will be challenges—but you should never give up.”
The graduation ceremony served as both a celebration and a launchpad. Keynote speaker Lafe Eastman, Director of Business Development for CDC Tampa, encouraged the graduates to stay connected and keep developing their skills.
“Develop yourself daily,” Eastman said. “You now have a support system to sustain you in
With new credentials, new confidence, and a growing network of support behind them, Gabby and her classmates step into their new healthcare careers with purpose—and the promise of even more to come.
