MEET MARCHEL
When COVID-19 happened, ManifestWorks reacted quickly. We moved classes for participants and alumni online; mailed computers to those lacking digital access; revamped and expanded our curriculum virtually; guided ManifestWorkers to social services, counseling, and community resources; and - for the first time - offered cash grants to those struggling.
Three months later, when the death of George Floyd galvanized protests, our community wanted us to be just as responsive.
“All of us have been impacted by the justice or foster care system. The same way (ManifestWorks) responded to COVID, this is also a matter of public safety and health. These are lives that are being affected.”
Marchel sees opportunity in the crisis. Like the new health protocols for in-person classes that protect participants and prepare them for a new working environment, ManifestWorks is ready to pivot to support ManifestWorkers around issues raised in the nationwide protests.
"Racism needs to be seen as a safety hazard. There needs to be an environment so we can speak up for ourselves when something bad happens, and establish avenues we can go down if we encounter racism and discrimination and are not comfortable confronting it directly. "
Since our inception, ManifestWorks has always promised to provide an inclusive, equitable and safe learning environment while we prepare participants to succeed in the unfamiliar opportunity that is Hollywood. Just as we rely on our volunteers and participants to shape what we teach, we’ve started adding new elements to our curriculum that fortify our participants when they feel unsafe at work. And we have Marchel and other Manifestworkers to thank for it.
Our job-training program exists to provide opportunities to those impacted by foster care, incarceration and homelessness. Each year, we’ve tackled new ways to fortify our participants. 2020 is no different.
For Marchel, who navigated foster care from age 15, she’s hopeful the support she receives from ManifestWorks will translate to support once she is at work.
“I am concerned there will be hostility, or a spotlight on people of color because of the movement. And I am worried that people will think that if we speak up, we are trying to be activists at work, diminishing me or others as someone taking advantage of the movement.”
Instead, Marchel wants to be able to show up “grateful for the opportunity ManifestWorks provides” but also confident there is a place for people of color to participate fully.
She is hopeful that the industry will build safety training on racism and discrimination in the same manner as there is training on sexual harassment, or fire safety, for example.
Marchel wants change, in society and in her life.
Marchel explains, “ManifestWorks is an amazing opportunity for people impacted by the system. And I see how it is more than just preparing for a job. It is life skills and support. It is only recently that I have started to think about reaching for my dream and stop limiting myself.“
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