Ruben Gaona Email and Phone Number
Ruben Gaona, Executive Director of My Way Out, has been honored multiple times over for his entrepreneurial leadership including as the 2021 Veteran Social Entrepreneur of the Year, one of Wisconsin’s 2022 Most Influential Latino Leaders, the 2022 Google Latino Founders Fund, the 2022 Michael Boyce Outstanding Entrepreneur Award from the University of Notre Dame, and 2023 Hispanic Professional Greater Milwaukee Espiritu Award. Ruben's path led him to complete eight years of a ten-year Federal sentence by 2017. In 2019, driven by his commitment to change lives, he founded 2nd Chance Wisconsin. Through the power of motivational speaking, Ruben started guiding formerly incarcerated individuals toward brighter futures.With a dynamic background as a U.S. Navy Veteran and a former Department of Defense employee (NAVY), Ruben brings unique insights to the table. His personal experience within the justice system fuels his determination to make a positive impact. This very commitment led him to co-found The Way Out a fair chance employment platform, inspired by his tenure in re-entry initiatives in the State of Wisconsin.In 2022, Ruben became the Executive Director for My Way Out, Inc., cementing his leadership in the realm of re-entry support. He has graced multiple re-entry events across Wisconsin, sharing his inspiring journey and championing second-chance employment opportunities. Ruben is a steadfast advocate who strongly believes that mistakes do not define who you are but rather what you do afterward, working diligently to create a fairer future for all in the United States.Ruben Gaona's story is one of resilience, dedication, and a passion for empowering others to seize their second chances. His journey from adversity to advocacy exemplifies the transformative impact that a single individual can have on the lives of many.
My Way Out
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Executive DirectorMy Way Out Jan 2022 - PresentMilwaukee , Wisconsin , UsMy Way Out leaders, program participants, and community stakeholders all subscribe to the belief that ‘each individual’s mistakes do not define who they are but what they do afterward.’ My Way Out brings together a racially diverse community of resources, supportive service providers, and employers. By reducing recidivism, building strong communities, and keeping families together, MWO brings hope and prosperity to marginalized communities.
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Co-FounderThe Way Out Dec 2019 - PresentMilwaukee, Wisconsin, UsThe Way Out (TWO) bridges the gap between employers and Justice-Involved Jobseeker (JIJS) to reduce the labor demand of skills-based careers. TWO’s unique data-driven application/screening process assures employers that their new hires will be successful in their new role. The TWO Platform also creates a support network that benefits both Employer and Employee to ensure long-term success. -
Founder Of 2Ndchancewisconsin, Llc / Motivational Speaker/Re-Entry & Justice Involve Consultant2Ndchancewisconsin, Llc Aug 2019 - Jan 20222ndChanceWisconsin, LLC educates individuals on how to better market themselves to employers so that they do not settle for bare minimum wage jobs because of life’s obstacles and past mistakes. By sharing personal experiences, obstacles, and tribulations, the message of hard work and perseverance will be conveyed. My purpose is to challenge you to “Dream, Plan, and Execute” and shed light on the importance of investing in yourself and actively plan for the initiatives needed to accomplish your true goals.
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Bilingual Employment And Training SpecialistWisconsin Department Of Workforce Development Aug 2018 - Aug 2019Madison, Wi, Us● Facilitate Pipeline Program Workshop to help Felons maintain or improve job skills, interviewing skills, and complete an industry recognized resume and letter of explanation ● Ensure that the workflow for the Resource Room runs accordingly with State of Wisconsin Policies by assisting every jobseeker that requires assistance with job search, reporting of unemployment benefits, resume built up and registration to Job Center of Wisconsin for Unemployment purposes or Employment Search ● Schedule and register jobseekers to mandated workshops and classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors and update online Asset Application for State of Wisconsin● Present information for Re-Entry Programs and other Resources provided by DWD to Staffing Agency's and Department of Corrections to assist Felons ● Provide translations of Spanish to English for jobseekers to address needs and assistance of Resource Room -
Training FacilitatorRescare Workforce Services Jul 2018 - Aug 2018Louisville, Ky, Us● Offered specific training programs to help jobseekers maintain or improve job skills, interviewing skills, and conduct workshops for jobseeker to assist them with resume writing, and soft skills training ● Presented information using a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures● Scheduled classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment, or instructors● Facilitated course work or curriculums through simulation exercises, lesson plans, instructor guides, and regular assessment with 90% workshop completion rate● Design, plan, organize and directed orientations and trainings for employees or customers of industrial or commercial establishment -
Talent Development SpecialistRescare Workforce Services May 2017 - Jul 2018Louisville, Ky, Us● Provided case management for caseload of over 80 personnel with a 97% accuracy Audit Score● Provided information or referred individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance● Interviewed individuals to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history, and any barriers to employment and assisted in building independent employment plan based on jobseeker assessment, skills set and career goals● Consulted with supervisor concerning programs for individual families● Conducted FSET Orientations and provided resources and referrals base on the client’s needs
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Assistant Garage MechanicElkton Fsl Jan 2016 - Mar 2017● Assisted lead engineer mechanic with automobile repairs such as oil changes, brake/rotor replacement, & troubleshooting● Responsible for processing fuel & mileage reports for over 40 government vehicles● Managed employee time sheets● Maintained Material Safety Data Sheets
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Officer Processor (Human Resources Assistance)Department Of Defence (Navy) Oct 2007 - Mar 2010● Supervised military recruiter’s paperwork to ensure accuracy on enlistment and payroll administration● Interviewed potential Naval Officer Candidates● Administered Naval/Pilot Officer entry exams ● Ordered National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) for Naval Officer Candidates● Processed new Naval Officer & Naval Reserve Officer enlistment documents
Ruben Gaona Skills
Ruben Gaona Education Details
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University Of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeSocial Work
Frequently Asked Questions about Ruben Gaona
What company does Ruben Gaona work for?
Ruben Gaona works for My Way Out
What is Ruben Gaona's role at the current company?
Ruben Gaona's current role is Executive Director of My Way Out | Co-Founder of The Way Out | "Everyone's Reentry Journey is Unique".
What schools did Ruben Gaona attend?
Ruben Gaona attended University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
What skills is Ruben Gaona known for?
Ruben Gaona has skills like Training, Public Speaking, Team Leadership, Customer Service, Time Management, Customer Relationship Management, Problem Solving, Bilingual Communications.
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