As a 35-year-old wife and mother of two, Sarah Hufstetler dared to dream beyond the familiar. With both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, Sarah worked as an analyst in the tech industry for many years. But after having kids, she dreamed of pursuing a more meaningful and fulfilling career working in health care. […]
Family shares journey to son’s rare genetic syndrome diagnosis
When Katie and Marques Davis decided to move back to Ohio from California, it was so they could be near family to help them with their 4-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and their baby on the way while they both returned to school to pursue nursing. Little did they know their journey would soon take unexpected twists […]
Good things keep happening for So Ma Ya
When we last shared her story, So Ma was a recent North High School graduate and working part-time as a greeter/COVID-19 screener at Akron Children’s. Today, she has her associate’s degree from Stark State College and is working full-time as a medical assistant in Akron Children’s Allergy and Immunology Department. She will take her test […]
Career Launch celebrates its first graduates
When Akron Children’s introduced its workforce development program in 2019, it was with the intention of filling in-demand, entry-level positions in specific degree paths. Two years later, Patrice Russell, talent acquisition programs manager, held the first-ever Career Launch graduation ceremony (virtually) to celebrate 5 graduates who recently completed the program. “This graduation is a success […]
Education and mentorship opportunities available through Career Launch program
When Akron Children’s introduced its Career Launch program in 2019, it was with the intention of filling entry-level positions in specific degree paths. “A labor market analysis revealed that the people needed to fill critical roles weren’t available in our area,” said Patrice Russell, program manager. “So, leadership decided to do something about that.” Patrice […]












