“My background hasn’t always been the best. If I had known Goodwill offered these resources back then, I would have used them. Now I can help people in the community who are struggling and point them to what Goodwill offers.” 

When Jessica Nixon started with Goodwill in 2019, she never imagined she would be in the position she’s in today. But thanks to the advocacy of retail leaders, the resources and opportunities provided at Goodwill, and her own determination, Jessica is now thriving as a store manager in training. 

After just 90 days as a part-time cashier at the University Pointe store, she quickly moved into a full-time role. Then-manager Michael Tarlton immediately saw leadership potential in her and encouraged her to pursue management. 

“I wanted to learn from the ground up,” she says. “That way, when I did become a manager, I’d be able to train my team because I knew every position. And I wanted my team to respect me for the work I put in.”

A year later, when the store temporarily closed for a remodel, Jessica supported several other locations, including the Franklin Square store, where more leaders saw her potential. Christina, then a store manager and now her Pathways coach, was one of them. 

Among her other supporters was Area Operations Director Nicole Langford, who Jessica credits with helping her grow not just professionally but personally. 

“She made me take a step back and really evaluate myself. I thought I was ready for certain things, but I wasn’t yet. And I thank her for that, because now I feel prepared.” 

When an opening for a retail sales manager at University Pointe appeared, her colleagues didn’t just encourage her – they insisted she apply. She interviewed, earned the role, and stepped into leadership before the store even reopened. 

Six months later, she was promoted again – this time to assistant store manager. And in November 2025, after years of steady growth, Jessica earned her current title, marking nearly seven years of continuous advancement at Goodwill.

“It makes me feel very supported,” she says. “Not just by retail leadership, but even on the corporate side. I have a big support group.”

Jessica’s development hasn’t been limited to her career. She also turned to Goodwill’s Pathways program to strengthen her personal foundation. Pathways is a one-on-one coaching program available to Goodwill team members designed to help them reach personal and professional goals, whether that’s financial stability, career advancement, or navigating life challenges.

“There were things in my personal life I needed to work on – my credit, budgeting, just navigating things I’d never been taught,” she explains.

She first joined Pathways as a cashier, took a break, and then reengaged when Christina became a Pathways coach. Their existing rapport made it easy for Jessica to open up about her goals and challenges. 

“Christina has helped me personally and professionally. She’s coached me on interviewing, building my resume, understanding reports, and she’s helped me get my finances on track.” 

That financial stability led to one of Jessica’s proudest accomplishments: moving into her own apartment for the first time. 

“I didn’t think I could do it on my own. But I made it happen. I’m paying my own bills. It proved to me that I can do it.” 

Jessica has also taken advantage of Goodwill’s leadership development programs, including Heart Works and Emerging Leaders. 

“Heart Works really helped me because I lead with emotion. I want people to feel valued. Emerging Leaders helped me understand my leadership style. I’m an SI (she explained when describing her disc assessment) – I’m a people person, and I want morale to be great.”

Her leadership growth has opened new doors, including opportunities to support the School of Retail, the onboarding training that all new retail hires complete before starting in the stores.

“I love helping with training. It gives me something different to do, and I get to impact people who are brand new to Goodwill. A lot of them don’t know what Goodwill represents. Being part of preparing them for their first day means a lot to me.” 

With nearly seven years at Goodwill and a steady climb through multiple roles, Jessica’s future is bright. She’s proud of how far she’s come and grateful for the people who helped her get here. 

“Goodwill is the best organization I’ve ever worked for. They put so much into their employees – part time, full time, everyone. And they put so much into the community. I’m thankful to be part of that.”

Jessica’s story is proof that when opportunity meets determination, pathways truly do lead to prosperity.

If you would like to help other community members and Goodwill team members on their pathway to prosperity, consider supporting Goodwill by making a financial contribution or shopping and donating at one of our retail and donation locations.

If you would like to become a Goodwill team member, you can explore open positions and apply online.