L.O.G.I.C. Spotlight: Deborah
November 30, 2023
Deborah and her L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) are weeks away from celebrating their graduation from the program! Since October, students have been training in the Food Bank’s Newark warehouse learning the ins and outs of the operations/logistics field. They learn warehouse machinery and have an opportunity to earn four certifications including Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician credentials from the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, OSHA-10 General Industry Certificate and Forklift Certification.
We recently caught up with Deborah to talk about her experience! This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. How did you find the program?
A: Well, originally, my father came across an email he got. And he knows that I have some experience already with warehousing, working at plants and laboratories. Originally, my background is in computer science. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. So obviously this is something kind of different but it’s still in the same field. So for me when I first came to the L.O.G.I.C. program, it was more so about networking and building business, professional relationships and things of that nature. Well, I ended up loving the program because I have met so many different people from different walks of life.
And then Mr. Lloyd [Lloyd Badson, Operations Instructor], he also was always very patient at explaining everything. And I think for me, I really enjoyed the class setting and getting to know everyone and then also learning new skills that I can use for the future.
Mr. Lloyd is the perfect person for this role. And the reason why I say that is because he has experience in different industries, from being a supervisor to now being an instructor and also being on the equipment. And hen also going through hiw own trials and tribulations. So for me, I think Mr. Lloyd is the perfect person.
Q: Were you nervous to get on the machinery at first?
A: Definitely at first, because they always laugh… I said this is the first time in my life where I had a height challenge. I’m only five, two, and a lot of times it was hard for me to see over it or visualize. I tell myself, okay, let me make sure the forks are exactly centered and where they need to be. So I think for me, getting on the equipment and my height was definitely a challenge but other than that I felt pretty comfortable. And the more I did it, the more comfortable I got. It’s like riding a bike.
Q: Where do you see yourself upon graduation?
A: Well, hopefully upon graduation, I’m an engineer somewhere… a logistics coordinator. Something of that nature where I’m able to use the computer and do some hands-on things building and implementing new ideas.
Q: What is your favorite part of being here?
A: Wow. Tough one. My favorite part of the L.O.G.I.C. program, I want to say is the people in the program and even outside of the program… it’s definitely the people and the environment and how welcoming everyone is.
Q: What is your advice to people considering the program?
A: Well, for me personally, since my background is so different, I would just say come in be open minded because there’s always something you can take from it, whether it be from life skills, business, professionalism, meeting different people from different walks of life. The program is a hidden gem.
To learn more about the L.O.G.I.C. program, click here! The next class begins in January!
