Hidden Gems: Meet Aja Gore of Career Bridge Pathways, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aja Gore

Hi Aja, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began in 2016 when I worked in AmeriCorps through a nonprofit called Playworks, where I was able to teach students the foundational skills through the power of play. After doing that, I transitioned to getting my masters degree in Higher Educational Leadership and I have been in higher ed ever since. I’ve worked in various departments from Admissions to Pre-College Programs to DEI to now Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each position has made me the professional I am today and pushed me to open up my own ventures at the same time. Fostering Brilliance Educational Services started in 2017 as a tutoring service. After doing that for a number of years, I realized that I didn’t like tutoring students in a particular subject. Instead, I realized that I really enjoyed connecting students to resources and assisting them on their next steps as they transition. So I began to rebrand that tutoring service after COVID hit and created an education consultant firm where I assist high school and college graduating seniors on their next steps. Not everyone’s path is the same so I create an individualized experience for students that fits their needs and wants using a holistic approach. During this process I am a guide on the side and I provide the necessary things to empower them to take their future in their own hands.

While working through this process, I was offered an incredible opportunity to work as a program manager for a nonprofit, She Warriors Foundation where we focus on providing services for women veterans. During this opportunity, I was introduced to writing grants and that is where Career Bridge Pathways, LLC developed. Career Bridge Pathways, LLC is a two fold venture where we work on an individual level providing career development services for those re-entering the workforce or transitioning to another career while providing grant writing services to small minority organizations.

I know that they are very different audiences and even fields but the goal remains the same: to be a bridge and empower folks as they go through periods of transition and at a reasonable price. I saw the need and I had been fulfilling the need since I was in undergrad by helping my classmates pick out their classes in order to graduate, writing and reviewing resumes and CVs, having discussions on what’s next with my tutoring clients, etc. So in the process not one but two LLC’s were birthed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? No, not at all. Time is the biggest struggle. Always feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day or week to get things done. Balance is another one because work-life balance doesn’t really exist. I get through this by a planner, my tribe, grace and energy management. I utilize my planner to work through and manage all the different facets of my life as a business owner, a salaried employee, a sorority member, a daughter, a sister and a friend. My tribe is my close circle of people that keeps me grounded. Grace and energy management go hand in hand. Energy management is how I manage my calendar. I take a look at my to-do list and I prioritize the things that are urgent and then I take it a step further and figure out what is going to use the most energy. I typically go with the tasks that take less energy first and then plan out the things that will take more energy. Then once you add grace to the mix, it allows me to remind myself that I am only human and as a human I have to enjoy and live life. It gives me a gentle reminder that I won’t get to everything in one day and that is okay!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The mission for Career Bridge Pathways, LLC is to empower individuals reentering the workforce and minority-owned organizations by providing expert grant writing services and tailored support. We aim to unlock opportunities, drive sustainable growth, and foster economic empowerment within underrepresented communities. We envision a world where every individual and minority-owned business has equitable access to resources and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential, creating a thriving, inclusive economy that uplifts all communities. We are known for providing excellent services and building a personal connection with the client so that they feel heard through the process. Our core values are empowerment, accessibility, growth and integrity. Knowing that this is not an easy process, we strive to work within a feasible timeline to assist in moving you or your organization forward. We offer the following services:

Career Development (includes one-on-one coaching, interview preparation and mock interviews)
Resume/Cover Letter Writing Services
Grant Writing Services (includes research and funding strategy service)
Workshops (skill-building and professional development)

You can contact to inquire about prices at [email protected] as we have an intake form to assess needs for each client that works with us.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I am connector and teacher by nature. I enjoy connecting folks to resources and seeing how the puzzle fits together. Additionally, I enjoy sharing knowledge with others especially when they are in the space of transition because I serve as the guide on the side. I am known to get in the trenches with someone and do the work with them because I want to see them successful. This is how I have been able to be successful. I cater to the needs and wants of my clients and I also challenge to offer different perspectives and opportunities to consider.

Pricing:

• $60 per resume
• $40 per cover letter
• $75/hour for one-on-one coaching
• Workshops start at $250
• Grant Writing Services is a three tier model. Email for inquiries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/career_bridgepathways?igsh=MXd4aXk0ZG90bDR0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-gore-m-ed-69175768