From Restaurant Hustle to Tech Dreams: Tiffany Paovella’s Journey with Verizon Skill Forward
In the quiet town of Ossining, New York, Tiffany Paovella once found herself juggling the fast-paced demands of running a restaurant and the responsibilities of raising three teenagers. While the food service industry had once fueled her passion, the constant unpredictability and long hours began to wear her down. Tiffany longed for something steadier—a career that could provide both stability and growth for her family’s future.
Her journey toward change began unexpectedly at the local library, where she took a part-time job. Surrounded by shelves of knowledge and opportunity, Tiffany decided to continue her education, building on her associate’s degree through an online bachelor’s program. One day, while scrolling through social media, she came across an ad that would change her path: Verizon Skill Forward.
“I saw an ad that said, apply if you would like to learn about STEM courses that are available for free,” Tiffany recalled. “And I was like, if it’s for free, it’s for me.”
Curious and motivated, she signed up. To her delight, Skill Forward’s flexible, online format fit perfectly into her busy schedule. The wide selection of courses opened new doors—offering her access to cutting-edge lessons in technology, coding, communication, and business. “All these skills are useful and play into getting a job in this field,” she shared. “The more you have, the more beneficial. This is the future and where the demand is.”
Through Verizon Skill Forward, Tiffany found not just education but empowerment. The program’s mission—to help 50,000 individuals prepare for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030—resonated deeply with her. By providing tuition-free access to over 250 courses across 84 professional certificate programs, Verizon’s initiative gives learners like Tiffany the tools to transform their lives and careers.
Her story is a testament to how determination, opportunity, and the right program can reshape one’s future. For Tiffany Paovella, the shift from restaurant owner to aspiring tech professional marks more than a career change—it’s a story of rediscovery, resilience, and hope.
To learn more about how you can begin your own transformation, visit Verizon Skill Forward today.
