On October 16th, 2025 Goodwill of Western New York held its Pathways to Success 24th Annual Achievement Awards at the Powerhouse at Color Park in Buffalo. More than 300 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of three individuals who exemplify the perseverance and dedication of the hundreds of people that Goodwill of Western New York supports, one community partner, and two business partners who have supported and promoted Goodwill’s mission to change lives through the power of work.
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor West Herr Automotive Group and all our supporters who made this special night possible and continue to support our mission of helping people reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
We would also like to thank The Powerhouse, Rich’s Catering, St. Joseph's Collegiate Jazz Lab Band, our photographer Tom Wolf, and our Event Committee for all their efforts.
A profile for each awardee was written and a short video shared with everyone in attendance. We encourage you to read these amazing stories and watch these short videos below.
Save the date of Thursday, October 15th, 2026 for our 25th Anniversary Pathways to Success Event.
2025 Individual Achiever Awardees
After an honorable career in the United States Marine Corps, Corey faced a difficult transition back to civilian life. He struggled to find purpose and direction, unsure of how to apply his military experience in a new environment. That changed when he joined Goodskills Career Builder.
Facing significant challenges in his past, Daryl never lost sight of his goals. He remained focused and committed to building a better future for himself and those around him. That focus has paid off in remarkable ways and landed him a job at local manufacturer Worksport.
After stepping away from a successful career to care for her family, Sonja spent eight years out of the workforce. When she was ready to return, she faced an unexpected challenge: despite her experience, months of job applications yielded few interviews. Frustrated but determined, Sonja turned to Goodskills Career Builder for support.
2025 Community Partner of the Year
The New York State Department of Labor is an integral part of the Goodskills Career Builder referral process, referring dozens of potential candidates each month, helping connect job seekers with life-changing opportunities. Their team works tirelessly to ensure that every person who walks through their doors is treated with dignity, compassion, and personalized care.
2025 Business Partners of the Year
Ingram Micro has been a consistent and active participant in Goodskills Career Fairs, where their team members regularly interview Goodskills graduates for open positions. Their commitment to inclusive hiring has resulted in multiple graduates securing higher-paying careers in technology, helping bridge the gap from training to career for individuals entering the high-tech workforce.
M&T Bank has long been a valued partner of Goodwill. Previously honored for their contributions to the Goodskills Career Builder curriculum, M&T provided financial literacy programming that helped participants build essential money management skills and prepare for long-term financial success.
Photos from our 2025 Pathways Event
