Driven by Purpose, Powered by People: Honoring the Heart of Eckerd Connects
At Eckerd Connects, we are in the people business. Every day, across the country, our dedicated staff members wake up with one goal in mind—to help others succeed. Whether guiding young adults toward careers through Job Corps, connecting individuals with life-changing workforce training, or supporting children and families through community-based services, our work is powered by passionate people who believe in the mission of Empowering Potential. Building Careers.
As a national nonprofit, we know that real impact starts with our people. That’s why, on this National Employee Appreciation Day, we are proud to introduce the Heart of the Wheel Award—a new way to recognize the employees who go above and beyond in service to our students, participants, and communities.
A common theme among our winners—a passionate drive to make a meaningful impact on young lives. Here are just a few heartfelt comments from team leaders and managers who nominated our first-ever Heart of the Wheel Award recipients.
“His commitment to ensuring that clients feel heard, supported, and empowered sets him apart as a true advocate for their success.”
–Eckerd Connects’ Workforce Development, Allen County WorkOne Operations Manager
“Her students come first! She is always seeking ways to help them.”
–Job Corps Campus Director
“She is always coming up with new plans/ideas to implement for her kids in order to set them up for success the best she can.”
–Lead Case Manager Eckerd Connects’ Boys Residential Academy
“Not only does she care for and seek to understand her students, but she also has a pure desire to make their lives better and is incredibly willing to invest in them.”
–Eckerd Connects’ Prevention Services Supervisor
This award was inspired by Eckerd Connects’ Person Side of the Wheel—our approach to service that prioritizes the individual at the very core of everything we do. The wheel represents the interconnected support system we provide to those we serve, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive. But at the epicenter of that wheel—the heart—are the dedicated staff members who make it all possible.
The Heart of the Wheel Award will be given quarterly to recognize outstanding employees who embody our mission in action. These are the individuals who go the extra mile, inspire their peers, and make a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve. Meet this year’s winners:
Eva Mariscal: Honoring a Life Dedicated to Students at David L. Carrasco Job Corps, El Paso, Texas
For more than 40 years, Eva has been on a mission to transform student lives, always placing them first. She serves as the campus’s Center Standards and Incentives Manager, where she helps with student discipline, oversees student government, and even created Titans Trendy Clothes Closet, a campus initiative providing students with free clothing.
Eva welcomes every young person with a compassionate heart, sharing:
“I see the incredible potential in each student, and work to gently help them learn self-discipline and make advances both personally and professionally. It is incredibly fulfilling to see students grow and thrive through our program.”
Her approach has helped countless students onto pathways to success—her impact extends well beyond the campus walls. Eva has built strong relationships with community organizations, including Families Against Violence, the local food bank, and El Paso County leadership, ensuring students receive vital resources.
Campus Director Rose Felix-Guerrero noted:
“Eva has volunteered countless hours to the center, always available 24/7.”
Eva’s commitment to second chances, student success, and community engagement is truly inspiring. We thank her for her unwavering service!
Ellis Terrell, Jr.: Helping Job Seekers Find Hope and Opportunity in Indiana
With over 40 years of workforce development experience, Ellis has helped countless individuals turn job searches into success stories. As a Workforce Career Coach at Allen County WorkOne, Ellis is known for:
- A strengths-based approach—focusing on clients’ abilities rather than their limitations.
- Incredible job placement outcomes, ranking among the highest in the region.
- Building lasting relationships with clients, many of whom return years later to seek his guidance.
Operations Manager Toni Morris shared:
“Ellis engages clients by uncovering their strengths—whether it’s work ethic, skills, or experiences—and helps them apply those in their job search. His approach empowers clients to move forward with confidence.”
Ellis spoke about his philosophy:
“In the industry that we work in, you must learn to ‘treat everyone the same.’ Sometimes we forget when customers enter our doors for services, they have dealt with many doors closed in their face. Why not let our doors be the doors to success!”
Ellis’s collaborative spirit, wisdom, empathy, and ability to make every client feel valued set him apart. His work is a testament to the impact of workforce development done right! Our thanks to Ellis for embodying the Eckerd Connects’ spirit.
Edella Carroll: Transforming Lives in Prevention Services in Florida
Since joining Eckerd Connects Prevention Services in 2024, this innovative and inspiring woman has:
- Organized impactful events, including Red Ribbon Week, mental health awareness initiatives, and a substance misuse education program.
- Secured donations for 31 Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gifts for 32 students, and food for special school events.
- Created a safe, supportive learning environment where students thrive academically and personally.
Prevention Supervisor Jak Christensen shared:
“Edella holds students accountable while making them feel supported and empowered. She constantly finds creative ways to make sure they feel noticed, heard, and valued.”
Edella was excited to receive the award, saying:
“The children I serve really drive me to come to work every day and give my best. They inspire me to think outside of the box and find unique ways to connect with them and think of ways to make them feel noticed, heard, and special.”
Edella’s passion for student success is truly life-changing! We thank her for her dedication and tireless advocacy.
Peyton Ford: Guiding Young Men Toward Brighter Futures at Eckerd Connects’ Boys Residential Academy in North Carolina
As a Case Manager at our Boys Residential Academy in Boomer, NC, Peyton works with youth who have faced challenges with the law. She:
- Tailors her approach to meet each student’s needs, helping them shift their mindsets and take accountability.
- Runs the GED program, supporting young men as they earn their high school equivalencies.
- Creates individualized behavior plans, helping students find their strengths and build confidence.
Lead Case Manager Grace Holland shared:
“Peyton is a rock star. She meets students where they are, builds rapport, and helps them understand that their past doesn’t define them—their future is theirs to build.”
Peyton, who works to give each youth a sense of purpose, added:
“So many of the juveniles we work with have a negative relationship with school and don’t see the purpose of it. Being able to help them reframe their mindset about going to class and completing their schoolwork—and especially seeing when they start to understand the material and gain confidence with doing it themselves—is something that has consistently reminded me of why I do this job.”
Peyton’s commitment to education, mentorship, and personal transformation is exhilarating. Our thanks for your energetic and empathetic approach to transforming young lives!
At Eckerd Connects, we don’t have to look far to ‘catch someone doing something good’. These four employees exemplify what our National Ambassador and NFL Hall of Famer Darrell Green calls ‘our secret sauce’ that makes all our programs work so incredibly well.
We don’t just provide services—we change lives. And that work begins with our people. This National Employee Appreciation Day, we celebrate not only the launch of this award and our brand-new recipients but also the thousands of Eckerd Connects’ employees across the country who make a difference EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.