Celebrating Shannel—Another Noteworthy FL DJJ Youth Ambassador from Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge

At this year’s Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Youth Success Day ceremony in Tallahassee, 19-year-old Shannel was thrilled to be named as an official DJJ Youth Ambassador. Youth Success Day is a statewide celebration honoring young people who have overcome significant challenges and are now thriving with the support of DJJ and its community partners.

Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge team members nominated Shannel after seeing her evolve through the program.

After discovering a new support system in Project Bridge, Shannel’s struggles to find a job evaporated. Team members provided resources, training, and direct support to land a job at Burger King. She participated in lessons on interpersonal and communication skills, career exploration, resume-building, and earned certifications in Customer Service Skills and Fundamentals of Ambulance Care Assistant. This highly motivated young woman also attended leadership training and became a role model for others inside and outside the program.

For Shannel, the Project Bridge experience bolstered her confidence and energized her commitment to succeed.

Shannel shared:

“When I was younger, I had a closed mind and didn’t want to listen. Now all I want to do is listen and learn. I’ve gained patience, communication skills, and a lot more courage. I really appreciate that I met so many nice people willing to help me. In the back of my head, I hear them—they talk to me. They tell me I can do it.”

This vibrant young woman excelled in her work at Burger King to the degree that she is being promoted to a leadership role—staff manager—at the same time she attends Miami Dade College to pursue a Business degree. In the short term, Shannel hopes to become an entrepreneur. Ultimately, she hopes to give back through a career in criminal justice.

She added:

“I want to be somewhere in the field of law, perhaps at a facility with the Office of Juvenile Justice to help youth. I’ve been through it. I’ve learned a lot going through it and could help many others.”

Project Bridge staff: her career coach Paula Ramirez, and Program Manager Yolanda Rucker, shared that they could not think of a more deserving youth. Yolanda shared:

“Shannel’s determination, leadership, and commitment to personal and professional growth embody the core values of the FL DJJ Youth Ambassador Award. Her ability to balance employment, education, and community engagement inspires those around her and serves as a powerful testament to the possibilities of transformation and success. She is not only a role model for her peers but also a true ambassador for change.”

We salute you, Shannel! With your positive outlook and willingness to keep learning, we see a very bright future ahead!