NOVA – April 2025 Member of the Month

 April Member of the Month: NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana 

In Northeast Louisiana, workforce transformation has a name—NOVA. NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana has become a trusted force in building economic stability and growth across the region by focusing on what matters most: people, purpose, and potential. 

NOVA’s mission is clear—to connect the needs of employers with the skills and aspirations of individuals in the community who are striving for living-wage employment and long-term success. Acting as a workforce intermediary, NOVA identifies opportunities, removes barriers, and delivers truly life-changing training. The organization’s holistic, individualized approach focuses not only on getting someone into a job but on equipping them for a career and a better quality of life. 

And it’s working—just ask the people whose lives have been changed. 

NOVA’s Outstanding Alumni Member Cameron Warbington of Monroe learned that second chances can be hard to come by. Cameron now stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of redemption. Once on the path of despair and incarceration, Cameron has emerged as a beacon of hope, demonstrating it is never too late to turn one’s life around and make a positive impact on society. 

Cameron made a conscious decision to change the trajectory of his life. He verbalized how he had an obligation to make better decisions for his wife and children. Cameron enrolled in the NOVA Career Readiness Cohort in May 2024. His commitment to personal growth did not go unnoticed; Cameron became a role model to fellow young men in his community, often encouraging them to seek careers and educational opportunities to strive for a better future. Cameron enrolled and completed the Machinist Class at Louisiana Delta Community College. 

Cameron verbalized that encouragement from the NOVA Staff and his new skillset gave him a newfound sense of purpose. Cameron is gainfully employed in the manufacturing industry in Ouachita Parish. 

Cameron’s achievements are a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that it is never too late to rewrite your story. 

Kennisha Nichols, a native of Lake Providence who started her journey with dreams of helping others as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but faced financial hardship and lacked a strong support system. It wasn’t until she connected with NOVA that her path became clear. With the help of NOVA, she not only completed her CNA training but also advanced to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—a dream she once thought was out of reach. “If it had not been for NOVA pushing me to become the best that I could be, I would not be an LPN today,” she said. “NOVA is a 10/10 program.” 

Fran Reemes, a native of Oak Grove is currently in her final semester at Louisiana Delta Community College, echoed the same gratitude. Asking for help didn’t come easily to her—but the encouragement and guidance from the NOVA team made all the difference. She’s now set to graduate as an LPN in May 2025. “Without NOVA’s kindness and assistance, I’m not sure I would be walking so proudly down the aisle in my cap and gown,” Fran said. 

These stories are just a glimpse into NOVA’s lasting impact. By investing in people, providing tailored training programs, and fostering strong employer partnerships, NOVA is strengthening Northeast Louisiana’s workforce and building a more resilient, self-sufficient community. 

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber is proud to recognize NOVA as our April Member of the Month. Their work goes beyond Workforce Development—it’s a catalyst for hope, progress, and transformation. 

Thank you, NOVA, for believing in people, opening doors, and changing lives across our region.