Elevate Work celebrates graduation

On March 4, Elevate Branson celebrated the graduation of 10 students from the Elevate Work program. This class had students from across the globe, including Greece, Colombia and Mexico, all eager to develop professional “soft skills” and gain understanding of the individual strengths and gifts they bring to employment. 

Elevate Work includes not only classwork components, but also the opportunity for students to practice presenting themselves in a “60-second commercial” and participate in mock interviews with area business professionals—networking that helped lead to employment for many in the class! Each student is also paired with a personal mentor for encouragement, often leading to continued friendships. 

This graduation also had an extremely special story, as one student had sought help by phone from the Stone County Sheriff's office and was offered prayer by an officer. That student had the opportunity at graduation to meet that officer personally for the first time! Program director Donna McConkey described the introduction as a special gift, saying, “Moments like this make our class memorable as students learn that they are not alone and can find support and resources from a caring community.” This graduate is now an employee in the Elevate Thrift Store, just one example of how the caring and connections continue long after the formal class sessions end. 

Featured speaker for the evening was Jake Hughes, the owner of a metal fabrication and sign business with a store front called Rustic Oak Metal Shop in the Grand Village Shops. As the co-founder of the WE organization, he has dedicated his life as an empowerment coach with strong Christian values stemming from his itinerant ministries. He challenged the graduates to value their self-worth. "When you look in a mirror and see your scars, the things you are ashamed of, you depreciate your value. You can't be worthy to anyone unless you are worthy to yourself. But when we see you, we don't see your scars; we see value and that you have worked hard to get where you are tonight!" 

The next Elevate Work class will begin Monday, September 14, 2026. If you or someone you know would benefit from this class, call Donna McConkey at 417-527-1709. The success of the program also depends on class sponsors, business panel and mock interview participants, and mentors; contact Donna for more information about these important ways you can help empower neighbors for success in the workplace.