Erica Ballesteros named January Hometown Hero for transformational efforts in Queen Creek
Entrepreneurial spirit shines through at The Change Project
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The Change Project
A holistic & focused approach for good in QC
Erica has an infectious zest for life, massive heart, and desire to influence ripples of positive change that contribute to creating a thriving and prosperous community”
When Queen Creek resident and entrepreneur Theresa Weinberg attended the Taking the Leap workshop at the Queen Creek Library last February the passion for innovation was infectious.
But one presenter, Erica Ballesteros, stuck with Ms. Weinberg as she outlined her ideas on how to empower local youth through strengths-based soft skill and workforce development.
“Taking The Leap brought together local entrepreneurs and leaders,” she said. “The passion they expressed of innovative ideas was felt throughout the room. At the completion of the workshop, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with one of the speakers, Erica Ballesteros.”
From that meeting, Ms. Weinberg says, she knew big ideas and tangible outcomes were just a matter of time for Ms. Ballesteros’ brainchild, The Change Project.
“Determined to harness the power of what makes us uniquely valuable, helping organizations, parents, educators, and students thrive and maximize their vast potential, Erica, became the founder and chief energy officer of The Change Project,” she said.
The Queen Creek Independent is pleased to announce local resident, Ms. Ballesteros, as the January 2021 Hometown Hero bestowed in the Business Entrepreneur Category.
“Erica has an infectious zest for life, massive heart, and desire to influence ripples of positive change that contribute to creating a thriving and prosperous community,” Ms. Weinberg said in her nomination of Ms. Ballesteros.
“Erica spent nearly 15 years in Recruiting & Training & Development, and passionately serves on the Queen Creek Chamber’s Education Committee as well as the Pinal County’s Workforce Development Board to aid in strengthening youth employability and overall life readiness efforts.”
The Change Project is a holistic, innovative training and development limited liability corp. based in the Town of Queen Creek developed through the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.
Unlocking one’s true potential
Ms. Weinberg points out Ms. Ballesteros offers a unique and genuine process to tap into one’s true potential.
To help local youth, Ms. Ballesteros, founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization coined, The DAF Project where the goal is to build bridges between local youngsters and their future potential.
“Within The Change Project, Erica has created a Workforce Development Program for high school students,” Ms. Weinberg explained.
“This 9-week, 90 minutes, after school program is where students have the opportunity to discover their unique strengths. Students build confidence, set goals, and problem solve while sharpening their soft skills. Erica invites local leaders to a session at which the students listen to a variety of career experiences.”
The first-hand experience of seeing Ms. Ballesteros in action has changed Ms. Weinberg’s own perspective of what is possible as she works in a training capacity.
“I am honored to have had the experience of watching our youth become empowered through Erica’s Workforce Development Program,” she said.
“Their communication, along with both social & emotional intelligence increases at each session. Many students have requested for the Workforce Development Program to be offered more than one day a week.”
Ms. Weinberg says Ms. Ballesteros is a Queen Creek resident in the constant pursuit of creating positive impacts in her local community and business sector.
“The influence of Erica’s Work Development Program within The Change Project leaves a positive impact on our youth which will continue to strengthen our residents, schools and businesses,” she said.
The Queen Creek Independent, along with East Valley Institute of Technology, Sterling Services, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill salute Ms. Ballesteros as this month’s Queen Creek Hometown Heroes Awards recipient.
Nominations sought
Submissions will continuously be sought from the Queen Creek community in multiple categories. All nominations to aznews@newszap.com will be reviewed, and monthly winners will be selected based on their community contributions.
Nominations should include name, email address and phone number along with the category of nomination, some details about the person being nominated and what accomplishments they have done.
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