In 2018, Adriane Herbert earned her high school diploma through Academy of Hope (AoH). In the years that followed, Adriane became a business owner, nonprofit leader, and source of encouragement for other learners and graduates. AoH works with adult learners across Washington, D.C., providing education and career training that creates pathways to economic mobility. Its work includes high school education, workforce training, college and career services, and continued support for graduates as they determine where their education and experience can take them next.

Hope Forward builds on that work after graduation. The 12-month graduate transition program provides AoH alumni with coaching, mentorship, skills-building, and community as they pursue educational, professional, and personal goals. Its first phase includes a 12-week intensive designed to give participants practical tools and support as they navigate opportunities and periods of change.

Adriane’s journey reflects an important part of workforce development: earning a credential can open new pathways, but growth does not stop at graduation. As people’s goals and circumstances evolve, continued access to learning, support, and community can help them navigate change and pursue new opportunities.

When Adriane returned to AoH in 2026, she brought all of that experience with her, along with a desire for greater stability, clarity, and direction in what would come next.

A native Washingtonian, Ward 8 resident, and proud mother of five, Adriane joined the Hope Forward Spring Cohort looking for what she described as a “boost,” something that would remind her she was capable of more than she had experienced so far. “Life had me in a place
where I was trying to find stability, clarity, and direction, and Hope Forward felt like the support system I’d been missing,” Adriane shared.
During the first phase of the program, Adriane worked on practical skills she could use in her day-to-day life to navigate uncertainty and opportunity. At Hope Forward’s May Networking Event and Celebration,

Adriane presented her journey to fellow cohort members through a PowerPoint presentation, putting some of what she had been learning into practice. “My technology skills are something I’m really proud of. I’ve learned more than I expected, and I can see how that confidence is taking root.”

AoH recognizes community as an important part of the experience, and Hope Forward emphasizes building relationships among participants. For Adriane, that sense of community has been an important part of her experience. “Having people who understand, support you, and celebrate your progress makes a huge difference. Overall, I’m proud that I’ve grown academically, socially, and mentally. I’ve learned how to trust my own ability to improve. Just as important, I’m proud of the community I’ve built” Adriane said.

Her experience also speaks to how we think about workforce investment at JBRF. Our partnership with AoH supports opportunities that can remain relevant as people’s goals and circumstances change, allowing participants to build on the education, experience, and relationships they already have. “I’m looking forward to strengthening the connections and
community I’ve found, because they make the journey feel possible” she shared.

Adriane’s journey gives us a fuller picture of what success through AoH can look like over time.

Her return to AoH in 2026 builds on years of education, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and service to her community, while giving Adriane new opportunities to develop the skills, confidence, and connections she wants for the future.

As Adriane continues through Hope Forward, she is looking forward to building on that progress and the relationships she has developed along the way. “I’m most excited about continuing to level up, building on what I learned and pushing myself even further. I’m excited to keep expanding my skills, but also to keep growing my confidence and momentum. Most of all, I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me, and I truly believe it’s going to open doors.”

Through JBRF’s partnership with AoH, we are proud to support an approach to workforce development that recognizes growth as something that continues as people’s lives, goals, and ambitions grow.