SERJobs Partners with Compudopt to Provide 200 Free Laptops to Local Job Seekers at Winter Graduation Ceremony

Houston, TX — December 12, 2025

SERJobs, a leading nonprofit workforce development organization serving the Greater Houston region, is proud to announce a special partnership with Compudopt to distribute 200 free laptops to SERJobs members and eligible community participants during its Winter Graduation Ceremony on December 12, 2025.

The laptop distribution empowers individuals with the tools they need to continue their career journeys — from accessing online job applications, to skill-based training, digital literacy resources, virtual interviews, and ongoing financial coaching.

The giveaway is part of Compudopt’s mission to ensure every family has access to the technology required to participate fully in today’s digitally forward economy, regardless of income. Each laptop comes with a two-year warranty and free tech support, helping remove barriers to workforce participation.

Individuals receiving laptops represent a wide range of SERJobs training programs, including CDL, Electrical, Construction, HVAC, Career Readiness, YouthBuild, and other skill-based pathways that prepare adults and young adults for employment in high-demand industries.

“Access to technology is access to opportunity,” said SERJobs CEO Liliana Rambo. “These laptops allow our members to pursue certifications, apply for jobs, complete training, and stay connected to the resources that move them toward long-term stability. We are grateful to Compudopt for helping remove one of the biggest barriers facing job seekers today.”

“Technology access is the foundation of economic mobility,” said Compudopt CEO Megan Steckly. “It opens the door to greater employment opportunities, education, skill-building and financial resources that shape our community’s future. Compudopt is proud to partner with SERJobs to break down digital barriers and ensure more families have the tools to succeed.”

More than 200 SERJobs members registered to receive a laptop. Due to overwhelming demand, individuals not selected for this giveaway will be invited to participate in future distribution events with Compudopt.

The laptop distribution will take place immediately following the Winter Graduation ceremony at the SERJobs Workforce Training & Resource Center located at 1960 Tellepsen St., Houston, TX 77023.

SER – Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc. (SERJobs) was founded in 1965 through the combined efforts of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the G.I. Forum, and the Department of the Navy. Since its establishment, SERJobs has helped individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. SERJobs has locations in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend, serving individuals in need in over 13 counties across the Texas Gulf Coast. 

For more information about SERJobs, visit www.serjobs.org or contact nrobinson@serjobs.org. 

Download Press Release (PDF)

Download Images (JPG)

The post SERJobs Partners with Compudopt to Provide 200 Free Laptops to Local Job Seekers at Winter Graduation Ceremony appeared first on SERJobs.

“On behalf of the SERJobs Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Liliana Rambo as the next CEO of our organization. Liliana brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep passion for workforce development that aligns beautifully with our mission. Her proven ability to scale impact, drive innovation, and center community voices makes her the ideal leader to guide SERJobs into its 60th year of service—and beyond. We look forward to the future with confidence and excitement under her leadership.” 

—Bryan Neely, Board Chair, SERJobs 

 

Rambo to Lead Organization into 60th Year of Workforce Impact

Houston, TX — SERJobs, a leading Gulf Coast nonprofit committed to transforming lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment, proudly announces the appointment of Liliana Rambo, IAP, CM, CAPP, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 14, 2025. Rambo brings decades of cross-sector leadership experience in public service, workforce development, and nonprofit management. She steps into the role as SERJobs celebrates its 60th year of impact and prepares for an exciting next chapter of growth and community engagement. 

A mission-driven Houstonian, Rambo is recognized for transforming organizations, expanding access to opportunity, and building high-impact partnerships to serve underserved communities. Her leadership spans operational excellence, fundraising, and program innovation. She previously served as Chief Terminal Management and Administration Officer at the Houston Airport System, where she oversaw a $120M+ budget and launched large-scale workforce development initiatives to support more than 1,300 employees. Her work at the Houston Airport System blended both public service and nonprofit principles—focusing on access, training, equity, and service to the community. In addition to her professional achievements, Rambo has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to civic engagement in the non-profit space through her service as a Board Member of the Texas USO and the Houston Airport System’s Wings of Compassion, as well as her past leadership as President of the WPG-Houston Chapter from 2006 to 2011. She also served for over a decade as a Board Member and Chair of the International Parking and Mobility Institute; an international nonprofit organization focused on advancing transportation, parking and mobility solutions—further demonstrating her dedication to expansive impact through mission-driven leadership. 

“As SERJobs reaches this exciting milestone of 60 years serving the community, we are thrilled to welcome Liliana Rambo as our next CEO,” said Bryan Neely, Chair of the SERJobs Board of Directors. “Her deep commitment to equity, her lived experience, and her strong track record of operational excellence and community partnership make her the right leader to guide SERJobs into its next chapter.” 

Neely also addressed the recent leadership transition: “During the search process, the Board asked me to step in as Interim CEO to ensure continuity and stability. I temporarily stepped aside from my role as Board Chair and am now proud to return to that position with full confidence in Liliana’s leadership. We are deeply grateful to our team and community for their continued trust during this time.” 

As CEO, Rambo will oversee strategic growth, deepen employer and community partnerships, and lead continued innovation across SERJobs’ training and employment services. She will lead a team dedicated to helping thousands of individuals annually access life-changing job opportunities, wraparound services, and career coaching. With 3 locations across the Texas Gulf Coast and a growing alumni network, SERJobs continues to serve as a vital connector between talent and economic opportunity. 

“This role brings together every part of what I care about – dignified work, economic opportunity, and giving people the tools to change their lives,” said Rambo. “It’s an honor to join SERJobs and lead this exceptional organization at such a pivotal moment in its history. Together with our board, members, partners, and supporters, we will continue building a stronger, more dynamic economy for all.” 

Rambo succeeds Sheroo Mukhtiar, who faithfully led the organization for the past seven years and helped expand its mission and reach. Rambo brings new energy and perspective to continue the work of uplifting communities and breaking down barriers to opportunity. 

SER – Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc. (SERJobs) was founded in 1965 through the combined efforts of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the G.I. Forum, and the Department of the Navy. Since its establishment, SERJobs has helped individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. SERJobs has locations in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend, serving individuals in need in over 13 counties across the Texas Gulf Coast. 

For more information about SERJobs, visit www.serjobs.org or contact nrobinson@serjobs.org. 

Download Press Release (PDF)

Download Headshot (JPG)

The post SERJOBS WELCOMES LILIANA RAMBO AS NEWLY APPOINTED CEO appeared first on SERJobs.

The post Mission in Motion – Q2 2025 appeared first on SERJobs.

The post Mission in Motion – Q1 2025 appeared first on SERJobs.

YouthBuild is an excellent opportunity for young adults looking to earn their GED; the one-on-one YouthBuild learning experience helps them be more successful in their process. Students are assigned a team of professionals to help them achieve their goals. YouthBuild helps students receive their GED and real-life work experience. It also offers support services so that the process will be easier for each individual.

Electrician training is a great option; with it being an in-demand job, students that are successful at their training are guaranteed to get a job when graduating. Students will also receive their NCCER Electrician Level 1 Credential and their NCCER Core Construction certification. Customer service training offers students virtual training, and the student will learn customer service and sales skills. This training also provides help in building a resume and looking for a job search.

Banking training is excellent for someone who wants to enter the banking industry and is looking for positions like a bank teller, personal banker, and customer service representative. Students will learn personal finances, customer service, communications, cash and checking, currency and compliance, and job readiness.

Apprenticeship training is a long-term option because of the benefits received; this training will help the student earn while he learns, with a competitive wage from the first day—a real-world education with on-the-job learning and job-related classroom training. In addition, the student will receive recognized credentials that will help them get a job anywhere they want.

Welding training is a hybrid course to obtain the necessary technical skills in welding, layout, cutting, and steel fitting. The warehouse forklift training is a 2-week course that helps the student learn the essential skills and safety measures for a career in the supply chain industry using forklifts. The student will receive the OSHA Compliant Forklift Safety for Class IV and V PIT per 1910.178 credentials.

• Electrician training 5/9 > Learn more
• Customer Service 5/31 > Learn more
• Banking 6/6 > Learn more
• Warehouse Forklift 5/23 > Learn more
• Call Center Technician 5/31 > Learn more
• Welding 6/6 > Learn more

The post Spring is here! Start your new career journey with our services appeared first on SERJobs.

After finishing the program, they will receive a nationally recognized job-ready certification; this will help them get any job they are qualified for nationwide. Teachers provide individualized support for each Youthbuild student to help them achieve their educational goals. Youthbuild staff guide Youthbuild students and provide them with the necessary abilities to enter professional life.

There are about 300 YouthBuild programs nationwide; this helps adolescents have the chance of gaining an education and job skills that will help their community. This program specializes in earning while learning; like most SERJobs training, while students are completing their GED, they have the opportunity of working in real-life scenarios for in-demand industries. In addition, this helps them be prepared with the necessary skills for after graduation.

“I joined YouthBuild to get a certificate as an electrician. So far, it’s going great; I like going to the job site and learning and getting to meet new people,” said one YouthBuild student.

Know a student interested in applying? The application is easy, there are only a few steps! First, students have to submit their applications on our website. Then, after 24 to 48 hours, a Youthbuild career coach will contact the student to guide them with any extra information needed and determine if they are eligible. How is someone qualified? They have to be 16 to 24 years old. Have to be from a low-income household and dropped out of high school. After you meet with your career coach and are guided through the process, the student will be invited to pre-cohort testing; this will take place a week before the next cohort begins. All cohorts starton a rolling basis.

For more information and application visit the Youthbuild webpage.

The post The Youth Are Our Future! Learn About YouthBuild Houston appeared first on SERJobs.

Hello, my name is Esvin B. I’m 29, and the oldest of two. Growing up, I never had a stable home. We would move from friends’ houses to womens’ shelters to sometimes living out the car. I remember once I even attended school for only ONE DAY and moved the next. It wasn’t until high school that my family became more stable. I graduated top in my class in 2010 from Westfield High School and worked the minute I graduated. I guess because of lack of stability growing up my dream has always been to buy a place I could call home, for not only myself but my family.

In 2020, during the pandemic, keeping money coming in was difficult because my job wasn’t considered essential work. In 2021, I got sick and was out of work the whole year. Luckily, I did have savings and a stimulus to help with necessities. It was during this time that I came across SERJobs online. I was looking for work I could apply to and saw this website. I clicked it and saw that they offered classes and coaching for free. I almost thought it was a trick but I took a chance and was happy to see it was real, not only real but very VERY productive.

The coaches, the instructors, the class structure were all amazing! I was able to learn and make connections that I otherwise would not have been able to have. I am very grateful for what SERJobs provided, and I thank God every day for putting that link in my path.

Even before I graduated I had sent out applications to multiple banks so it was easy to continue with the process after I graduated. I also felt more prepared for all the interviews I had and even more excited with every call I got back.

Currently I am gearing up to start work in my new career at Bank of America in February 2022, and I can’t wait to see how much more I grow and learn in the process. With my new career and support from SERJobs, I know I will achieve that dream I had as a child and have my forever home.

Remember failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue… that’s what’s important – to take chances and to try again if at first you don’t succeed.

Soon after graduating, Esvin expressed interest in meeting with a financial coach to work on his financial goals, including creating a budget and balance sheet, as well as learning ways to build his credit.

SER staff looks forward to learning of Esvin’s future endeavors and celebrating all his successes!

The post Esvin’s Story: Realizing His Dream appeared first on SERJobs.

Obtain in-depth training created with our financial institution partners. Applicants will learn everything about entry-level positions in the banking industry and help you master the navigation of the banking career assessment and prepare you for job applications. This training is perfect if you want to grow in the banking industry and receive the benefits that come with it, such as a higher paying wage and a more stable work schedule. The salary will vary from $15/hr to $22/hr, depending on the person’s skills and work experience. You will learn skills like, personal finances, cash and checking fundamentals, currency and compliance and job readiness.

“Think about how a job where your hard work is valued. Solidified skills that not only teach you the inside and outs of many financial institutes but also connects you to a lifetime of job opportunities and networking.” said Robert Depay, the SERJobs Banking training instructor. “Our Banking training helps turn your biggest fear of not getting one foot in the door to honing your skills and one day walking through that same door with a smile knowing everything you learned paid off.”

Some of the requirements needed for application are, the access to a computer with microphone and camera, a reliable internet connection, experience in cash handling and customer service or sales. You must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED. At the end of the course a graduation will be held and several of our partners such as Bank of America, Frost Bank, Wells Fargo, Capital One Bank and others attend and hire new employees.

Another benefit is that the course prepares students from the beginning to participate in mock interviews to be prepared for job fairs. Bank training is a great step towards your professional goal, it is one of the most in-demand jobs and the work you put into it will be rewarded. The best part? This course and our services are 100% free for those individuals who qualify!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAININGS HAPPENING IN APRIL!

• Commercial Driver’s License training (April 4 – May 20, 2022) | APPLY NOW
• Warehouse Forklift training (April 18 – 29, 2022)  | APPLY NOW
• Call Center Technician training -Virtual- (April 25 – May 20, 2022) | APPLY NOW
• Customer Service training -Virtual- (April 25 – May 6, 2022) | APPLY NOW
• Commercial Driver’s License training (April 25 – June 10, 2022) | APPLY NOW

The post A Career You Can Bank On! Learn more about our Banking Training appeared first on SERJobs.

Shortly after he completed the training in late 2021, Kenneth received a job offer from SERJobs’ employer partner, APH Logistics LLC, as a freight broker agent. Kenneth is showing great progress and is earning double his salary as a tow-truck driver. Kenneth did have his reservations – switching careers requires a lot of thought and effort – not to mention bravery! (A freight broker is a logistics specialist who helps find a carrier for a company’s load, brokers deals with shippers, and helps plan the finite details of a shipment.) Kenneth was excited about starting a new career and determined to make a smooth transition into a new world of working directly with a customer base while brokering loads.

According to APH Logistics, Kenneth is making great progress. He has changed his appearance by coming to work dressed like a business professional. Kenneth is always on time and is being crossed-trained on how to dispatch and freight broker at the same time. Mr. Hinton, the owner of APH Logistics, has taken Kenneth under his wing and is mentoring him into becoming a great Logistics professional. Kenneth’s only regret – not getting into freight brokering earlier!

According to Kenneth:

“I’m so glad I took the class at SER. I learned things I never knew – it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was great!

I see my future with APH for a long time. I learned so much from SERJobs and my new employer, APH!”

The post Kenneth’s Story: Charting a New Career appeared first on SERJobs.