CONNECTIONS THAT CREATE OPPORTUNITY.

Helping learners, educators, supporters, and employers discover pathways and possibilities.

Start the Career Journey

Educator Resources

Employer Partnerships

Support the Process

The Career Journey

The Career Journey is a simple six-step path that helps you learn more about yourself, explore new possibilities, and choose a future that feels right. You’ll discover your strengths, try real experiences, make a clear plan, and connect with people who can guide you. No matter your age or starting point, this journey makes your future feel exciting, achievable, and full of opportunities.

Illustration of books and a lightbulb representing self-discovery and learning. Step 1: Discover - Learn what you're good at and what excites you.

Laptop representing career exploration and research. Step 2: Explore - New information opens new possibilities.

Notebook labeled "Plan" representing career planning and goal setting. Step 3: Design - Plan for who you are and who you want to be.

Visitor badge representing workplace visits, job shadowing, and career exploration. Step 4: Narrow - Narrow your options where the work actually happens.

Play button representing taking action through education, training, work-based learning, and career experiences. Step 5: Do - Take the steps that count.

Lighthouse representing guidance, reflection, and continuous growth. Step 6: Reflect - Check in, adjust, and keep rising.

Who Are You?

Pick your role to jump into tailored resources. We’ve carefully crafted content to help you start your journey.

A digital graphic featuring a lightbulb with a checkmark, and text that reads 'LEARNER' and 'Learner at any stage — from student to career advancement.'

Green and light green vertical striped background with a white apple icon at the top. The word 'EDUCATOR' in bold yellow letters, followed by the text 'Guides learning and connects the classroom to careers.'

Blue card with a white compass icon at the top, the word "SUPPORTER" in large yellow letters, and the text "Cheer on learners and offers advice" at the bottom.

A graphic with a briefcase icon at the top, the word 'EMPLOYER' in bold yellow letters, and the text 'Provides real-world experiences and grows talent' against a purple background.

Get Involved

In Their Own Words

We would be happy to share how we inspire people, but we think it’s better when you hear directly from them.

Their stories show what’s possible when people feel supported, empowered, and informed. These voices reflect real growth, real confidence, and real impact.

Audio waveform with microphone icon on the left.

Listen to the Stories

A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, wearing a navy blue suit and white shirt, standing in a modern, well-lit office building.

Young girl with braided hair holding books, wearing a white shirt and backpack.

A middle-aged man with gray hair and beard, wearing glasses and a light blue button-down shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

A smiling woman in a yellow shirt standing in a classroom with children in the background.

Employer

Student

Parent

Teacher

A man sitting on a chair at a table, holding a smartphone, with a plain background.

Here are three quick things you can do today to learn something new, explore your options, and move forward with confidence. Each task is simple, takes only a few minutes, and helps you get closer to a future that feels right for you.

Minimalist icon of a laptop computer on a dark teal and black geometric background.

LEARN SOMETHING

Watch a quick video or read a blog to spark new ideas about your future. A few minutes of learning today can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

EXPLORE SOMETHING

Browse a job cluster to see what matches your strengths. Exploration helps you discover options that feel exciting and possible.

Icon of a magnifying glass with a question mark inside it over a blue background.

DO SOMETHING

Sign up for an event, reach out to a mentor, or start an assessment. Even a tiny step today can build real momentum for your future.

Simple line drawing of a running shoe on a green background.

WHY YOUR FUTURE

matters to us

It’s Really About You

We care about your future because you have skills worth developing and goals worth chasing. Everyone can learn something new and find work that feels meaningful. Our mission is to help you understand your strengths, meet people who want to support you, and see the opportunities that already exist right here.

Importance of Connections

Some people say that finding a job is “all about who you know.” Other people prefer to say, “It’s all about who knows you.” We believe both perspectives offer valuable insight, and that’s why we focus on building connections among people. We want people to feel connected to other people, education, training, and resources to gain their dream career.

Our partners help make our work possible. They bring ideas, open doors, and support learners. They guide our awareness of career trends, education opportunities, and ways to support people throughout the six-step career journey. Each partner plays a part in helping us build skills and getting people to feel confident about their future.

Stakeholders: A Fancy Term for “Partners Who Care, Too”

Abstract background of diagonal blue stripes varying in shade from dark to light.

Advanced Drainage Systems
Alvada Construction
AR Marketing
Astemo Findlay, Inc.
Beltz Home Services
FASTSIGNS Findlay
Findlay-Hancock Economic Development
Findlay-Hancock Chamber of Commerce
Hancock County Conventions & Visitors Bureau
Blanchard Valley Health System
Center to Advance Manufacturing
City Uniforms and Linen
DBE Homes
DNC Hydraulics
Findlay Publishing/WFIN
Findlay Warehousing
Freudenberg-NOK
Garner Trucking
GROB Systems
GSW Manufacturing
Hitchings Insurance
Hixon-Zuercher Capital Management
Kreate
Kirk Corporations
McNaughton-McKay
Ohio Logistics
Partitions Plus
RCM Architects
RCR Technology
Regional Growth Partnership
Roki America
The Rowmark Group
Simona-PMC
Superior Trim
Tall Timbers Park Association
Waterford Bank
Werk-Brau
Whirlpool
UIS Insurance
Valgroup
Arcadia Local Schools
Arlington Local Schools
Bowling Green State University
Cory-Rawson Local Schools
Findlay City Schools
Findlay Digital Academy
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Hancock County Educational Services Center
Liberty-Benton Local Schools
McComb Local Schools
Millstream Career Center
Ohio Northern University
Owens Community College
Rhodes State College
Riverdale Local Schools
Terra State Community College
University of Findlay
University of Northwest Ohio
Van Buren Local Schools
Vanlue Local Schools
Findlay-Hancock County Center for Civic Engagement
Habitat for Humanity Financial Opportunity Center
Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS)
Hancock Public Health
Habitat for Humanity
Exploring and Boy Scouts of America, Black Swamp Council
Children’s Mentoring Connection
Hope House
Blanchard Valley Center
Family Resource Center of Northwest Ohio
Welcome to a New Life
Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
Family and Children First Council
Findlay YMCA
Legal Aid of Western Ohio
Ohio Guidestone
City of Findlay
Hancock County Commission
Hancock County Jobs and Family Services
Ohio Means Jobs Hancock County

We connect stakeholders for workforce excellence.

Our Key Efforts

People grow when they can see what’s possible. We help learners explore careers, make smart education-based choices, and gain the confidence to move toward jobs that fit their goals. We focus on:

Seeing and trying careers (career exposure);
Knowing how to get from Point A to Point B, obtaining quality, affordable skills (career pathways); and
Developing the skills that are essential in every workplace (employability skills).

High school students participating in a career exploration visit while an employer explains workplace projects, technology, and career opportunities in an office setting.

MEET THE PEOPLE

behind the mission

STAFF
Spark connections that change futures.

Professional Photo of Executive Director

TRICIA VALASEK
Executive Director

Did I ever think I would find myself at the intersection of being an educator, dreamer, designer, and analyst? Nope! My career journey certainly has not been linear, and that’s my favorite part. I love recognizing through experiences and workplaces where my strengths, passions, and perspectives intertwine. Over time, I’ve learned how to use my strengths for the betterment of others (one of my core values), and I love being a guiding light. Getting the opportunity, through Raise the Bar, to help people on their path to a good career – one that provides personal meaning and financial stability - is the best part of my day.

A young woman with dark hair and a smile, wearing a black and white striped shirt and a mustard yellow cardigan, sitting in a room with blue and white patterned curtains and a yellow sunflower arrangement in the background.

ASHLEY STEPEC-BIBLER
Workforce Program Specialist

There is something incredibly rewarding about helping people discover what's possible. That's what drew me to education, and it's what continues to inspire me every day in my role with Raise the Bar. After spending nine years as an elementary teacher, I transitioned into workforce development, where I found a new way to educate, connect, and inspire. While I no longer have a classroom of my own, I still get to teach every day. Whether I'm planning career exploration events, creating resources for educators, analyzing workforce data, developing marketing materials, or building partnerships with schools and local businesses, my work is centered on creating opportunities for others.