MSEJ November 2018 | Page 28

As a Program Manager for CASY in Pittsburgh, I have the chance to see the additional, on-the-ground, local support that CASY has provided for our military-affiliated families. These local representatives are able to help veterans and military-affiliates in our city with job placement and job progression. After all, who doesn’t love someone with purpose and passion coming alongside them in their employment endeavors (free of cost, might I add) to equip them with education and encouragement along the way?

I’ve also been thrilled to see the way that CASY strategically partners with companies in this area who are willing to learn and embrace the added value that veteran and military-affiliated hires can bring to a company.

This is an exciting movement for the greater Pittsburgh area; when companies hire qualified veterans and military affiliates in diverse fields, individual and family lives are changed for the better, economic strength is enhanced, productivity increases, and there

is the opportunity for even more new, strategic ideas that can transform our city.

CASY is here in Pittsburgh to be a part of the community, to bring the civilian sector and military community together, and to make sure veterans and military affiliates have a chance to be a part of the expanding employment opportunities in a vibrant, welcoming, diverse city. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I’m proud to be a part of this mission and can’t wait to see how it grows in 2019.

Crystal McFadden is the Pittsburgh Program Manager for Corporate America Supports You (CASY). Crystal has a passion to serve others and see them succeed, which is why she excels at bridging the gap between underemployed Veterans in Pittsburgh with companies looking to enhance their workforce by hiring quality, mature, innovative candidates. Crystal is a United States Navy Veteran and has earned her Bachelor's and Master's degree since her time in the service. Since then, she has become a Licensed Professional Counselor, a published author, a requested speaker, and a regular member and community member at a local church with her family by her side. 

Waynesburg University Alumnae Luncheon: Building relationships, connections, and a bigger Pittsburgh veteran employment network with the staff of Waynesburg University, fellow graduates, job seekers, and corporate as well as financial partners.

October 2018: The Call of Duty Endowment, CASY, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A winning combination.