Where is Kywonta Washington Hines Now?

Kywonta Washington Hines – Ezekiel HOPE Program Participant

Before joining Ezekiel HOPE, Kywonta Washington Hines had already been thinking about becoming an electrician. He had tried unsuccessfully to find an electrical training program that would allow him the flexibility to both train and work while still being able to take care of his two daughters, ages 11 and 2. At the time, he was working an assembly job.

While the position paid the bills, it didn’t offer the career growth or purpose he was looking for.

After eventually losing that job, Kywonta found himself out of work for about eight months. During that time, he heard about the Ezekiel HOPE program from several people who were already enrolled.

“I signed up and got in, and it has changed my life,” Kywonta said. “One of the things I enjoy most is learning new things. Working in the electrical field is like working a puzzle—you have to find the problem and identify the solution to solve it.”

Today, Kywonta is focused on building his career in the electrical trade. His immediate goal is to become a journeyman electrician, but he plans to continue advancing even further.

“After that, I want to go all the way and become a master electrician,” he said. “You really have to want to do this work. It’s not a job where someone tells you what to do all the time. It requires confidence and the mindset to solve problems.”

Kywonta has already built a strong reputation within the Ezekiel HOPE program. Known for his work ethic and willingness to help others, he often assists newer participants while continuing to expand his own knowledge and skills in the trade.

Apparently, Kywonta is well suited for this career shift. He has earned a reputation at Ezekiel HOPE for being a star and showing some of the newer guys the ropes, while continuing to learn new things and working independently.

Note: Currently Ezekiel HOPE has a waiting list of about 80 individuals who want to get into its state-certified Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The problem is that it takes more than $7000 for each trainee to matriculate through the 16-week program, since they are paid stipends while they learn. For more information or to donate, visit www.ezekielhope.org/donate.