The article below was submitted by Tanika MarshallCurriculum Developer /Trainer and Pathway to Employment Coordinator at EBS – Brooklyn.

While world-class athletes like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal were wiping the court with their competition, AHRC New York City was busy cleaning up in other ways.

Aiyanna BurrisMarkel Cardona-CruzJermaine Larmon, and Tiana Harbour had secured seasonal work at the U.S Open through AHRC New York City’s Pathway to Employment program offered at Employment and Business Services – Brooklyn. These amazing interns had the opportunity to explore the power of community-based employment, surrounded by class world athletes, making the working world more inclusive one job at a time.

I was happy when I found out I got the job because I was excited to work and get paid,” said Tiana Harbour.“I liked the team I got to work with and met cool people.

After impressing employers at the initial interview, they were each hired as Runners for Levy’s Restaurants, one of the vendors responsible for serving the enormous amount of food required to feed more than 800,000 fans.

I liked working at the U.S Open because I got paid and got a free lunch. The food was really good,” said Markel Cardona-Cruz.

As a team, these four individuals worked almost daily, weekends included, to enhance the fan experience by providing quality customer service and bussing tables to maintain the cleanliness of the U.S Open Food Village. They each enjoyed the unique experience of working such an intense, adrenaline-fueled event as the U.S Open and walked away with the skills needed to be successful in future employment.

I felt great and excited when I got the job,” said Jermaine Larmon. “I liked working because I got energy working with the customers and doing a good job. I got to work with my team members and help them when they needed it.  I liked the fast pace of the job and I got to move around.