Photo Credit: Rafael Ramirez, San Francisco Public Works

Nicole De La Garza started working as a Corridor Ambassador at San Francisco Public Works in 2007. A year later, she then became an Environmental Service Worker/Laborer Apprentice. She was able to finish and graduate from the program, where she soon after become an as-needed laborer for the department. De La Garza became a participant in the Apprenticeship Programs at Public Works for the second time as a gardener.

Because of her efforts as a laborer, De La Garza was a recipient at the 5th Annual Montoya Awards in 2015. Her success in the apprenticeship program opened up doors for her within Public Works. She now is a permanent laborer for the department.