Local Employer Honored for Inclusive Hiring Practices

August 5, 2022

August 5, 2022 – Santa Fe College announced that the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) selected The Village at Gainesville as its 2022 Inclusive Employer Award winner. The Village was nominated by SF's Project SAINT for its embrace and support of diverse employees including several graduates of the Project SAINT program. The award was presented during the 2022 Florida Post-Secondary Education Program Planning Institute in Orlando.

"Over the past five years, students have been happily accepted as interns which in turn led to successful employment at The Village at Gainesville," Linda Mussillo, from SF's Project SAINT Program stated in her nomination of The Village. "The students have been given on-going training opportunities, been recognized as employees of the month and been valued as employees. One graduate has found exceptional support from you. You have been very understanding and accommodating with Sienna. You made Sienna feel welcome and a part of the team. In the last three years, Sienna has grown into her job, and she really enjoys going to work at The Village."

Project SAINT graduate and Village employee, Sienna Smillov, was also in attendance to receive the award, adding "Project SAINT has helped me feel comfortable with other students and the teachers. It helped me get a job where I feel good about myself, and I am proud to work independently and as part of a team."

FCSUA created the Inclusive Employer Award to give a company which imbues diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the business, including hiring Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program students and completers. Nominations are open to business across Florida.

Santa Fe College is proud to have nominated The Village at Gainesville for this award, and proud of the Project SAINT students and student graduates working there and elsewhere in the community.