New Roads Ahead! Celebrating the Driving Change CDL Cohort 2 Graduation

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The air was filled with pride, hope, and the excitement of new beginnings on December 5th, 2025, as Driving Change hosted the joyous graduation ceremony for its CDL Cohort 2. This event marked the successful completion of a rigorous program designed to transform lives and strengthen the transportation and logistics workforce.

As a dedicated nonprofit workforce development organization, Driving Change is committed to empowering individuals from resettlement and high-risk populations—including reentry citizens, veterans, asylum seekers, and at-risk youth—by providing them with accessible supply chain training, vital CDL certification, comprehensive career readiness, and crucial direct job placement.

The Ceremony: A Celebration of Dedication

The formal program began with a warm and heartfelt welcome.

TimeEventPresented By
Welcome & Opening RemarksSetting the stage for the day's celebration.Roxanne Forsythe (Executive Director)
InvocationA moment of reflection and blessing.Ruby Dickerson
Employer & Partner AcknowledgementRecognizing the crucial industry allies.Roxanne Forsythe
Mission Moment & Program HighlightsSharing the impact and achievements of the cohort.Wesley Howard
Awards PresentationHonoring outstanding performance and dedication.Wesley Howard
Keynote AddressInspiring words for the graduates' journey ahead.Steve Talamo of Cleve's Logistics
Student SpeakersSharing their powerful personal journeys.Laval Hazel and Christy Brown
Conferral of Certificates & PinningThe official recognition of their achievement.Roxanne Forsythe
Professional Driver's PledgeA commitment to safety and excellence.Wesley Howard
Closing RemarksFinal words of encouragement and thanks.Roxanne Forsythe

Meet the Graduates of Cohort 2!

We extend our massive congratulations to the five dedicated individuals who successfully completed the program and are now licensed commercial drivers ready to hit the road:

  • Christy Brown

  • Downtez Evans

  • Laval Hazel

  • Domonique Smith

  • Rashaad White

A Village of Support

The success of these graduates is a testament to the dedication of many. Driving Change gave special thanks to its exceptional instructional team who guided the students every mile of the way: Joelle Green, Wesley Heard, and Travis Gate.

The organization also recognized the foundational guidance provided by its Board of Directors: Elliot Forsythe, Moses Walker, Steve Talamo, Lindell Forsythe, and Norvell Dickerson.

Finally, this event would not have been possible without the generosity and support of the true community heroes: Royal Kitchen, Careful Scents, Walker W. & Sons, LLC, Withers, South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development, and Paperboie Trucking. Your commitment to this mission is invaluable!

Congratulations again to the Cohort 2 graduates! We look forward to seeing the incredible impact they will make in the transportation industry and in their own communities.

Would you like me to share information about how readers can support Driving Change or apply for a future cohort? Email info@drivingchangesc.com or visit their website https://www.drivingchangesc.com.











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