Making a career comeback takes time. It can be challenging when you’ve been away from an industry for years, and even more daunting when English isn’t your first language. Most would have reservations: Has the industry changed? Do I still have what it takes to succeed? Will an employer be willing to hire someone, with years of experience, who’s still building confidence speaking English?

For many people, those questions might be enough to walk away and choose an easier path. Leonardo wasn’t willing to do that.

After leaving his home country for political reasons, Leonardo had to put aside a 15-year career in aerospace manufacturing. Work he loved and deeply missed. For a time, returning to the industry seemed out of reach. That changed when his wife learned about our nonprofit and encouraged him to explore our manufacturing program. The opportunity offered Leonardo a chance to return to the industry he loved, refresh his technical skills, and challenge himself to communicate more confidently in English.

In October 2025, Leonardo became an Orion participant. He was excited to get back to manufacturing, but he was also apprehensive. He brought extensive manufacturing experience, but now he had to learn technical terminology in English rather than Spanish. Orion mentors, Natasha and Nathan, encouraged Leonardo to ask questions whenever translations became confusing. They supported him as he worked through the language barrier and gained confidence communicating in the workplace. Before long, Leonardo was doing more than improving his English. He discovered a genuine passion for working on CNC machines. A skill that would open the door to his next career opportunity.

In April of this year, Leonardo completed our program and was hired by Accurus as a CNC Machine Operator, where he continues to flourish. With our support, a willingness to ask questions, and a determination to keep moving forward, Leonardo found his way back to an industry he thought he'd lost. Proof that anyone can have a second act, if you have the courage to begin.