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Denisse had reached a breaking point. She was working in a toxic environment where her values clashed with the company’s practices, and it was taking a toll on her mental health. “It was a difficult decision because I definitely took a financial blow,” she recalls, “but I knew that, regardless, it was the best choice for me. I’m a conscious individual—I consider myself a humanitarian. I knew that if I sent people into unsafe situations, it would eat at me. I wanted to be a leader who helps people grow, not someone who dictates and causes harm. I knew I couldn’t do that at that company, so leaving was the right choice.”
After leaving, Denise faced the practical reality of bills and responsibilities. She got her title service license, then leveraged her existing connections in the automotive industry to handle licensing and vehicle inventory work for local dealers. But the work was unstable, income dependent on transactions, and she was living paycheck to paycheck. “I was really unhappy,” she admits.
For five years, Denise relentlessly reached out to employment agencies in Houston, seeking opportunities to retrain and pivot her career. Despite her experience, she kept hitting roadblocks. “I’d call almost daily,” she says, “submit applications, get rejected because I didn’t have the credentials they wanted.” At 29, sitting in a library parking garage, she finally broke down on the phone with an employment agency representative. “I told her, ‘I’ve been calling for five years. I want to go back to school. I want to become a software engineer. Nobody is helping me.’”
That moment changed everything. The representative finally directed her to Capital IDEA Houston, a resource she’d been unaware of for years. Frustrated she hadn’t known sooner but determined to seize the opportunity, Denise immediately signed up. “I was nervous, but when I interviewed with Olivia and she said she would vouch for me. For the first time in a long time, I felt truly heard. Capital IDEA Houston gave me a guiding hand when I couldn’t reach the next step on my own.”
Through Capital IDEA Houston, Denise enrolled in the software developer path with Tech Elevator, a four-month, intensive program. “It was grueling,” she recalls, “so much information all at once. But Capital IDEA helped vet me for the program, ensuring it was the right fit. That support meant everything.” Her passion for technology wasn’t new—she’d first explored programming as a child in a STEM program called Odyssey of the Mind, learning Python and building robots. Later, customizing her MySpace page sparked a love for creating online experiences. But financial constraints had kept her from pursuing it professionally—until now.
After graduating, Denise quickly leveraged her new skills, applying to multiple jobs. One opportunity stood out: a junior tech associate program at a major airline known for its employee-first culture and innovative tech team, designed for individuals from non-traditional backgrounds who wanted to enter technology. “What really appealed to me was the mentorship,” she says. “Having someone who’s been in the field for 8, 10, 20 years give guidance you can’t learn on the job is invaluable. I got the interview, and the feedback was amazing—they loved my energy and knew I was the right fit.” Within a month of graduating, Denise received an offer. “I started crying—I was so happy. It was faster than I ever imagined, and it was thanks to the preparation and support from Capital IDEA Houston and Tech Elevator.”
Today, Denise reflects on the journey that brought her here—from leaving a toxic workplace, navigating years of setbacks, to finally breaking into a career she loves. Her story is a testament to the power of leaving a harmful environment and investing in oneself. And as she shares her experience, she offers advice and insight for anyone facing similar struggles. This interview was conducted over Zoom and has been transcribed, edited, and condensed for clarity.
Denisse:
Thank you so much. None of this would have been possible without Capital IDEA Houston. I’m so happy and grateful—you have no idea.
Jorge:
We’re happy to support! So, what’s your current position? Where are you at now?
Denisse:
Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve been here 90 days. I’m still a junior tech associate, working on the .com team—everything you see on our website is handled by my team. I’m so excited—I’m already working on things and thinking, “Oh my God, I did that!”
I love my team. I’ve never been with a company this supportive. My manager is the best I’ve ever had. I’ve worked at different companies before, but the support I’ve gotten here—from him and the company from day one—is unrivaled. From the moment I got the offer letter, he was calling, texting, asking if I needed anything, giving tips on apartments, helping make my move from Houston to Dallas smoother. He didn’t have to do that; he could’ve let HR handle it. But the fact that he called from his personal phone to check on me—making me feel welcomed and valued—meant a lot.
Meeting the rest of the team, I thought they might look down on me because they have degrees and years of experience—but that wasn’t the case. They’re some of the nicest, most helpful people I’ve ever met. Even if my questions were a little redundant or seemed “dumb,” they answered warmly. It’s like PTSD sometimes—you come from a toxic environment and suddenly you’re somewhere healthy, and you’re like, “Whoa, what is this?” But this is what I wanted: to be appreciated, valued, and supported in my growth. My manager has already mapped out a path for my promotion next year—just 90 days in! That’s unheard of.
Jorge:
That’s phenomenal. To have that support and assurance from day one is incredible. Earlier, you talked about dealing with toxicity in a previous job—can you tell me more about what that was like for you?
Denisse:
Yeah, I was a district manager there at a security guard dispatch company, and it was a horrible experience—night and day compared to now. I felt like I was getting hazed, partly because I was a Black Latina woman. Other managers didn’t see me as a comrade; they’d have separate conversations and help each other without including me.
They gave me their toughest clients—ones they didn’t want to deal with—just because I was new. And when I brought it up to the vice president, he didn’t see a problem. He told me I just needed to do the work. Later, I found out it was intentional—they wanted to maximize their own bonuses and giving me tough clients ensured I’d struggle.
Looking back, I wouldn’t have done that to a new employee. You want to help someone grow, not sabotage them. Comparing that to my current experience at this new company—it’s night and day. I’m so happy where I am now.
Jorge:
You also mentioned dangerous weather situations where you were asked to send out workers. When did you realize something had to change?
Denisse:
It was actually pretty early on—maybe November, right when I was still in training. I was already dealing with sabotage from older employees who didn’t want to help me or saw me as competition. But the turning point was that day with the weather. I was being told to send workers out into dangerous conditions, and when I pushed back, the vice president basically shrugged and said, “Everyone else is sending their people out.”
In that moment, I thought, “Fine for them—I’m not doing that.” That’s when it really clicked for me: this company thrived because people were undervalued. They were seen as dispensable. And I wasn’t willing to be the kind of leader who just treated people like numbers on a spreadsheet.
That was it for me. I knew staying meant becoming someone I didn’t want to be. Leaving—yes, even with the financial hit—was the right choice. And looking back now, I’m grateful I trusted my values. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t walked away.
Jorge:
So, contrasting that with your current experience, what confirms this is the right place for you?
Denisse:
Oh my God—where do I start? My manager has been amazing, especially with my move from Houston to Dallas. My team and the company have been super supportive. The program I’m in is volunteer based: senior engineers volunteer to train people like me so that after 11 months, we’re ready to be full-fledged engineers.
The program started because a director talked to a ramp agent who wanted to get into technology but didn’t have the schooling. The director created this program—it’s been running for four years, helping people transition into engineering. Knowing the volunteers are doing this because they genuinely want to help touched my heart.
The culture is incredible. They really care about both employees and customers. They have a “warrior spirit and servant’s heart.” Hierarchy exists, but everyone is treated the same and expected to follow the same values. I told Brian (Director of Strategic Partnerships – Workforce Development), “I think I’ve found the company I’ll stay with until I retire.”
Jorge:
Wow—that says a lot. When you think about this experience, what would you say are the top three signs of a truly healthy work environment?
Denisse:
First, support. Many companies say they support you, but it’s empty words. Real support shows from day one—consistent communication and guidance.
Second, culture. Look for a place where diversity is celebrated, not silenced. If you don’t see people like you, or women, in leadership, growth may be limited.
Third, authenticity. You should be able to be yourself. If you have to stifle your personality, you’ll be unhappy. I’m extroverted and bubbly—I couldn’t survive somewhere rigid or nonchalant.
Jorge:
What advice would you give someone in a toxic work environment?
Denisse:
Leave. Seriously. No amount of money is worth your mental health. Toxic workplaces dim your light, and once that light dims, you settle for mistreatment. The only way they change is if people leave and force them to face the reasons why employees are leaving.
Jorge:
And if someone can’t leave right away?
Denisse:
Plan an exit strategy. Keep your current job to pay the bills but look for one you actually want. Figure out what to avoid and what to pursue. Work on soft skills—they’re underrated. Personality can’t be taught, but it opens doors. A great personality can make people more inclined to help you succeed.
Jorge:
And Capital IDEA Houston can help with that.
Denisse:
Absolutely. Capital IDEA Houston is the go-to for a real career change and a salary bump. You don’t have to go into tech like I did—you could do nursing, HVAC, electrician work, anything.
I loved hearing everyone’s stories during VIP sessions. I was in the tech track, but others were in nursing or electrician programs. Different paths, same goal: we were all tired of being mistreated, misunderstood, and unappreciated. Capital IDEA Houston gave us a chance to change that, and we bonded over it.
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Capital IDEA Houston exists for people exactly like Denisse—people ready to leave behind unstable, unhealthy, or low-wage jobs and step into careers that offer stability, dignity, and long-term growth. From tuition-free training and personalized career guidance, interview preparation, and wraparound support, we walk with participants every step of the way. Whether someone is pursuing software engineering, nursing, HVAC, cybersecurity, or any of our high-demand career paths, we help remove the financial and emotional barriers that keep talented people from reaching their potential. Denisse’s success isn’t an exception—it’s what happens when someone’s drive meets the right support system. And at Capital IDEA Houston, that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.
