L.O.G.I.C. Student Spotlight: Janell DeShields

August 16, 2022

Janell “Nelly” DeShields loves participating in the L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) class at the Food Bank of Delaware.

Graduation is just a few weeks away and she describes her experience as “amazing.”

“The team here is great,” she points out. “The staff goes above and beyond. It’s just an awesome place to be a part of. Once you come here and do your tour… you are going to want to be a part of the team.”

Since June, Nelly and her classmates have been working under the guidance of Operations Instructor Joe Cunha to learn how to use major equipment like end riders, lift trucks, order pickers and pallet jacks. They train in the warehouse of the Food Bank of Delaware in Newark and students have the opportunity to receive four certifications – Certified Logistics Associate, Certified Logistics Technician, OSHA-10 and forklift. 

Nelly says she was initially drawn to the program to receive her forklift certification, but when she found out about the additional certifications, “that was even better,” she explains.

Like other L.O.G.I.C. program participants, Nelly has prior warehouse experience, but said she needed credentials to stand out. “Prior to this, I never worked with any machinery,” she points out.

Operations Instructor Joe Cunha has helped her become comfortable operating the machines. “The floor picker scared me at first, because I am not very good with heights. I had to overcome that fear, because I want the certifications,” she explains.

Nelly and her classmates have developed a special bond and describes them as an “extended family.”

“I can’t even put it into words. It’s more like a feeling. You want to be here,” she says.

In addition to learning the ins and outs of the warehousing/logistics industry, she is also learning life skills to help her become the best version of herself.

“Life skills – it’s the best – it’s early morning brain food with Mr. Samuel [Food Bank of Delaware Workforce Training Coordinator],” she says.

If not for the program, Nelly says she would still be searching for employment.

The next 11-week L.O.G.I.C. training program starts on Monday, September 12 at the Food Bank in Newark, and Nelly, without hesitation, encourages others to apply!

Her advice to interested students, “Call and set up a tour. Once you take the tour and you do a little bit of research about the program, you are going to want to be a part of the team!”

To learn more about the free training program and to apply, click here!