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Each month at Fusion Workplaces Palm Desert we have the opportunity to highlight one of our amazing members. This month we are highlighting Erma Trent, owner of Sillers Institute. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Erma and her dedication to giving back to the community as much as we have!
Tell us about yourself and what you do?
I am the owner of Sillers Institute, a community needs-based vocational training institution that focuses heavily on helping individuals learn essential technical skills and secure gainful employment. We also assist justice-involved individuals with career training and job placement.
Our school is located inside of Fusion Workplaces. We utilize the boardrooms to teach Business Administration, Network Security, and Web Development & Digital Marketing. Students gain core technical skills and have participated in internships with fellow members of Fusion. The students shadow business owners and managers to learn about different industries and how to interact in a corporate setting. They are eager to learn, very professional, and excited to enter new careers in perspective fields. In addition to running Sillers Institute, I also serve on the board of directors for the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce.
How did you get started in your industry?
I was a single mother with five children, and it was programs like the one I have today that helped me succeed. Many people often do not realize that something such as going to school can cause financial hardship for students. Our student support services are tailored to each student whether it be assisting students with prepaid gas cards to get to school, grocery gift cards to feed their family, Walmart gift cards to buy interview clothing and toiletries, free laptops, school supplies, daycare resources, and much more. My experiences and firsthand knowledge of the issues low-income families face inspired me to create these programs.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
Most people do not know that the Sillers family clan is of Scottish heritage, and this is why you will see our school theme and graduation ceremonies are very traditional and rooted in Scottish tradition.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I hope to see Sillers Institute continuing to positively change lives and provide hope to members of its community. Our mission is to help families to achieve a higher quality of life through education, employment, and community pride.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the arts such as live theatre and art festivals. It is always fascinating to see true expressions of the human spirit and to see how creative we can be. I am also passionate about supporting causes that care for those in need. Collective effort is essential to realizing goals and making a difference.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy travel, dining, walking, reading, and just about anything that doesn’t require me to concentrate too hard.
If you would like to learn more about Erma and Sillers Institute, you can visit their website, or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
