Cooking, Creating, and Healing: The Story of Kallia Gibbons

Balancing work, education, and personal growth is a challenge many face, especially when pursuing creative passions alongside practical responsibilities. For Kallia Gibbons, the Capitol Lakes Foundation’s tuition assistance has made a meaningful difference in her journey to combine art and healing. Her story highlights how support from a workplace community can help turn dreams into reality.

A Year and a Half of Growth at Capitol Lakes

Kallia has worked at Capitol Lakes for about a year and a half, primarily as a cook in Seasons, with occasional shifts in the Health Center. This job offers her flexibility, which is essential as she juggles multiple commitments. Cooking is more than just a job for Kallia—it’s a source of joy and a way to connect with others. She describes the workplace as a family, emphasizing the strong bonds she has formed with her coworkers. This supportive environment has encouraged her to stay longer than any previous job, showing how a positive workplace culture can impact employee retention.

Pursuing Art and Psychology at UW Madison

Alongside her work, Kallia is double majoring in art and psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her goal is to use creativity as a tool for healing, blending her knowledge of psychology with artistic expression. Art plays a huge role in her daily life, not just as a career path but as a way to help others process emotions and find comfort. This unique combination of skills reflects a growing understanding of how creative practices can support mental health and personal growth.

The Impact of Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance from the Capitol Lakes Foundation has been a crucial support for Kallia. The financial help acts as a cushion, bringing her closer to her goals without the constant stress of managing expenses. This assistance allows her to focus more on her studies and creative development, which benefits both her personal growth and her contributions at work.

Kallia’s journey shows how investing in employees’ education and passions not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the entire community, creating a ripple effect of growth, creativity, and care that extends far beyond the workplace.