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Over the past few summers, while attending Collinwood High School in Cleveland, DeShawn Brown took on various part-time jobs to help support his family. These experiences, which included working at a local grocery store, instilled a strong work ethic in him. His teachers recognized his determination and encouraged him to consider a summer-long program to prepare teens and young adults for career pathways.
Eager to embrace the opportunity for advancement, DeShawn applied and was accepted to the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Through the workshops, training and mentorships offered through the program and in collaboration with CVS Health®, DeShawn gained insights into the world of work. His experience allowed him to secure a position at CVS Pharmacy®, where he began to lay a solid foundation for his career while continuing to support his family.
Fast-forward 17 years, and DeShawn is now a CVS Pharmacy store manager in downtown Cleveland, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
DeShawn attributes his success to his strong work ethic and desire to learn. “I am still learning today, and that’s the best part about this job. Nobody holds all the answers; we are all learning and growing,” he said. “When I started the SYEP, I had been overlooked for other jobs and hadn’t found a position or career that matched my skills and abilities. Throughout the program, I realized that those other jobs weren’t the right fit for me — CVS was.”
Numerous studies show that creating pathways to career opportunities within communities can help individuals focus on their health. This is why CVS Health continues to work with local organizations like SYEP in Cleveland to eliminate barriers to employment and provide resources for proactive steps toward a healthier future. In collaboration with federal, state and local agencies as well as nonprofit and faith-based organizations, CVS Health facilitated access to meaningful employment for more than 1,500 individuals in 2024.
When asked about his motivation, DeShawn replied, “I love helping people. I have a strong passion for working and contributing to the success of my stores. By running my store to the best of my ability, I know I am doing my part to help everyone who comes through my doors. I also enjoy training others. Watching someone learn a new skill that I taught and put into practice is incredibly rewarding.”
The next step in DeShawn’s career path is to be a mentor. He now dedicates his time and talents to training the next generation. “It makes me feel like a big brother,” he said. “I want to help motivate the new kids coming in, showing them what to do, what not to do and how to maximize their experience.”
