Daniel Delgado credits National CORE for launching his career in construction.
A resident of Villa Plumosa in Yorba Linda, Daniel needed to find a full-time job after graduating high school in 2021. That’s when he learned the nonprofit that provided his family with a safe home and community also could become his employer.
So, he leaped at the chance to become a residential services technician.
“I saw everything that National CORE offered to their residents, and I wanted to be a part of that,” he said. “National CORE was just a good fit for me as an individual and has helped me elevate my career.”
When he first began as a residential services technician, the entry-level position called for the general upkeep of the Villa Plumosa and Arbor Villa properties.
Not even a year into his position, he was promoted to a more senior residential services technician role that added responsibility for handling work orders and upgrades and required him to be on call for any emergencies. In July 2022, Daniel became a capital improvements specialist in the construction department.
Since then, he has been promoted to capital improvement superintendent, helping to manage renovation/rehabilitation projects. He worked most recently at Shadow Hills in San Diego, collaborating closely with National CORE relocation specialist Ayanna Jeffrey.
“He was a great addition to the team and was able to step right in without missing a beat,” Ayanna said. “He was always so helpful to me with relocation and the maintenance guys. I hope to work with him again on future projects.”
Daniel’s journey began in 2010, when his family’s search for a safer community than their Santa Ana neighborhood led them to the newly renovated Villa Plumosa community in Yorba Linda.
Daniel participated in the property’s after-school program provided by the YMCA until his teen years. He and his family took advantage of the many onsite services available at Villa Plumosa, such as homework help, educational activities and the summer program.
“If we would have stayed in Santa Ana, maybe I could have ended up a troublemaker,” Daniel said. “The city has calmed down a lot since then, but the security that we have at Villa Plumosa is just way better than what we had before.”
Daniel is on track to graduate in December with his associate degree in construction management from Fullerton College.
He likens himself to a sponge – constantly absorbing the knowledge of his mentors and colleagues. He is unafraid of trying new things and assuming new positions as he sees it as an opportunity to evolve.
“The money will come and go, but the satisfaction that comes from building something for people who need it is immense,” Daniel said. “Creating opportunities for other residents is my end goal.”
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