ACT Newsroom & Blog: Breaking the Paper Ceiling: The Untold Journey of STARs and the Path to Skills-First Hiring

Written by ACT | Apr 24, 2025 5:00:00 AM

By: LaShana M. Lewis, CEO of L. M. Lewis Consulting and Chair of the STARS Advisory Council at Opportunity@Work

ACT is honored to welcome guest blogger LaShana M. Lewis, who recently spoke in our ACT Distinguished Speaker Series about the importance of recognizing skills gained through real-world experience. In this post, she shares her journey and highlights how communities and employers can help open doors for overlooked talent.

Twenty years ago, I was a help desk technician with a dream and a lot of experience but no college degree. Despite completing more than three years as a computer science major in college, my résumé often hit a wall as I was frequently told, "You'd be perfect for this role, but we're looking for someone with a bachelor's degree." My story mirrors the reality of 70 million workers in the U.S. who are STARs — individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes.

Today, I’m the CEO of L. M. Lewis Consulting and Chair of the STARs Advisory Council at Opportunity@Work. But my journey wasn't linear. It took mentorship, resilience, and a community committed to tearing down the paper ceiling that holds back so many.

For me, that turning point was a mentor who saw beyond pedigree and believed in my abilities. After starting a new role in server engineering, thanks to a program dedicated to placing people from nontraditional backgrounds into high-tech roles, I felt like I was finally getting my chance. When I started, however, I frequently met obstacles, one of which was that the placement program required me to work with a mentor, and no one seemed to jump at the chance. Luckily, there was one senior engineer on the team who took me aside. He said he noticed that I had more skills in engineering than others had assumed, and he wanted to help me advance my career.

As thankful as I was for his help, support alone isn’t enough. The system must change. Research from ACT and Opportunity@Work shows STARs often earn less than their degreed peers, even with decades of experience. That’s not just unfair; it’s a failure within the labor market.

We must build systems that reflect equity. That’s why I support ACT’s Work Ready Communities initiative, which empowers local leaders to create real pathways for STARs in their regions.

When communities embrace skills-first hiring, doors open.

This reminds me of Sheree N. Murphy’s inspiring STAR story:

Sheree attended college to earn a degree in education but had to leave when her mother fell ill. She took a job in insurance, working nights and weekends, hoping to grow within the company. Despite her dedication, she was repeatedly passed over for roles that went to less experienced candidates with degrees.

Eventually, Sheree found upward mobility in county government, earning five promotions over 14 years, but the paper ceiling persisted. She dreamed of becoming a social worker, yet the time and cost of a degree kept that goal out of reach. After a pandemic layoff, Sheree completed a Salesforce training program and secured a nonprofit tech role. She later transitioned to work as a college and career specialist at a local high school, proving her adaptability and dedication.

Sheree overcame barriers, like degree discrimination and financial strain, while prioritizing her family. Her story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of a strong community. And as she puts it: “We’re celebrating together, we’re crying together.

So, what can you do?

Employers, rethink your job requirements. Do they signal for a degree, or actually require one?

Community leaders, support skills-first workforce programs.

And to STARs reading this: your story matters. Your skills matter.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” STARs embody that excellence every day. It’s time we all recognized it.

To hear more inspiring stories from STARs across the country like Sheree’s, listen to the Paperless Pathways podcast on Apple and Spotify or watch us on YouTube.

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