WIMAUMA, Fla. — It’s graduation season, and Enterprising Latinas in Wimauma is preparing to celebrate its largest graduation class yet later this month.

The ceremony will recognize members completing programs ranging from business development training to Tampa Bay eats certifications.

After spending more than a decade in the U.S., Carmen Romero is back in the classroom learning something new.

She is taking the basic construction course through Enterprising Latinas.

Romero, who moved here from Venezuela, says her goal is growing her career as a civil engineer. The search for a better life brought her here.

“You have to have the courage to step up to learn new things,” she says.

This month, she’ll be among more than 100 members graduating from several courses offered through the center.

Like many immigrants, she says that starting over has been a journey, but this program is helping her take the next step.

“We’re earning certifications which I can bring to my job, and that’s going to help me move up in the chain,” Romero said.

This year’s graduating class includes members from the business development training, Tampa Bay eats, basic construction and e-sol programs.

Georgina Romero, the center manager, says when they first started, graduation ceremonies had about 25 members.

It’s a need that she has seen change over the years. “We are growing and we can see the need and that’s why we are here,” Romero said.

The center says many of its members are immigrants looking for support, opportunity, and a path forward.

For some, that journey means taking multiple courses. For mother and daughter Barbara and Theresa Cabrera, the Tampa Bay eats program is opening the door to a new dream — starting their own catering business.

For Barbara Cabrera, it’s also a chance to start a new chapter after spending more than 20 years in the medical field.

“For me, this is a new opportunity somebody say, that sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s just the beginning,” she said.

A graduation that represents more than a certificate. It’s proof that their hard work is paying off.

“Not only did we get the creative ideas to start, but we also got what we actually needed: the information, the tools, and what a lot of people miss is the opportunities,” she said.

So, as they prepare to walk across that stage, they say the skills they’ve learned are helping open the door to new possibilities.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 30 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center.