From Independence to Impact: July’s Observances and the Power of Purpose-Driven Hiring
July is a month that feels uniquely American—bursting with celebration, reflection, and reminders of what it means to build something meaningful. For us at Talents ASCEND and The ASCEND Collective, July isn’t just about fireworks and flags. It’s a chance to reflect on freedom, dignity, and the values that shape our mission: giving people the opportunity to work, thrive, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
As such, I looked at four observances for this month, and how they connect to the work we do every day.
Made in the USA Day – July 2nd
This day celebrates products crafted with American skill, pride, and innovation. At Talents ASCEND and The ASCEND Collective, we believe people are our greatest American product. Veterans, military spouses, those diversely abled, and justice-involved citizens bring extraordinary value to the workforce—but are often overlooked due to outdated hiring practices.
Our AI-driven, skills-based platform makes sure we’re recognizing that homegrown talent, not filtering it out because of a missing credential or nontraditional background. When we talk about things being “Made in the USA,” we also mean careers built with grit, service, and resilience.
Independence Day – July 4th
The 4th of July is about freedom, and while it’s easy to think of that only in a historical or political sense, economic freedom matters too. Having access to a career that matches your skills and potential—not just your resume—is a form of independence. It’s dignity. It’s progress.
Veterans served to protect our freedoms. We serve to help them claim their own, in the workforce and beyond.
National Give Something Away Day – July 15th
This one hits home. On this day, people are encouraged to give something—time, money, clothes, food. But what if we all gave something even more powerful?
A chance.
A chance to interview someone who may not check every box. A chance to hire someone with lived experience. A chance to let AI show you talent beyond the resume. A true STAR (Skilled Through Alternative Routes). Giving someone a chance isn’t charity—it’s a strategic act of inclusion that pays off in loyalty, retention, and human impact.
We give employers the tools to do just that, every single day.
National Be Someone Day – July 21st
This day challenges each of us to take 10 seconds to make a difference in a child’s life. But we believe that sentiment extends further—to every person waiting for someone to see their potential.
When you choose to hire based on skills, when you remove the bias of degrees and gaps, you’re not just filling a role. You’re being someone who changes someone’s life. And in doing so, you also change your workplace and community for the better.
This July, let’s celebrate more than our independence. Let’s honor the people who make this country strong—by giving them the opportunity to work, grow, and belong.
That’s what it means to be made in the USA.
That’s what it means to be someone.
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Independence
Rachelle Turner
Growing up, I didn’t think much about independence. My father, grandfather, and uncles had all served in the military, and I understood that they had fought for our freedom—but at the time, I really took it for granted. When 9/11 happened, the concept of independence gained a much more realistic meaning for myself and a lot of my generation. It literally hit home.
During my 20+ years of service in the Air Force, the meaning of independence grew stronger. Starting with Basic Training—the first time many of us had been away from our families—you learn what independence is firsthand. I felt more responsible for protecting our country and humbled by the opportunity to serve. The first time I put on my uniform, it truly hit me that I was part of something greater than myself, and that legacy became the foundation of every independent step I took.
While I didn’t serve on the frontlines like some of our veterans, my deployments gave me an even greater sense of independence. For me, it was working on the flight line—seeing day-to-day aircraft operations and directly supporting them. I remember one night watching planes take off fully loaded and returning hours later completely empty. That moment made me feel proud that what I was doing was making a difference to protect our country’s freedoms. It made being away from my young daughter and family worth it. I felt like I was fighting to protect her future freedom.
Now, being retired, independence means knowing I did my part—and it’s time for the new generation to take the reins. My work is not done, as I continue to serve in other ways. In a way, veterans never stop serving, even when we take the uniform off. We often reflect on the sacrifices made during our service, and that legacy will never fade.
Freedom isn’t free, and independence isn’t solitary. It’s built through connection, community, and courage. As a veteran, I’ve lived all three—and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.
